Educational Diary: The Timeless Allure of Handmade Italian Jewellery
3 min read.
Handmade jewelry is integral to Italian culture, reflecting the country's rich artistic heritage and commitment to craftsmanship. With roots stretching back to the Etruscans and Romans, Italian artisans have long been revered for transforming precious metals and gemstones into works of art that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.
What makes Italian handmade jewelry so special is its authenticity. Each piece is crafted meticulously, ensuring that no two are alike. This focus on individuality mirrors Italy’s culture—preserving tradition while embracing creativity. Handmade jewelry is not just an accessory, but a story, passed down through generations and carrying personal, cultural, and emotional significance.
Antonina Poppy – Handmade jewellery workshop.
Our latest collection, L’Oasi by Antonina Poppy, embodies this essence. “L’Oasis” means “The Oasis” in French, symbolizing a lush, tranquil sanctuary in the middle of the desert. In Italian, it translates to L’Oasi.
Inspired by the idea of an oasis—a sanctuary and a symbol of growth— new collection features stone rings, bracelets and necklaces sourced in Cairo, and handcrafted in Florence. But it’s also about the journey—of personal growth, spiritual awakening, and finding clarity amidst challenges.
This collection is perfect for the modern traveler, the curious and creative soul who finds beauty in the colors and textures of the world. The vibrant hues of the Mediterranean inspire every piece, from the deep maroon of Moroccan spices and burnt beetroot to the soft sheen of freshwater pearls and the striking turquoise of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Dark cherry reds and almost transparent blues evoke the stunning palettes found in coastal villages, where the colors of nature—sky, sea, and earth—mix in surprising and delightful ways.
L’Oasi speaks to the individual who embraces life’s eclectic beauty, blending the joy of travel, music, art, and culture into their personal style. Whether you’re drawn to bold statement pieces or the delicate elegance of pearls, Antonina Poppy offers designs that allow you to express your story with confidence. As Vogue described, “Antonina Poppy skilfully combines tradition with modernity, jewelry embodies both sharpness and delicacy, boldness and subtlety” creating pieces that embody both sharpness and delicacy.
With influences from Mediterranean aesthetics and vintage charm, Antonina Poppy’s jewelry invites you to curate your own personal collection—one that celebrates both timeless elegance and modern creativity. L’Oasi will be available 1/12 for purchase on our website AntoninaPoppy.com, and in our boutique at Via del Porcellana 23 R.
– “A unique decoration, assembled literally piece by piece by hand and has no analogues - that's what really gives a sense of exclusivity and, probably, is one of the main reasons for the growing popularity of sustainable brands. Antonina confirms this hypothesis: "My jewelry is environmentally friendly, sexless and unique. And some necklaces and earrings exist only in two or three copies, they are assembled by hand in Antonina Poppy's workshop. This approach is very intimate, and it makes up a truly beautiful story - from receiving vintage pearls to assembling the product by hand and further delivery to the other end of the world to a person who shares the same values and aesthetics. We also offer lifetime repairs and warranty because we want the product to last longer." Vogue Magazine, words by Arina Shabanova.
For the cover of “Educational Diary: The Importance of Handmade Jewelry in Italian Culture”, we used the artwork of Olivier Umecker.