Island Idylls: Miseno Adds to Baia and Ischia Collections for Vicenzaoro

September 3, 2024

By Katerina Perez

7 min read

In August of last year, I wrote about Miseno’s triumphant homecoming to Italy and the grand opening of its new offices in Valenza. Although the brand’s heritage is firmly in the Mediterranean, it has been based in New York for many years, and this has contributed to its cross-cultural aesthetic. Ahead of the September 2024 edition of Vicenzaoro, the opportunity arose to discover new additions to its beautiful Baia and Ischia collections, including a stand-out suite inspired by historic underwater mosaics…

My personal experience shows that brands often fall into two camps. Some prefer to create collections as contained, finite projects, never to be adapted again, which serve as a snapshot of a creative moment in time. Others see their collections as fluid, ever-evolving journeys that can be continually updated. Fortunately for us, Miseno falls into the latter category! It has recently announced extensions to both the Baia Sommersa and Ischia collections, which I introduced to you in 2023, and has added some one-of-a-kind items, too. 

Miseno Baia button stud earrings with mother of pearl, onyx and 1.96 carats of white diamonds

Miseno Baia button stud earrings with mother of pearl, onyx and 1.96 carats of white diamonds

Miseno Founder and Creative Director Antonio Cardamuro tells me that these expansions are driven by a desire to deepen the brand’s connections to “Italy’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty” and “celebrate our Southern Italian origins”. Regular readers of this website will know that I am especially fond of Italian jewellery for its confidence, proportions, ergonomics and style. Let’s see how Miseno is continuing this tradition, starting with a one-of-a-kind set. 

High Jewellery creations from the Miseno Baia Sommersa collection including a pendant with 2.72 carats of white diamonds and 6.50 carats of blue sapphires alongside a bracelet with 4.51 carats of white diamonds and 12.73 carats of blue sapphires

High Jewellery creations from the Miseno Baia Sommersa collection including a pendant with 2.72 carats of white diamonds and 6.50 carats of blue sapphires alongside a bracelet with 4.51 carats of white diamonds and 12.73 carats of blue sapphires

Bountiful Baia

The Baia Sommersa collection (Baia for short!) is named for an archaeological treasure – Parco Sommerso di Baia – an underwater, ancient Roman city that some have likened to a submerged Pompeii. It is possible to dive into the blue and discover what remains of villas, thermal baths, statues, and amphorae (ancient Greek vases) for yourself. But what really sets this area apart is the beautiful mosaics that would have once lined the floors of Roman buildings. In 2023, a new portion of mosaic was discovered with great swirling waves of white tiles, enveloped in blue, in a circular pattern that is reminiscent of Tunisian villas, according to archaeologists. Where there was once silt and sand, there is now a colourful reminder of cultures that have long since disappeared. 

Katerina Perez holds the Miseno Baia Sommersa cuff bracelet with 4.51 carats of white diamonds and 12.73 carats of blue sapphires, inspired by a new underwater mosaic found at the Parco Sommerso di Baia

Katerina Perez holds the Miseno Baia Sommersa cuff bracelet with 4.51 carats of white diamonds and 12.73 carats of blue sapphires, inspired by a new underwater mosaic found at the Parco Sommerso di Baia

Miseno drew inspiration from this find for a new suite of high jewellery, including a cuff bracelet and matching pendant that recreate the ocean mosaic in precious form. The main circular motif of the cuff and pendant is a recreation of the find at Parco Sommerso di Baia, while the remaining hexagonal details are the creative thread that links these masterpieces to the broader Baia Sommersa collection. The cuff is set with 12.73 carats of blue sapphires and 4.51 carats of white diamonds, while the pendant features 2.72 carats of diamonds and 6.50 carats of sapphires.

Katerina Perez wears new creations in the Miseno Baia Sommersa collection including a pendant with 2.72 carats of white diamonds and 6.50 carats of blue sapphires alongside a bracelet with 4.51 carats of white diamonds and 12.73 carats of blue sapphires

Katerina Perez wears new creations in the Miseno Baia Sommersa collection including a pendant with 2.72 carats of white diamonds and 6.50 carats of blue sapphires alongside a bracelet with 4.51 carats of white diamonds and 12.73 carats of blue sapphires

 The Miseno Baia Sommersa cuff bracelet with 4.51 carats of white diamonds and 12.73 carats of blue sapphires is inspired by a new underwater mosaic found at the Parco Sommerso di Baia

The Miseno Baia Sommersa cuff bracelet with 4.51 carats of white diamonds and 12.73 carats of blue sapphires is inspired by a new underwater mosaic found at the Parco Sommerso di Baia

 The spiralling patterns in the  Miseno Baia Sommersa pendant are created with 2.72 carats of white diamonds and 6.50 carats of blue sapphires

The spiralling patterns in the Miseno Baia Sommersa pendant are created with 2.72 carats of white diamonds and 6.50 carats of blue sapphires

Hardstone Highlights

Elsewhere, Baia Sommersa has been accentuated with new sautoir necklaces, earrings, flexible stretch bracelets, which are ideal for layering with existing bangles, and a new palette of black diamonds and mother of pearl. All continue the Baia tradition of hexagonal tiles of inlaid malachite, lapis lazuli, mother of pearl, turquoise, onyx, and coral typically (although not exclusively) set in warm 18k yellow gold. What I appreciate about these designs is how wearable they are and how quickly they can be elevated from daytime dressing to evening attire. 

Miseno Baia bracelet with coral and white diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Miseno Baia bracelet with coral and white diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Thanks to that unifying hexagonal motif, colours can be combined in interesting ways, too, without appearing to ‘clash’. A blend of turquoise and coral springs to mind, although monochromatic black and white are shown beautifully in new campaign imagery. “Turquoise adds a refreshing pop of colour, symbolic of the Mediterranean waters and the vibrant mosaics,” Antonio says. 

The new additions enhance the collection by providing a broader range of colours and styles, including gold and diamond pieces, that allow for greater versatility in personal expression. The collection’s ability to be stacked and layered offers endless styling options, allowing each piece to stand out individually or to be combined for a more personalized look. – Antonio Cardamuro

Miseno bangles from the Baia collection, including one with turquoise, 1.23 carats of yellow sapphires and 0.61 carats of white diamonds, alongside a second with mother of pearl, 1.32 carats of pink sapphires and 0.60 carats of white diamonds

Miseno bangles from the Baia collection, including one with turquoise, 1.23 carats of yellow sapphires and 0.61 carats of white diamonds, alongside a second with mother of pearl, 1.32 carats of pink sapphires and 0.60 carats of white diamonds

 A model wears a Miseno Baia lapis lazuli pendant with 1.76 carats of white diamonds and 2.11 carats of yellow sapphires alongside a Baia lapis lazuli band ring, a duo of bangles with lapis lazuli, white diamonds and yellow sapphires

A model wears a Miseno Baia lapis lazuli pendant with 1.76 carats of white diamonds and 2.11 carats of yellow sapphires alongside a Baia lapis lazuli band ring, a duo of bangles with lapis lazuli, white diamonds and yellow sapphires

 Models wear necklaces from the Miseno Baia collection, including long necklaces with mother of pearl, black onyx and diamonds, single motif pendants, and matching bangles, band rings and huggie style earrings

Models wear necklaces from the Miseno Baia collection, including long necklaces with mother of pearl, black onyx and diamonds, single motif pendants, and matching bangles, band rings and huggie style earrings

 A model wears the Miseno Baia button stud earrings with mother of pearl, onyx and 1.96 carats of white diamonds, alongside a matching pendant with onyx and 2.29 carats of white diamonds

A model wears the Miseno Baia button stud earrings with mother of pearl, onyx and 1.96 carats of white diamonds, alongside a matching pendant with onyx and 2.29 carats of white diamonds

Island Ischia

The Ischia collection sets these geometric themes aside in favour of more classical florals. It is inspired by the landmass in the Tyrrhenian Sea near Miseno, which is nicknamed the ‘green island’ because of its abundant flowers and thermal waters. The first chapter of the collection presented asymmetric diamond, sapphire and emerald-set blooms in 18k white gold, including a large cuff bracelet, pendants, earrings and rings. Now, Miseno has introduced some lovely ombré styles into the Ischia offering, including floral pendants with gradients of pink and blue sapphires, alongside matching earrings and stackable bracelets. 

Miseno Ischia flexi-cuff bracelet with 3.73 carats of white diamonds

Miseno Ischia flexi-cuff bracelet with 3.73 carats of white diamonds

Antonio explains that the flower motif was designed to add a “fresh, romantic element” to the brand’s offering while also tapping into the layering trend that shows no sign of abating. He continues: “The delicate designs and choice of gemstones bring out the beauty of the island’s natural flora. Each gem selected complements the flower theme, with their colours and textures reflecting the vibrant and diverse botanical landscape of Ischia.”

Miseno Ischia bangle with 1.28 carats of white diamonds

Miseno Ischia bangle with 1.28 carats of white diamonds

 A trio of Miseno Ischia pendants, including one in rose gold with ombre pink sapphires and white diamonds, another with white diamonds only, and a third with ombre blue sapphires, all in 18k white gold

A trio of Miseno Ischia pendants, including one in rose gold with ombre pink sapphires and white diamonds, another with white diamonds only, and a third with ombre blue sapphires, all in 18k white gold

 Miseno Ischia cuff bracelet with 5.14 carats of emeralds and 13.28 carats of white diamonds

Miseno Ischia cuff bracelet with 5.14 carats of emeralds and 13.28 carats of white diamonds

 Miseno Ischia stud earrings including a pair with 0.74 carats of ombre blue sapphires and 0.98 carats of diamonds and a fully diamond variation with a total weight of 1.43 carats

Miseno Ischia stud earrings including a pair with 0.74 carats of ombre blue sapphires and 0.98 carats of diamonds and a fully diamond variation with a total weight of 1.43 carats

On the Horizon

With all this to enjoy at Vicenzaoro in 2024, it would be easy to set aside the future in favour of the present. However, I heard mention of a new collection and so I couldn’t help but ask questions! According to Antonio, Miseno will launch a brand-new range in 2025 using the shape of its logo as a launchpad. It’s actually quite a simple construction – a slender archway – that is inspired by the Arco Felice (‘Happy Arch’) in Naples. This ancient Roman passageway lines one of the routes into Miseno and is believed to represent one’s entry into a place of happiness and abundance. We can’t think of a better starting point for a collection! 

A model wears the Ischia choker necklace with 4.02 carats of emerald,6.14 carats of white diamonds and 4.48 carats of blue sapphires

A model wears the Ischia choker necklace with 4.02 carats of emerald,6.14 carats of white diamonds and 4.48 carats of blue sapphires

Whether you are more drawn to the underwater mosaics of long-lost Baia or the calming oasis of abundant Ischia, Miseno has found a way of translating the themes of its homeland into wearable and enjoyable collections. If you’re visiting Vicenzaoro in September, perhaps there’s still time to fly south to Naples to experience what makes Miseno sing.   

Sculpted Jewels: The Intimate Family History Behind Daverio1933

continue reading

In Conversation: Discussing Paraiba — The Legacy of a Color with Vogue Singapore

The conversation encouraged both myself and Kevin Ferreira, my co-author, to recall exactly why we wrote Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color, and I am pleased to share more with you below

by Katerina Perez

Semi-Precious vs Precious Gemstones: Why the Old Labels No Longer Work

I can’t count the number of times I’ve asked myself: what really sets so-called precious and semi-precious stonesapart? Is it their rarity? Colour? Durability? Value? Or is it simply tradition—an outdated hierarchy we’ve inherited without question

by Katerina Perez

Larger than Life: New Mineral Masterpieces and Global Adventures with Margot McKinney 

Let’s take a closer look at the pieces and places that have helped to shape the Margot McKinney brand over the last 12 months, including the rather sensational Marina, Aurora and Bloem necklaces

by Katerina Perez

Male Adornment: The Evolution of Men’s Jewellery from the 1400s Until Today

Men's jewellery is often overlooked, yet its history is both rich and cyclical. Over the past six centuries, the popularity of male adornments has fluctuated, reflecting shifts in fashion, status, and cultural values. Here, Amanda Triossi examines the reasons behind male jewellery, along with its periods of abundance and decline.

by Amanda Triossi

Perfect Proposal: The Top 10 Engagement Ring Mistakes to Avoid 

The moment you start thinking about proposing, everything shifts. Ordinary things become significant: dinner out, a walk in the park, a glance at their jewellery box. And then comes "the ring": a symbol of love, yes, but also a silent spokesperson for everything you feel and hope for. No pressure, right?

by Claire Roberts

Couture Show 2025: The Top 10 Debutants Heading to Las Vegas 

The much anticipated Couture Show will return to Wynn Las Vegas from June 4-8, 2025, shining a spotlight on established design talent, new creatives, and international brands that are vying for attention on the global stage. Just like in previous years, I am focusing my attention on the debutants

by Katerina Perez

Designing the Future: Revealing the Winners of the Katerina Perez x Osmium Institute Design Contest

What a ride it has been, witnessing such pure creative energy and original thinking, especially with a material as rare and futuristic as osmium

by Katerina Perez

New Icons: The Latest Collections by Italian Micromosaic Master SICIS 

I was presented with two striking new collections – Icon and Colibrì – that offer different interpretations of the SICIS aesthetic. Below, I want to give you a closer look at these capsule suites and tell you more about the inspirations behind them

by Katerina Perez

Fabulous Fabrications: TAOS Presents a Trio of Watches Inspired by Couture Fashion

Occasionally, beautiful timepieces demonstrating exceptional Métiers d’Art will land on our virtual desks and result in a round-robin series of emails. In the hours after we received insights into the emerging Swiss brand TAOS, almost the entire team had seen the fabric-inspired dials of its latest creations, and we all agreed that an article was […]

by Sarah Jordan

A Century of Sparkle: Celebrating 100 Years of Art Deco at GemGenève

From May 8-11, 2025, visitors to GemGenève can immerse themselves in a showcase of antique and modern jewellery while also experiencing the innovative spirit of the 1920s and 1930s through a photographic lens. Here, I'd like to tell you more about this creative collaboration and introduce you to the brands taking part…

by Katerina Perez

Tailored Perfection: The Best Jewellery Looks of the Met Gala 2025

Not since 2003 has a Met Gala theme focused exclusively on menswear, so we had high hopes for this year’s attendees demonstrating the best of tailored suiting adorned with high jewels. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ensembles of the evening…

by Sarah Jordan

Legacy of Love: The Dreamlike Jewels of Emirati Designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani

Jewellery is a transmitter of memories and emotions through time, which is something that Dubai-based designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani knows all too well. During our meeting in Dubai, we spoke about the importance of family, the sweetness of finding joy through creativity, and the ability to translate dreamy visions and deep feelings into wearable pieces…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Reinventing Royalty:The European-Inspired Luxury Behind Isabel Gemology

I started 2025 with a series of articles titled ‘Jeweller of the Month’ to highlight the true talent among niche designers in the jewellery industry. For May, it is Isabel Delgado, the founder of Isabel Gemology, who I would like to shine the spotlight on.

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

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.