(November 2013) "Pietraquadra" is the name Valeria Eva Rossi gave her collection of handmade jewelry. The name is symbolic for the shape of the jewelry. Simple forms like squares, rectangles or circles are the objects of her creations. "Minimalistic but feminine", describes the underlying idea and clearly distinguishes her work from that which fashion designers present on the catwalk.
As far as the word "pietra" in the trade name is concerned, Rossi is every bit as determined: after a few trials with local travertine she dedicated her work entirely to marble – white marble from the Carrara region and black Belgium which does not occur locally.
Valeria Eva Rossi studied architecture and worked in the field for some time. Back then, as today, it was the sleek, simple shapes were her passion. It was here that she first made contact with natural stone. After returning to Italy from France where she had been working, she turned to jewelry design.
Her aim is to let the material speak for itself and give it an extra dimension through the value added craftsmanship.
Contrasts carry through from one creation to the next e.g. when precious metals trim the stone or precious stones are placed at the edge. "I think that contracts create an energy that people may perceive, maybe in an unconscious manner" she writes.
Her drafts are realized and produced by local craftsmen. Stone work is realized by sculptors at Carrara Atelier. Absolute precision and dedication to detail are needed, as the pieces are extremely thin and tiny: a mere 55 x 55 mm for the square and 70 x 35 mm for the rectangle. Circles measure 70 mm in diameter. Goldsmiths from Florence provide the precious metal trimming. The tread added in Turin provides the finishing touches.
"Geiko" is Valeria Eva Rossi’s latest collection. "Geiko stands for Geisha, in the noblest meaning of this term", she expounds "The basic notes of the collection have the fragrance of fine oriental sensuality, which perfectly wrap the simple line of Deco Art."
Photos: Valeria Eva Rossi
