Bella Napoli: Alessio Boschi’s Jewellery Tribute to Naples

September 17, 2018

By Katerina Perez

4 min read

Alessio Boschi is known for creating spectacular fine jewellery designs which incorporate multitudes of concepts. The complexity of his creative endeavours is perfectly exemplified in his latest masterpiece – the ‘Bella Napoli’ necklace. Every possible facet and angle of this creation features a symbol of Naples: the food, coffee, music, dance, colours, theatre, traditions and folklore of the city are all paid tribute to in gemstones, enamel and precious materials.

Alessio will be exhibiting at VicenzaOro 2018 – and to mark the occasion, the designer chose to debut a creation that would be the quintessential representation both of Italian culture and its folklore, as well as Alessio Boschi’s style and design philosophy. Alessio continues on the inspirational avenue of the ‘Grand Tour’ of Italian cities, the monuments, and most recognizable icons related to those places within the ‘Bel Paese’.

The creative process behind Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' necklace

The creative process behind Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' necklace

Firstly, the feature gemstone of the ‘Bella Napoli’ necklace is a morganite which displays a peach tone, and contains needle inclusions that give a lively nuance to the design. The gem was specially cut to emulate a theatre stage; with one large facet and one smaller behind which allowed any image positioned next to the smaller surface to be magnified. This characteristic gave Alessio the idea to create a small stage, like those in the street theatres of Naples.

These ‘Commedia dell’Arte’ were filled with comic and tragic characters such as Pulcinella – the main character of Neapolitan Puppetry – and Arlecchino the harlequin, both of which are represented here, cast in gold and hand enamelled with the colour of their traditional costumes. An intricate system of two pins passing through those chains and fixed with two keshi pearls on their extremities allows the opening or closing of the curtain, disclosing the scene of the two main characters of the Commedia Dell’Arte trembling behind the screen created by the cutting of the morganite.

Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' pendant, with fancy cut morganite, diamonds, keshi pearls, rubies and enamel details

Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' pendant, with fancy cut morganite, diamonds, keshi pearls, rubies and enamel details

The large gemstone is framed by a line of white gold encrusted with diamonds, and connected to a semicircular plate of gold engraved with a scene picturing the gulf of Naples – it was the historical background of the port which provided the context to allow Alessio to use Roman columns to attach the plate to the frame of the stone.

When examining the high point of the morganite and diamond arch, you will see that it is crowned by theatre’s laconic ‘comedy and tragedy’ masks – one in black rhodium coated white gold and the other one in yellow gold. The two masks rotate – giving the wearer the choice to decide which one to show, and atop of the masks is another figural representation of Naples: the sfogliatella pastry, which has been textured by hand to reproduce the crisp ruffles of this traditional treat. Popular instruments of the Neapolitan region also decorate the sides of Alessio’s ‘theatre’: tambourines, a flute and a mandolin.

The making of Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' pendant necklace

The making of Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' pendant necklace

 The making of Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' pendant necklace

The making of Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' pendant necklace

 The making of Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' pendant necklace

The making of Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' pendant necklace

The food of Naples is celebrated in extraordinary detail and variety in the ‘Bella Napoli’ – from bulbs of garlic, miniature espresso cups, pastry, wine and even the most famous Neapolitan food – pizza! This invention of the Neapolitan people in its simplest form was decorated with enamel in the colours of the Italian flag, and the level of detail in this design is epitomised by the black rhodium spots which imitate the burned crust caused by the wooden oven!

25 curnicielli adorn the chains of the necklace: the curniciello is a red horn which is symbolic of luck, and according to the traditions of Naples will ward off evil. The red enamel of the horn is used to signify both power and victory, and the power of the talisman is determined by the design: it should be twisted, rigid and pointed. The final detail of the ‘Bella Napoli’ necklace is the golden hand which is forming the gesture of the ‘horn’- the hand is closed, except the index and the little fingers, and the fingers are pointed down. This gesture is known in the South of Italy is used to drive away bad luck and evil spirits.

Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' pendant necklace, with fancy cut morganite, diamonds, keshi pearls, rubies and enamel details in 18k yellow gold, and rhodium plated white gold

Alessio Boschi's 'Bella Napoli' pendant necklace, with fancy cut morganite, diamonds, keshi pearls, rubies and enamel details in 18k yellow gold, and rhodium plated white gold

Finally, the crowning detail of the necklace are the bold, capitalised letters which dangle from the chains around the ruby garland base of the ‘theatre’ within the necklace – proclaiming the ultimate inspiration for the entire creation: ‘NAPOLI’. If you are visiting VicenzaOro, make sure to visit Alessio Boschi in the Design Room at pavilion 7 booth 280, and witness this fine jewellery homage to Naples for yourself.

Dreamboule: Discover the Rings that Change the Rules of Jewellery

continue reading

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Millionaire Products: Celebrating the No-Expense-Spared Bvlgari Polychroma High Jewellery Collection

Bvlgari is opening a magnificent new chapter in the world of high jewellery, and high jewellery watches with the Polychroma collection. Here's what I have discovered so far…

by Katerina Perez

Sea of Wonder: Celebrating the Ocean’s Endless Bounty with the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2025

Here are some of the creations that became an integral part of the Tiffany & Co. underwater world, including starfish, crashing waves and sea turtles…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.