Homo Faber

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Presented by logo Homo Faber by Michelangelo Foundation
©Settimo Cannatella
©Settimo Cannatella

The lost-wax casting jewellery course: make your own jewel

In her space next to the St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge's Palace, the jewellery maker Valeria Sacchi offers the chance to handcraft a jewel by means of the lost-wax casting technique, an ancient method also used by the Greeks, the Romans and the Etruscans. The workshop is addressed to anyone from ten years old who is interested in creating an unique piece following their own desires, imagination, feelings. During a two-hour private lesson, Valeria will show how to model the malleable wax and shape the object that will be cast in metal. She will stand by the student, who will experiment on her bench.

Family friendly Precious parures With your hands
©Settimo Cannatella

Valeria Sacchi Boncompagni

Jewellery making

Taking the ancient lost-wax casting technique into futureAfter working for years in her family jewellery shop, opened in Piazza San Marco by her grandfather Icilio Boncompagni in the 1920s, Valeria Sacchi felt the need to handcraft jewels. It all began at her daughter’s birth, the most beautiful moment of her life. Valeria was given a ring – handmade by a goldsmith – which somehow manged to convey the emotion of becoming a mother in a simple but beautiful object. So she decided to try too and began to learn. Thanks to her previous artistic training, she could turn to a very ancient technique, the lost wax casting, and opened a space of her own, named “Valeria”. Now in her studio and shop, Valeria creates unique pieces – many of them wearable micro sculptures – using silver, gold, bronze, coral, hard and precious stones, experimenting and imagining new shapes: her aim is developing a contemporary language to communicate emotions and touch people in the present and the future.

Audio guide

Audio guide

A free audio guide, available to stream from 10 April to 1 May, will enhance your experience of Homo Faber in Citta. Discover more about Venice, its crafts workshops and its heritage as a city of craftsmanship, to complement your personal tour.

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Where you'll be

Address Piazza San Marco 130,
30124, Venice

+39 338 9232 103 Send an email Website
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The lost-wax casting jewellery course: make your own jewel Book

Things to know

  •   Guest requirements

    Please stay informed about the latest Covid safety requirements in Venice and comply with any requests from the venues you visit, to ensure the safety of yourself and the participating artisans.

  •   When to arrive

    Make sure you arrive on time at each venue (although no more than ten minutes early), to make the most of your experience and the artisan’s time. Please call the venue ahead of time if you are likely to be late.

  •   Cancellation policy

    Please let us know if you wish to cancel your booking so that we may offer the opportunity to another visitor. Cancel or rebook directly on your account or via your confirmation or reminder email. If cancelling on the day of your event, kindly inform the venue by telephone.