Simply Abu Dhabi XXVI

T he Picchiotti brand is the success story of a close-knit Italian family that has been working independently for 50 years. Giuseppe Picchiotti founded the company in 1967 in Valenza, Italy, and today the Picchiotti name is synonymous with unique, high- end jewellery. For every decade that has passed, the international reputation for craftsmanship, quality and artistry linked to Picchiotti has grown. Breaking the family line of pharmacologists, Giuseppe began working as a goldsmith at the tender age of 13. He apprenticed in a small workshop in Valenza where world- renowned artists were perfecting their craft. He later studied at Valenza’s Instituto Professionale Orafo, before eventually launching his own atelier with his sister, Annamaria, who is still to this day responsible for managing all administrative areas of the business. This solid family partnership allowed Giuseppe to concentrate on his beloved passions: designs and gemstones. A lifetime spent travelling the world in search of the finest gems for his creations has made him a true connoisseur. Today, this highly successful, world- renowned enterprise is run by Giuseppe and seven family members including his wife Marily, daughter Maria Carola, his two sons Filippo and Umberto, his sister Annamaria, and niece Francesca. Each family member is responsible for a different aspect of the company and each contributes to its success. Giuseppe says, “Since the very beginning I always liked the idea that one day I would surround myself with my children and relatives to help me with the business.” Launched at Baselworld 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary, Picchiotti presented the remarkable 5Masterpieces for 5 Decades collection. It is a retrospective of exceptional jewellery pieces that have each marked their own decade, securing Picchiotti a special place among the finest jewellery houses. First is the Rose brooch from 1967-1979. This stunning brooch features more than 400 brilliant-cut pavé-set diamonds. The sinuous stem is set with specially re-cut baguette diamonds to complete this work of art. From the 1980s, the decade of decadence, we have La Colonna Romana. This signature piece from Picchiotti features an exceptional square ruby and baguette diamond in a necklace of arresting beauty. Inspired by Colonna Romana architectural elements, the necklace is instantly recognizable as Picchiotti, with square rubies set in yellow gold and baguette diamonds set in white gold. Bold onyx balances out the elegant trio in this setting. 1 8 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I