Bringing a woman’s touch to Pomellato

Pomellato was founded in 1967 in Milan by Pino Rabolini, a visionary entrepreneur, who rocked the conservative world of traditional jewellery and catered to the needs of modern women. Pomellato created some of the first easy-to-wear jewels for the emancipated women – jewels that were no longer just for special occasions but for everyday use. We speak to Sabina Belli, CEO of Pomellato, during her recent visit to the region

What was the inspiration for Pomellato’s latest stunningly beautiful La Gioia Di Pomellato High Jewellery Collection?

The new High Jewellery Collection depicts an evocative imaginary walk in nature – from the first rays of the rising sun to the mystery of the night. Nature is the inspiration, beautifully reinterpreted in the free-spirited style of the brand, never static or decorative. The unique creations capture light, moods, and feelings in seven different themes that are conveyed through Pomellato’s unmistakable craftsmanship.

Can you run us through the creation process for the jewellery pieces in your atelier based in the heart of Milan?

Pomellato is incredibly proud of being able to create and produce all of its jewellery at Casa Pomellato. Our skilled craftspeople are unmatched masters of beauty and precision and represent the Pomellato DNA. Everything happens under one roof in a fully integrated process, from the first idea to the finished jewel. Our creative team led by Vincenzo Castaldo works with our in-house atelier to transform an idea into a prototype. A team of over one hundred goldsmiths and artisans then produce our collections by hand. Pomellato is one of the few maisons in the world that currently has an integrated creative atelier that works throughout the year to transform ideas and inspirations into jewels.

You started your career in advertising and then moved on to luxury and then to Bvlgari before you took over as CEO of Pomellato; was the transition difficult?

No, it was easy. I have always loved the elegant style and contemporary design of Pomellato jewels, and I was a customer before becoming the CEO of the brand. In all my previous work experiences in the luxury market, the principles of rationality, creativity and entrepreneurship have had an enormous impact on my professional development. My previous experiences have also helped me to foster skills around intuition, negotiation and empathy that help communication to be productive and inclusive. All of these have aided me to be a successful woman CEO that I am today.

As a woman heading a high jewellery brand, do you think of it as an advantage or a disadvantage?

Of course, it is an advantage. I have always loved Pomellato. I have been connected to the brand for several years, as a customer. I visited the stores in Italy and France countless times and know exactly what makes me curious and what ignites the desire to own a Pomellato piece for myself. All of this allows me to take on the position of the most discerning consumer and to know the happiness and joy that a Pomellato jewel can bring.

As a woman, which of Pomellato’s creations is your favourite? And as the CEO of the brand?

I would say my collection of Nudo rings because they are stackable, I can play with their incredible colour palette and they are the perfect ‘fashionably chic’ jewel! Nudo was launched in 2001 and it was the perfect answer to the solitaire ring as it was the first to use coloured gems ‘naked’ (Nudo in Italian means naked) in their splendour, a very essential design that became soon an icon and a must-have.

I am proud of our Iconica collection in rose gold, which perfectly interprets the Milanese goldsmithing tradition and, most of all, the savoir-faire of our artisans who create each piece by hand. The collection has grown through the years with several pieces even with coloured gemstones, but my personal favourites are the earrings and the bavarole necklace.

Can you tell us about Pomellato’s involvement with the restoration of historic venues in Venice? And Pomellato’s Iconica Venezia Rings that celebrate this partnership?

Pomellato has a special bond with Venice. The restoration of the Epistle Ambo at St. Mark’s Basilica is a significant project for Venice that makes me immensely proud, and is testament, once again, to Pomellato’s focus on the conservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of this wonderful city. We celebrated this important restoration project with the creation of a capsule collection of Iconica rings that pay tribute to Venice’s extraordinary artistic legacy. The Iconica Venezia rings perfectly capture the beauty and depth of this project.

Pomellato has achieved the Responsible Jewellery Council Certification; can you tell us about that?

In addition to the use of 100% responsible gold, our diamonds are sourced from Responsible Jewellery Council members, thereby guaranteeing full supply-chain transparency. We strive to create jewellery produced in ways that respect the work of men and women and safeguards craftsmanship while using precious and innovative materials sourced sustainably.