With a painter as a mother and a sculptor as a father, it comes as no real surprise that Orlando Orlandini became an artist in his own right at a young age, and is one of today’s most intriguing and original European designers of fine gold jewellery.

His introduction to the world of jewellery came when, after majoring in sculpture at Rome’s Academia delle Belle Arte, he was given the opportunity to design exclusive one-off pieces for art galleries. He was then appointed art director at Uno a Erre in Arezzo and founded their Atelier d’Arte Orafa in Florence.

In the spring of 1983, Orlandini began to work independently, and today works alongside his wife Carmela and their two children Paladino and Lidia, as well as some 30 skilled artisans who have all been trained in-house. His atelier, as well as his home, are in a reconverted tower of an Italian 14th Century convent set in the Chianti hills of Tuscany. Steeped in history and in the midst of olive groves and lush vineyards, the magical beauty of this environment is a constant inspiration to the designer.

Orlando Orlandini’s elegant and unique jewellery can be compared to no other. Following the principles performed by ancient techniques from the old maestri di Toscana, much of the jeweller’s time is spent on research, experimentation and the development of this art.

He constantly creates new techniques which, combined with his vision and creativity, give rise to the most stunning and innovative designs, each of which are internationally patented.

Orlandini’s primary inspiration has always been the female body, which he sees as the personification of harmony and beauty. He designs his jewellery to caress the skin and adapt to the body in the same way as the fabric of a dress. Through minute hand-chiseling and a hammered finish the craftsman tames the hard, cold, gold ore so it magically increases in flexibility and transforms into an amazingly soft texture which drapes the skin like silk. During this process, thousands of invisible surfaces are created, subtly allowing the gold to catch and reflect the light in the same way as finely cut gems.

Every piece is painstakingly crafted, entirely by hand, with extraordinary attention to detail. Each one is exclusive, varies slightly, and is part of a limited edition. The jewellery is individually numbered, carries a guarantee of authenticity and is signed by the artist.

Over the years, Orlandini’s collections have received the highest recognition in the most renowned international shows and he has already won seven prestigious international awards including the De Beers’ Diamond International Award three times. He has also participated in a number of fashion and television events in Italy.

Orlando Orlandini’s range of gold jewellery includes bracelets, rings necklaces and earrings. Although he mostly creates for women, today there is also a range for men. His creations can be found in the most excusive stores in all major cities.

ORLANDO ORLANDINI
Via Empolese, 145
50020 S. Casciano V.P.
Cerbaia, Florence
Italy
Tel : +39 055 826385
Fax : +39 055 826397
www.orlandoorlandini.it