Roman Splendour: Miseno Returns Home to Italy Ahead of VicenzaOro
Whenever I prepare to attend an event, in this case VicenzaOro, I ask questions about who’s new on the scene, who’s exhibiting for the first time, and wonder what stories I might discover. This year, I learnt that the Italian brand Miseno, whose founder has been operating from New York for many years, will be making its debut at Vicenza and will be showcasing new Italian-made collections inspired by its Mediterranean heritage. Moreover, the brand has “returned home” with a new office in Valenza to support its next chapter. Here, I can share more…
Anyone familiar with a map of Italy may recognise the name ‘Miseno’. It’s an area in the province of Naples with a long history, dating back to the Romans who called it ‘Misenum’. However, for Antonio Cardamuro, the founder, chief executive, and creative director of the fine jewellery brand, Miseno is the place that features in many of his precious childhood memories. Although Miseno jewellery is produced in Italy, the brand operates from the other side of the world, in the United States, and has found the perfect balance between American and Italian sensibilities… think opulent golden designs, hardstones, bold proportions, and elegant, feminine jewels that draw inspiration from the Mediterranean.
A model wears floral jewellery pieces from the Ischia collection by Miseno
I’ve long been a fan of the brand; in 2016, I wrote about its Vesuvio collection, and in 2021 I shared insights into the Faro, Procida and Marea collections. At the core of its storytelling is the eponymous port town and its Roman archway, known as ‘Arco Felice’, which was fabled to bring love and happiness to anyone who walked through it. The brand wants everyone who wears its jewellery to have the same things – hope, love and joy – so that’s why its logo archway is a symbolic finishing touch. When Cardamuro created his brand, he channelled his experience at big Italian houses like Bulgari and Buccellati into a contemporary collection of his own design. Today, he specialises in 18k gold jewellery, set with lapis lazuli, malachite, onyx, and diamonds, among other gems, in wearable designs that can easily transition from day to night. I’ve always had a soft spot for the sunlight-inspired Raggi collection with radiating lines of white diamonds and the utmost elegance of the Sabbia d’Oro range, especially its long wrap-able sautoir.
WORDS
Katerina Perez With more than 12 years’ experience in the jewellery sector, Katerina’s expert knowledge spans everything from retail sales and management to content creation, including brand building, jewellery writing and styling. Born and raised in St Petersburg, Katerina’s favourite hobby as a child was playing with the treasures in her grandmother's jewellery box, inspiring a lifelong love of jewellery from a very early age. She spent five years in St Petersburg University of Culture and Arts studying not journalism but business studies and languages, and her writing skills have developed as her passion for her favourite subject – jewellery – has grown. This is why her writing comes straight from the heart rather than the pages of a book. Daughter of an entrepreneur mother, Katerina exchanged her retail management job for jewellery writing in 2013 and hasn’t looked back since.
Related Articles
The Gift of Heritage: Antique and Vintage Jewellery for a Truly Unique Christmas
If you are ready to explore antique creations for the ultimate Christmas surprise, here’s our advice for making the best shopping decisions…
Latest Stories
Add articles and images to your favorites. Just
Jeweller of the Month:MADLY Gems
Singaporean brand celebrates 10-year anniversary
Jewels Katerina Perez Loves
Continue Reading
Ask Katerina:Diamond Jewellery Styling Tips for Modern Dressing
Here are some of the answers I gave during the presentation to aid your jewellery dressing…
Brand Focus:Van Cleef & Arpels
Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox