The Jewelry Wunderkammer: Between Memory, Innovation, and Craftsmanship

Among the trends that spread throughout the high aristocracy of 16th-century Germany was the creation, within castles and noble residences, of so-called Wunderkammer—literally “cabinets of wonder.” A phenomenon that in truth found its roots in the Renaissance humanist studioli of Rome and Florence. Among the mirabilia proudly displayed in these showcases of power and opulence—divided between naturalia and artificialia, depending on whether they were created by Nature or by Man—were extravagant objects, rare works of art, and of course, precious jewelry, crafted by master court artisans. The Jewelry Wunderkammer project, now in its third edition, draws inspiration from the atmosphere of those enchanted places, replacing the once self-serving display of wealth with the desire to share a passion for the ancient goldsmithing art with an attentive and curious public—giving absolute value to the exclusivity of the encounter between the creator and the admirer of the final work. The prestigious location of On House, at Via Passione 8 in Milan, hosted the event conceived by VO+ Magazine on behalf of Carta Exclusive – Intesa Sanpaolo. The evening began with a conversation between the magazine’s editor, Federica Frosini, and Tiziana Lamberti, Executive Director Sales & Marketing Wealth Management & Protection, acting as the “host.” The main theme of the discussion: the value of time and lived experiences, which—when curated with the right partners—can transform into something unique and unrepeatable. Like a visit to a secret place open only by request, meeting a chef revealing an internationally awarded recipe, or discovering an artist unveiling the thought behind the creation of a work. All without losing that touch of poetry that makes an occasion memorable. Exclusive. And exclusive it was—the evening organized by Intesa Sanpaolo for Carta Exclusive holders. In the intimate and astonishing spaces of On House, guests had the pleasure of meeting three internationally renowned jewelry designers, marveling at their one-of-a-kind pieces, and finally wearing them for a portrait by an authorial photographer. Not before enjoying a grooming session with a make-up artist and tasting themed gourmet delights curated by chef Gianluca Fusto.

Massimo Izzo: Craftsmanship and Goldsmithing Mastery for a Sicilian-Souled Wunderkammer

 Massimo Izzo is a true Sicilian—one who has traveled far but returned home to keep being inspired in the right way. As he says, “A lot of beauty lies underwater,” in that Mare Nostrum where Massimo sees forms and creatures he then transforms into wearable art—mostly shaped from raw materials born and grown in those very seabeds. “I love telling fairy tales, bringing up from the sea depths what can become jewelry. I draw, but in truth, I tell stories, drawn from a millennia-old past where different peoples and cultures intertwine. From these ancient traditions, I also draw some of the techniques I use at the bench, which give my creations a unique allure.” Each creation becomes a one-of-a-kind piece, beyond the concept of a collection—pieces that travel, breathing life into the skill of a dreamer. Until August 31, 2025, a selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces is on display at Bergdorf Goodman, the cult address on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

Giovanni Ferraris: An Innovative Vision of Classic Jewelry in Titanium

«The story of the Giovanni Ferraris brand began about 40 years ago and, in some ways, still lies within the realm of so-called classic jewelry that made the goldsmith district of Valenza so renowned. If we’ve moved away from this tradition recently, it’s my fault! You could say that we’ve now managed to cross the boundaries of what’s typically seen as classic jewelry, offering something more artistic, extravagant, and innovative. The element that now distinguishes us most is the use of titanium. There are fewer than ten companies worldwide that can handle this material with real skill, and we are definitely among them. Titanium allows us to create significant volumes that would be impossible with gold due to its prohibitive cost and weight. For example, earrings from the Aura Frame collection would weigh around 30 grams in gold—yet in titanium, they are incredibly light. Plus, they can be colored in endless hues, from blue to purple, which I love to illuminate with cascades of diamonds and gemstones. That, for me, is innovation: creating space for a kind of creativity that would otherwise be impossible to express.».

Amedeo Scognamiglio: Between Memory and Jet Set, the Cameo Seduces Hollywood

Amedeo Scognamiglio was just 14 when he engraved his first cameo. Beside him was his father, who in turn had learned the art from his own father—and so on, all the way back to the early 1800s, when the family business took its first steps in Torre del Greco, renowned for centuries for its shell craftsmanship. That Amedeo was “fast” became quickly evident, and by age 29 he founded his first company. This time, he partnered with childhood friend Roberto Faraone Mennella, launching the Faraone Mennella by RFMAS jewelry brand. In 2006, a new chapter began: “Amedeo, Kings of Cameos”, a boutique on Manhattan’s Upper East Side that became a cult spot for VIPs and celebrities enamored with his highly unconventional cameos. “When you're born into a family with a six-generation tradition, doing the same job becomes a burden. That’s why I realized I had to give my cameos a different twist: no more lady profiles and dots—make way for skulls, snakes, and unusual subjects. It was an instant success, and in a way, it brought me back home, to Capri, where I now have a monobrand boutique frequented by all my New York clients on vacation on the Amalfi Coast.”