Jewellery From Carlo Barberis Allows to See the World in Bright Colours:

October 14, 2015

By Katerina Perez

3 min read

The jewellery brand Carlo Barberis were a real discovery for me when I came across their striking colourful designs at the VincenzaOro exhibition in Italy.

If you ask me, there are not many jewellery brands at the moment confident enough to work with really brightly coloured precious and semi-precious stones, but Carlo Barberis’ chief designer, Francesca Barberis, daughter of the brand’s founder, is one such person. She is not afraid to mix even the most risky colour tones, and the results are always tasteful and very attractive.

Carlo Barberis

Carlo Barberis

As is often the case with Jewellery Houses that produce work which is fairly well known and well respected, Carlo Barberis has not only a track record of fine jewellery, but a rich history. In their case, the combination of craftsmanship and design concepts honed over many years have created a recognisable signature style, which can be seen even in their boldest designs. However, in spite of this, Carlo Barberis’ work mostly known among certain circles of jewellery art admirers. This is something which I wish to put right, because I believe their unique Italian jewellery deserves a wider audience.

While I was at VincenzaOro, I was lucky enough to meet Carlo’s grandson, Francesco Barberis, current President, who described his brand thus: “I would say we are an atelier of ideas combining the utmost technical prowess, a limitless potential to work with stones of any shade or colour, a keen eye for changing trends in fashion and the very best traditions of a family-run business.” You cannot argue with that.

Carlo Barberis

Carlo Barberis

The label was established in 1929 under the trademark ‘Factory No. 39’, now one of the oldest in Valenza. More than eighty years ago the young Carlo Barberis, who already had a great deal of experience in working with gold, decided to take a chance and open up a business on the ground floor of his house. With the help of his wife, Valeria, who later served as the inspiration for much of his work, he started designing elegant pieces of jewellery which quickly developed a reputation for their creative flair and top quality gemstones. This vibrant, dynamic style endures to this day, continued by what is now the third generation of the Barberis family, whose dream is to elevate Carlo Barberis’ artistic vision to new heights of success.

The rich, personal story behind the company means that each member of the family is conscious that it is their duty to maintain the traditions which have built up gradually over the course of many years, through the realisation of artistic concepts into reality, the search for new ideas, the creative process in general, their enthusiasm and, of course, hard work. But it is not just the founder’s family who work hard to keep the company in fine fettle; the brand employs many people, all of whom have enjoyed a close friendship with Carlo over the years.

Carlo Barberis

Carlo Barberis

Maybe it is precisely this warm, personal relationship with colleagues and clients which forms the basis of the vibrant, colourful designs that have come to define the brand? After all, is it not the case that the world appears brighter and more colourful when you are happy? 

Throughout the design process, Francesca and her team of designers meticulously assemble little pockets of beauty and craft them into unique pieces of jewellery. All for the sake of giving the future owner something truly magnificent.

Carlo Barberis

Carlo Barberis

Boucheron’s Bleu De Jodhpur necklace: a magical tribute to the city of Jodhpur

continue reading

Jewel of the Month: Taking Flight with The Gift of Love Necklace by Graff 

Let’s examine this feat of jewellery artisanship and celebrate its status as our ‘Jewel of the Month’ for February 2025

by Sarah Jordan

Nature’s Folio: The Boucheron Untamed Nature High Jewellery Collection

Be prepared to feel transported to the French countryside, somewhere in the 19th century, armed with only a graphite pencil and the very earliest monochrome camera…

by Sarah Jordan

Galentine Gifts: Jewels to Celebrate Female Friendships this Valentine’s Day

If you are searching for the perfect present to spoil the hero BFFs in your universe, start with this shopping guide by Rachael Taylor

by Rachael Taylor

Ready for Love: Heart-Shaped Jewels for the Perfect Valentine’s Day

Find the perfect heart for your lover with Rachael Taylor’s guide to the latest designs, from chubby diamonds to gold embroidery and magical opals

by Rachael Taylor

Unique Proposals: Alternative Engagement Ring Designs for 2025

This year, it's all change, with some of the key alternative engagement ring trends for 2025 representing a very real evolution of this most classic of jewels

by Claire Roberts

Chain Reaction: Shells Reinvented with the Melanie Georgacopoulos Katina Collection

I spoke to Melanie to discover more about her latest, innovative offering…

by Sarah Jordan

Proudly Indian: The Myriad Facets of Zoya from the House of TATA

Let me take you behind the scenes of my visit and highlight some of the wonders I discovered…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Gem Focus:Brazil Gem Commerce

Discover a company specialising in the cutting and trading of Brazilian and African precious gems, including Paraiba, rubellite and morganite

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.