How did you become a jewellery maker?
As an architect, I was one of the first ones in Italy to use Autocad and create 3D renderings. But, as it often happens, after my second pregnancy my contract was not renewed. I had always been fascinated by the luxury world, so I decided to study jewellery design at the Scuola Orafa Ambrosiana.
What is the essence of your work?
Research and experimentation. It is fundamental. This is also the reason why I do not have a signature technique or style that differentiates my work. It is just beyond me, I cannot prevent myself from always trying something new: different designs, materials, and ideas.
©Elena Siciliani
Where do you find materials?
Certain areas of Milan function like an Arabian Souk: there are streets devoted to various things. In via Settembrini you find gemstones, in the outskirts you find fabrics: these places are off the beaten path but well known to local artisans. I also have many clients who bring me jewellery pieces to redesign.
Where does the mystical aspect come from?
I started by designing jewellery with a strong symbolic meaning, then I started analyzing the “powers” of all kinds of materials. Everything has its own energies, organic materials such as wood and gemstones in particular, and everyone responds to them in a different way. I try to work in harmony with these energies.