A journey through Calabrian goldsmithing

Unlike other forms of art and craftsmanship, which have their roots in Magna Graecia, Calabrian goldsmithing is characterised by its relatively recent development, which precisely for this reason makes it a cutting-edge model, capable of skilfully combining tradition and innovation. The earliest origins of Calabrian jewellery can be found mainly in the long-standing tradition of family gold jewellery (brillòcchi), which adorns the folk costumes handed down from mother to daughter, particularly those of the Pacchiàna and Arbëreshë (Italo-Albanian) communities.

Drawing on these forms and those of the most distant past, with the aim of surpassing them and exploring the most innovative techniques, from the 1960s onwards, Calabrian goldsmithery has seen the triumph of some of the great names in local jewellery-making: Calabrian master goldsmiths who have succeeded in establishing themselves on the world stage, ‘dressing in gold’ film and fashion stars, and creating works of sacred art and unique pieces presented at major events. 

From the north to the south of the region, via the central hub of the city of Crotone, which is the true ‘jewellery capital’ of the region, the art of goldsmithing has developed over the years to become one of the hallmarks of ‘Made in Calabria’ excellence. Let’s discover the ‘golden locations’ of Calabria’s workshops and goldsmiths’ together!  

Goldsmithing in Crotone

Our journey in search of Calabrian goldsmithing art can only begin in the city of Crotone, the home of two of the greatest master goldsmiths: Gerardo Sacco and Michele Affidato, giants of global jewellery craftsmanship. We are in a region that, by definition, evokes the splendour of Magna Graecia and Rome, and which, to this day, continues to inspire the shapes, motifs and references of a jewellery craft that has evolved on a global scale. While the story of the Calabrian master goldsmith Gerardo Sacco began in 1963 and spread across the whole of Italy with his unmistakable creations, the story of Michele Affidato is an example of tenacity, dedication and hard work. Their goldsmith’s workshops in Calabria offer the finest jewellery and works of sacred art, made entirely by hand, with a modern sensibility enhanced by personal experience and meticulous craftsmanship.  

Goldsmithing in Cosenza

Calabrian goldsmithing in the province of Cosenza is exemplified by the beauty of the works of Master G. B. Spadafora, whose workshop is located in San Giovanni in Fiore, at the gateway to the Sila National Park. Spending a few hours in his workshop means discovering up close the most refined secrets of contemporary Calabrian jewellery: the company’s history coincides with that of the family and the region, which serves as inspiration for creating veritable ‘pieces of history to wear’, as in the case of the collections dedicated to the ‘Liber Figurarum’ by the philosopher and theologian Joachim of Fiore, a masterpiece of Calabrian goldsmithing.

Goldsmithing in Catanzaro 

In the province of Catanzaro, Calabrian goldsmithing, with its more classical and refined tradition, meets the tastes and techniques of the younger generation. This is the case in the towns of Davoli, on the Ionian coast, and Cardinale, in the Preserre hinterland, where master goldsmith Enzo Riverso and the young brand Officina Orafa, run by Nicola Macrì, are based, respectively. While the former is an established brand, a guarantee of refinement and technical expertise for over forty years and a favourite of celebrities such as Lucio Dalla and Roberto Benigni, the latter represents a challenge to remain in small inland towns and to pursue forms of craftsmanship in an innovative way, exhibiting at Vicenzaoro, the sector’s most important international trade fair, with a gold and diamond ring selected from among the on-trend creations by Vo.inspiration.

Goldsmithing in Reggio Calabria

Finally, the Magna Grecia brand, founded in 2001 out of Massimo Colica and his wife Emilia Napoli’s passion for Ancient Greek jewellery, takes us straight to Polistena, in the province of Reggio Calabria. A benchmark in Calabrian and Italian jewellery, with creations made entirely by hand, the Colica family not only produce jewellery but also authentic pieces of history to wear. These are timeless creations, inspired by the places and legends of the Strait of Messina.