Earlier this month, archaeologists found two life-size sculptures in a Pompeii tomb. The Guardian reported that the woman’s statue most likely depicted a prominent priestess of the time. She wore earrings, bracelets, and rings as adornments. From the necklace hung the lunula, a crescent moon.

Jewelry has always played a unique role in Italian culture. From ancient Pompeii to present-day Rome, Italy values craftsmanship and artistry in jewelry and associates it with legacy and love. The country is home to some of the most renowned luxurious jewelry makers who use a variety of gemstones and metals.

Let’s journey through Italy’s tryst with jewelry and what it means for the people today.

From Etruscan to Rome and Florence: Tracing the Sparkle

When jewelry first evolved in Italy in 700 BC, the Egyptian influence was considerable. The Etruscan Civilization flourished in what is now Tuscany, Latium, and Umbria. Gold was the material of choice, and expert artisans performed engraving and filigree work.

Eventually, the focus shifted to displaying one’s status and style, aligned with Rome’s growing power. Around this time, people learned to excel at stone setting and alloying. The business suffered a severe downturn in the Middle Ages, but that changed with the Renaissance. The revolutionary cultural movement rightly elevated jewelry makers to the position of artists.

Renaissance jewelry emphasized stellar, intricate designs and stone settings. After all, it was a brilliant way to show off one’s riches and refinement. The Italy Segreta magazine observes that the Renaissance sparkle was everywhere. One could see it in hair pieces, corsets, necklaces, and rings. Besides gold, the women in Florence appreciated colored stones like sapphires and emeralds.

Italy’s rich history has shaped the jewelry market in overwhelming ways, lending it grace, beauty, and the power to stay attuned to the times.

Modern Yet Elegant: The Evolution of Diamond Rings for Women

In modern Italy, the focus has shifted to incorporating global trends without losing the quintessential charm of the Renaissance. The shift is most palpable in rings due to the association with life’s key events, like weddings and standout accomplishments. 

Today, iconic designs abound in eye-catching colors that recreate the wonders of the past. Charms like the cornicello or the red horn symbolizing good luck are still popular.

However, consumers are now more conscious of making sustainable choices. The idea is to purchase items with special meaning, not mindless consumerism. Italian Wedding Circle reports that sustainability is an overarching theme for local weddings. Most couples choose minimalistic but stunning jewelry and decor.

Today’s consumers are also eager to experiment with new colors and cuts in diamond rings. It becomes a way to express one’s individuality while retaining the traditional meaning of a wedding or engagement ring. For example, Leibish’s 2025 collection has diamond rings carved in gold, rose gold, and silver. Advancing craftsmanship can create princess-cut and heart-shaped designs.

Jewelry Trends from Vicenza and Torre del Greco

Besides Rome, Italy is witnessing substantial changes in jewelry in Vicenza, the “City of Gold.” Vicenzaoro, one of the year’s most visited jewelry fairs, was held in January 2025. It focused on retaining the cultural nuances and heritage of jewelry making. Classic Italian jewelry sharply contrasts with cheap, mass-produced products, which are rising amid economic stagnation.

During the event, industry stalwarts showcased possible career options for the youth. UNESCO has highlighted how family secrets of jewelry crafting may disappear unless they get passed on. It makes it imperative for Gen Z to take a more active interest in participating in family trades and preserving exquisite traditions.

The Torre del Greco region near Naples also presents an area of interest for modern jewelry enthusiasts. The area’s renowned coral-based jewelry showcases the role of alternate materials in making precious accessories. Coral jewels date back hundreds of years, with Joséphine de Beauharnais, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, also wearing a coral necklace.

The future of these alternate jewels depends on the public perception of corals. These necklaces bring up distressing visuals of coral reefs suffering the brunt of climate change. 

The Financial Times reports how these pieces need corals from deeper, colder waters, not shallow regions. For instance, divers harvest Mediterranean coral from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. They also follow the UN General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. 

Increasing awareness and education about such jewelry will help stabilize the sector’s future. It will offer inimitable designs to the audience without raising unfounded fears.

The jewelry market in Italy is looking up after the dampening consequences of the pandemic. Statista predicts revenue of US$3.15bn by 2025, growing by 0.82% until 2029. 

Data also suggests that the demand for artisanal Italian jewelry is immense. Many cherish the country’s history of brilliant craftsmanship. It holds even though non-luxury demand in the jewelry business will remain predictably high. 

As the country blends its past gifts and learnings with contemporary priorities, the jewelry sector will likely flourish for many years yet.