From the First Wedding Band to the Digital Passport: The Future of Unoaerre
Maria Cristina Squarcialupi, President of Unoaerre Industries SpA, shares insights on the brand's legacy, the future of wedding bands with blockchain, and the challenge of sustainability
In 2026, Unoaerre will celebrate its 100th anniversary. What does it mean to be the custodians of such a long tradition? How do you reconcile this legacy with the drive to innovate?
Preserving a century of tradition is a great honor, but it also comes with significant responsibility. The greatest challenge lies in keeping alive the values that have shaped our history—built on passion and expertise passed down through generations—while embracing progress. The past serves as a springboard to project ideas and creativity into the future. Contexts change rapidly, and our goal is to build a bridge between tradition and modernity, respecting our roots while integrating new technologies and introducing cutting-edge designs. This allows us to meet the demands of a constantly evolving market while staying true to our innovative spirit and historical memory.
The company has lived through eras of significant change. How do you see Unoaerre's future? What is your vision of luxury and tradition?
Our concept of luxury is rooted in authenticity, far removed from ostentation. The true quality of a jewel goes beyond its aesthetic beauty; it lies in the ethical values it represents. Looking ahead, we aim to tell stories through our creations, blending innovative design with sustainability principles while staying firmly connected to tradition. Our commitment is to advance a vision of luxury that resonates with the needs of new generations while preserving our identity.
What was the deeper motivation behind adopting blockchain technology and making it a mission?
Unoaerre is deeply rooted in its local community. We have always contributed to the economic, cultural, and social development of our city, Arezzo. This profound connection drives us to pursue a responsible and sustainable vision. Our adoption of blockchain technology happened naturally; it is a tool that allows us to ensure transparency, traceability, and demonstrate our commitment to people and the environment. We believe we have been pioneers in this direction, with the confidence that our choice can serve as an example for others.
Unoaerre is present in over 50 countries—a remarkable achievement. How do you stay true to your values on a global scale, preserving craftsmanship and tradition while appealing to an increasingly digitalized international audience?
“Made in Italy” truly opens doors worldwide. When authentic, it symbolizes quality, values, and Italian culture, which are recognized everywhere. To engage with an increasingly digital audience, we adapt our communication tools and languages while respecting the cultural nuances of the markets we serve. From countries like Japan, Korea, and Canada to other markets, we are present in large-scale retail, online platforms, and TV shopping, demonstrating versatility and cultural sensitivity. Our commercial team’s expertise in observing global dynamics is invaluable, providing cultural, experiential, and social feedback. Our goal is to remain firmly rooted in our heritage while constantly evolving to communicate authentically with customers worldwide, respecting every culture, nuance, and local specificity.
What inspired you to adopt blockchain technology in the realm of wedding bands? How do you think customers will respond to this innovation?
Our pilot project, Unoaerre PERSEMPRE, offers a curated selection of wedding bands using blockchain technology. This represents a first step toward supply chain traceability for a symbolic and fundamental element that is one of our core products. In Italy, about 70% of marriages are celebrated with Unoaerre wedding bands, which symbolize love, commitment, trust, and tradition. The decision to integrate blockchain technology in this area stems from these principles, aiming to extend the values of trust and responsibility to the production process.
Our wedding bands are crafted without soldering and made from a single block of gold, symbolizing an eternal bond as well as transparency and authenticity. Blockchain allows us to trace every stage of their journey, from the origin of materials to the finished product. This will enable customers to know that their jewelry was created with respect for people and the planet. It’s a way to provide customers with added value: transparency, history, ethics, and authenticity. Our clients are increasingly conscious of sustainability, and this innovation allows them to celebrate their special moment with greater confidence and awareness.
While blockchain can trace every step of a creation, what remains beyond its control? What mystery lingers in a piece of jewelry, in its charm and value?
The intangible! The emotions felt when choosing a piece, the profound meaning tied to a gift or personal purchase. It’s the feeling that arises when stepping into a jewelry store, gazing at a piece, and making a choice, or when it’s given as a gift by someone special. The personal significance is unique to each individual. Its symbolic value and emotional connection represent the true allure of a piece of jewelry.
Looking to the future of the jewelry industry, what challenges concern you the most? What kind of scenario do you hope to see, and how do you envision Unoaerre influencing it?
What concerns me most is the trend in fashion and jewelry toward mass production, which risks sacrificing craftsmanship. However, I believe the inherent value of a piece of jewelry makes it resilient, even in such a rapidly changing context. The future I envision is one where luxury increasingly becomes synonymous with responsibility and authenticity. I hope Unoaerre can serve as a virtuous example in this journey, demonstrating how tradition, innovation, and ethical values can coexist harmoniously.
With the approval of the Eco Design regulation and the introduction of the digital passport, we are facing new challenges but also great opportunities. Tools like blockchain can bring transparency to production processes, ensuring control and tangible ethics in jewelry creation. While major brands are already on this path, there are still few Italian companies ready to embrace this challenge. Unoaerre positions itself as a trailblazer, embracing this revolution with the aim of combining beauty with ethics—the “kalòs kai agathòs” ideal of beauty and moral integrity.