Unique, intricate, and dazzling are just a few words to describe the works of master goldsmith Gerardo Sacco. His passion for jewelry started at the tender age of 10 and provided him the opportunity to better his life. Forced to drop out of school and work to help support himself and his family, Sacco soon became the apprentice to a local jeweler. He worked for the jeweler for nearly 12 years, when at the age of 22 he decided to start his own business.
Gerado Sacco
Sacco’s birthplace is Crotone, Italy, and his masterpieces are inspired by ancient myths and traditions of the Mediterranean region, as well as his travels and curiosities. Focused on recuperating the craftsmanship techniques of the past, Sacco’s first designs won first place at the Mostra dell’Artigianato in Florence and Oscar dell’Artigianato in Sanremo. This propelled him into the spotlight and gave him the opportunity to showcase his works at international exhibitions in cities such as Hong Kong, Osaka, Lisbon, New York, and Stockholm. It was in the 1980s, however, that fame took hold when he met the famous director Franco Zeffirelli. For over 20 years, Sacco collaborated with Zeffirelli to create stunning designs for several films and theatre shows. Zeffirelli named Sacco “the craftsman with the golden hands”, entrusting him to create pieces for some of the biggest stars of the time: Elizabeth Taylor, Glenn Close, and Isabella Rossellini, to name a few.
Glenn Close in Zeffirelli’s Hamlet
The company has since expanded to reach a larger range of customers through a number of brand dealerships as well as the newly opened store in Rome. Tucked along the ivy-lined street of Via Margutta, in the heart of Rome’s shopping haven, the store’s red exterior is the only hint of color amongst the modern whitewashed space, where the jewelry is truly the statement. In honor of the opening, Sacco’s exclusive creations for film stars, celebrities, and royalties are currently being exhibited. .
Serina, the store manager, warmly welcomes me and gives me a brief overview of the extraordinary pendant earrings worn by Glenn Close in Zeffirelli’s Hamlet, which glisten in the summer sunlight. Sacco’s skillful craftsmanship and creative genius are evident in the intricate designs of miniature pearls and precious gemstones of multiple shapes and colors.
I am not the only one enamored by the delicate yet dazzling necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets; a steady stream of shoppers wander into the store to admire the recreations of some of Sacco’s most famous pieces. However, it is the current day designs, in combinations of gold, silver, and copper to meet every price point, which customers are scooping up for their own jewelry collection.
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- Il Mito Collection
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- i Pupi Collection
Reproductions of coins and silver masks and ancient Greek good luck charms are mixed with pearls in the Maschere e Monete collection. Looking for more of a statement piece? Check out the Il Mito collection of large copper and silver pendants embossed with important mythological scenes. The latest release, i Pupi, re-interprets the Opera of Puppets’ fourteen characters, each identified by a quality that Sacco hopes each person can relate to. “Gerardo Sacco invites us (to) not only to discover the puppet inside of us, but also to enjoy communicating and exchanging emotions and feelings with our loved one.” Offered in both earrings and pendants, the puppets are playful and meaningful.
Mesi Collection
Perhaps my favorite collection is Mesi: a series of rings and pendants representing a magical symbol for each month. The collection is a nice departure from the traditional astrological symbols. It does not bind you to wearing the sign of your birth month but rather allows you to pick “a jewel that represents you.” The symbols are: January: Snowdrop; February: Carnival Mask; March: Swallows; April: Gerberas; May: Roses; June: Sheaves of wheat; July: Starfish; August: Dog days; September: Grape cluster; October: Chestnuts; November: Pomegranates; December: Poinsettia
Like much of Sacco’s life, his jewelry takes one on a journey. Craftsmanship, magic, and myth combine to create extraordinarily unique and meaningful pieces. The story of each design carries as much importance as the techniques used to make it. With so many beautiful options to choose from, it is hard not to find something that your heart desires.
