What’s the reason for your international success?
As far as I know, I am the only one creating boxes for collectors which are entirely handcrafted, using only natural materials and glues, avoiding all chemical substances which might be dangerous. Safety and preservation are by far the main concerns of any collector.
Apart from safety, what obsessions do collectors have?
In general, collectors expect the boxes to have the same quality standards of their precious collectibles, so every detail of the box must be meticulously handcrafted. Then, it’s important to know the specific requirements of different collectors, according to their nationality or the kind of item collected.
©Tina Cerqueti
Are French collectors different from British ones?
Yes, definitely. British coin collectors like mahogany boxes with green upholstery, and each item must have a round-shaped space, instead of a square one – which the Italians favour. French like blue velvet, while North Americans like red or blue. It’s a diverse world.
What is the next step?
I try to meet the specific requirements of any kind of collector: I started with making boxes for coins but now I am asked to make boxes for objects of any kind. I am also exploring techniques to integrate technologies within my boxes, including lights and rotating mechanisms for automatic watches.