Demonstration of the lost-wax casting technique
The jewellery maker Valeria Sacchi will show how she creates a piece using the ancient lost-wax casting technique. In her workshop near to St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge's Palace – which provide an inspirational setting – Valeria offers visitors the chance to watch her handcrafting a jewel, during all the phases of the creative process, from the emotional connection she has while modelling the malleable wax to shaping the object that will be cast in metal, bronze, silver or gold. Valeria will also illustrate the qualities of jewels handcrafted by other renowned jewellers.
Precious parures In action
Valeria Sacchi Boncompagni
Jewellery makingTaking 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
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.
ListenWhere you'll be
30124, Venice
+39 338 9232 103 Send an email Website
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.
