Picchiotti: Traditional Craftsmanship Meets Vivid Gemstones in ‘Essentially Colour’ Collection

May 30, 2018

By Katerina Perez

4 min read

Picchiotti are an Italian brand whose designs you will already be familiar with if you read my articles: founded in 1967 by Giuseppe Picchiotti, the family business has always been focused on hand crafting luxury jewellery pieces in the heart of Valenza, Italy. For over 50 years the Picchiotti name has been synonymous with timeless designs that represent the best of the ‘Made in Italy’ concept – using precious gems in combination with immaculate jewellery-making techniques.

Leading up to the Couture Show in Las Vegas 2018 – one of the most highly anticipated jewellery exhibitions of the year – I was introduced to the brand’s latest ‘Essentially Colour’ collection. This line is a departure from Picchiotti’s signature selection of rich rubies, emeralds and sapphires, into a summer appropriate rainbow of vivid gemstones.

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' necklace in alexandrite and diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' necklace in alexandrite and diamonds

 Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' necklace in tanzanite and diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' necklace in tanzanite and diamonds

 Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' necklace in Paraiba tourmaline and diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' necklace in Paraiba tourmaline and diamonds

 Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' necklace in tanzanite and diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' necklace in tanzanite and diamonds

Ten distinctive pieces – among which are seven cocktail rings and three pendants – comprise the ‘Essentially Colour’ collection. From the first glance, all of the hallmarks that distinguish Picchiotti’s timeless style come to view. Quality of craftsmanship, uniqueness of the designs and beauty of gemstones are clearly represented in each and every piece in this summer-perfect collection.

Featuring Paraiba tourmalines, green tourmalines, rubellites, tanzanite, peridot, amethyst, and alexandrite, each gemstone is complemented by colourless diamonds and a white gold setting to bring the bright gem hues to the fore. “Working with coloured gemstones is a matter of love, passion and dedication for me,” says Giuseppe Picchiotti, founder and creative director of the brand, “spending a lifetime in search of nature’s greatest treasures fulfils me in a deeply personal way.”

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' rings (clockwise from bottom left) peridot, Paraiba tourmaline, green tourmaline and amethyst, tanzanite and tsavorite, pink tourmaline and peridot, green tourmaline and sapphires - all accented by diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' rings (clockwise from bottom left) peridot, Paraiba tourmaline, green tourmaline and amethyst, tanzanite and tsavorite, pink tourmaline and peridot, green tourmaline and sapphires - all accented by diamonds

The use of these recently popular but less wide-spread gemstones is more frequently seen in younger, less well-established brands than Picchiotti. However, in the ‘Essentially Colour’ collection, the Italian company has adapted the signature themes of their jewellery while incorporating exciting new gems seamlessly.

So, what is the inspiration behind the timeless jewelled treasures that Picchiotti has produced? Simply put, it is Giuseppe Picchiotti’s fervent research and literal treasure hunting for unique gemstones around the globe. Once the perfect specimens were found, it was simply a case of realising the best designs to celebrate their beauty and the range of their tones.

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in pink tourmaline, peridots and diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in pink tourmaline, peridots and diamonds

 Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in tanzanite, tsavorites and diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in tanzanite, tsavorites and diamonds

 Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in green tourmaline, sapphires and diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in green tourmaline, sapphires and diamonds

 Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in peridot and diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in peridot and diamonds

 Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in green tourmaline, amethysts and diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in green tourmaline, amethysts and diamonds

 Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in Paraiba tourmaline and diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in Paraiba tourmaline and diamonds

It is not only the gemstone choices which are unusual for Picchiotti, but “the designs are a little bolder than our usual classical pieces,” says Maria Carola, Giuseppe’s daughter and Picchiotti’s communication director. Indeed; the instantly recognisable retro inspired voluminous jewellery – often with one statement gemstone colour accented by an abundance of diamonds in complex, sinuous settings – has been replaced by art deco-like geometric settings and pendulous fronds reminiscent of art nouveau designs.

The most spectacular ‘Essentially Colour’ jewel is the tanzanite sautoir, which is a distinct step in a completely different design direction for Picchiotti. The lens shaped white gold pattern contains the vivid gems, while drawing the eye around the length of the necklace. At once modern in its use of the ferociously popular tanzanite, the design simultaneously stays true to Picchiotti’s aesthetic codes.

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in green tourmaline, amethysts and diamonds

Picchiotti 'Essentially Colour' ring in green tourmaline, amethysts and diamonds

If you are fortunate enough to be visiting Couture Las Vegas this year, be sure to take a moment to wonder at the gemstones which have achieved no small feat of invigorating a brand with half a century of fine jewellery heritage.

Alessio Boschi: ‘Peacock Dance’ Collection Debuts at COUTURE 2018

continue reading

Jewellery Manifesto: Tracing Three Pivotal Decades with Pomellato Collezione 1967

With Collezione 1967, Pomellato is presenting its ‘Jewellery Manifesto’ through 75 pieces, each inspired by one of three revolutionary decades in its creative history: the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Let’s take a closer look at the Maison’s artistic signatures, reinvented for a new generation of high jewellery lovers… 

by Sarah Jordan

Pink City Style: The Best-Selling Reversible Jewels of Gyan Jaipur

I would like to tell you more about the brand, its origin story, design inspirations and its popular Jaipur and Yami collections

by Katerina Perez

Fabulous Futures: Le Vian Unveils its 2026 Jewellery Trends in Las Vegas

Here's a rundown of what was included this year…

by Sarah Jordan

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.