Reversible Revolution: Introducing the PICCHIOTTI Reversible Xpandable™ Collection
The Xpandable™ Collection is an iconic series of creations by Italian high jeweller PICCHIOTTI, characterised by a unique, invisible expanding mechanism that gives rings and bracelets amazing flexibility. Now, the brand has unveiled its Reversible Xpandable™ Collection just ahead of The Couture Show in Las Vegas from June 1-4, 2023, which provides two colourful ways to wear a single bracelet, necklace, ring, or drop earring. So, let’s dive into the colourful creativity of this innovative line of precious jewellery…
Firstly, a quick history lesson. PICCHIOTTI was founded in 1967 by Giuseppe Picchiotti in the heart of Valenza, Italy. Now, more than 55 years later, the brand is known for its use of superlative coloured gemstone in fine jewellery, designed and produced in-house under the watchful eye of Mr Picchiotti himself. Today, though, we are talking all things Xpandable™, specifically the new Reversible Xpandable™ Collection that combines everything we already love about the brand’s patented stretchy technology for bracelets and rings with dual-sided decoration.
Katerina Perez with founder Giuseppe Picchiotti and his wife
I was alerted to this new chapter in the Xpandable™ story in March 2023, and now, at The Couture Show in Las Vegas from June 1-4, 2023, I can try the pieces for myself. The concept dates back to around six years when PICCHIOTTI was exploring customer concerns regarding ring sizing and cumbersome bracelet clasps. After much research, the brand first developed its comfortable expanding-and-contracting mechanism that allows precious metals to subtly stretch and then return to their original position, eliminating the need for ring sizing and for bracelet clasps. Best of all, this technology is invisible, so what looks like a beautiful ring or bracelet on the outside is internally quite complexly engineered yet still very comfortable to wear.
Giuseppe Picchiotti, Founder of the house of PICCHIOTTI, says: In over five decades of brilliance, one common complaint from the women I have met has been a sense of hesitation to wear their fine jewellery every day, particularly diamonds, or the sense of limitation as it relates to colour-coordinating coloured gemstones. I love the idea of technology that can solve problems! In the same way that we solved the problems of ring sizing and cumbersome bracelet clasps with our Xpandable™ technology, we have now tackled the issue of design versatility.
So, what dual-designed bracelets can you expect in this first wave of the Reversible Xpandable™ Collection? Some of my favourites include a combination of 308 round diamonds on one side and 14 green mother-of-pearl tiles on the other, set in 18k white gold. There are some striking bright colours, too, such as coral and turquoise juxtaposed with smooth white ceramic. Some are especially extravagant, such as a bracelet with one side set with 9.83 carats of buff top sapphires and the other bursting with 412 round diamonds for 16.40 carats.
Model wearing a selection of PICCHIOTTI Reversible Xpandable™ bracelets
According to Giuseppe Picchiotti: Our new reversible bracelets, necklaces, rings, and drop earrings feature completely different designs – luxurious diamonds on one side and solid gold on the other, or sapphires on one side for wearing with cool hues in the wardrobe and rubies on the other to wear with blacks, neutrals, and warmer toned fabrics.
The designs don’t just need to look beautiful in both directions, they must also be comfortable. Anything too bulky or raised wouldn’t sit flush to the wrist and would therefore ruin the surprise! PICCHIOTTI has really considered this with the Reversible Xpandable™ Collection, so its pieces can be easily stacked and layered without feeling hefty on the wrist.
PICCHIOTTI REVERSIBLE XPANDABLE™ diamond bracelet
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