My German master taught me about technique, precision and hard work. From him, I learned to be an artisan first, then an artist. But to be honest, the German style was too cold and linear for me. So I moved to Perugia to learn a new style, and find my own.

I like embossing and chiselling, an ancient technique already used by Benvenuto Cellini in the 16th century. But I also love to experiment. For instance, I have developed my own method to crumple up gold, and I have been using this to create big but lightweight jewels.

Definitely, the olive leaf collection. Olive leaves are one of the main subjects of my painter friend, Franco Passalacqua. In 1995, he suggested that we organise an exhibition together, so I created my olive-inspired jewels. After so many years, they are still very popular with my customers.

Yes, I have been a self-taught painter since 2013. In contrast to goldsmithing, painting is relaxing and soothing. I find it a little addictive, too. Both crafts start from common grounds. Proportions, for example, are crucial for both, as well as colour combinations.