Creative uses of color and cuts define the signature style of Valenza, Italy–based Carlo Barberis. Francesca Barberis now helms the firm that her parents founded in 1929 (mom Valeria was the company’s first designer). Carlo worked as a goldsmith for others before opening shop in his family’s home. Eventually, Valeria joined him, and so did their son, Charles, in the 1960s. Francesca started designing for the family business in the 1970s, and now works with two other designers who help keep designs on a whimsical course (including a new collection dubbed Fireworks). “Carlo Barberis is characterized by fantasy, kaleidoscopic color combinations, and special-cut stones,” explained Francesca to me at the VicenzaOro 2016 January show on Sunday. Everything is made in Italy.
Starting retail price: €120 ($130)
Accounts: Five in the U.S., including Cellini in New York City and 70 abroad
Trade fairs: VicenzaOro, Baselworld, September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, and the Hong Kong International Diamond and Gem Show
Retailer buy-in: None to date
Contact: FrancescoBarberis@carlobarberis.com
Fireworks earrings in 18k gold with 10 cts. t.w. aquamarines and iolites and 1.34 cts. t.w. diamonds, €12,000
Deco ring in 18k gold with a 3.46 ct. mandarin garnet, 1.06 cts. t.w. diamonds, and 0.45 ct. t.w. black onyx, €75,000
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