Giuliano Ricchi has spent more than 60 years creating exquisite jewelry, including charm bracelets and door knockers, for high-end businesses and clients.
Giuliano Ricchi can create unique handmade pieces using materials such as silver and gold. He is one of the last remaining "smiths" in Italy.
An artisan uses their hands and traditional methods to make one-of-a-kind, functional, or decorative products. Artisans who are masters of their trade produce goods like garments, toys, tools, and furniture.
In Italy, artisans are relatively prevalent, but as of 2023, they are a less attractive job option.
Ricchi started working as Carlo Cecchi's apprentice when he was barely 15 years old.
Ricchi's shop is located on the edge of Piazza Santo Spirito. It is a hidden spot with no storefront name, making him the perfect fit for those wanting to find him.
Once Cecchi left the business, Ricchi inherited the company but, more importantly, the knowledge to create.
Today, Ricchi continues to produce silver and gold pieces with his wife, Maria.
"I always work with great satisfaction in life; it is very nice as a job, and I enjoy it," Ricchi said.
Ricchi was fortunate enough to learn from his mentor. Unfortunately, he does not have an apprentice. So, once Ricchi retires, the work he has been doing for his whole life will end.
Ricchi has built up his company and become one of the most successful artisans in Italy, partnering with many luxury brands.
Some brands Ricchi creates handmade products for are Gucci, Dior, and Ferragamo.
"Our best clients have always been and still are in American department stores. We worked for Saxs, Marshalls, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms," Ricchi said.
For Christian Dior, the artisan factory produces the golden bees on many of the jewelry pieces. For Gucci, Ricchi makes the horse door knockers.
Ricchi is one of the only outsourced companies for luxury brands that is allowed to sell extra pieces as long as the brand logo is not on the product.
The workshop is in a small two-story building, but Ricchi can create the molds, chains, and inscriptions for all of his customers' needs in the small basement off Santo Spirito.
After all of these years, Giuliano has experienced great success and manufactured many beautiful works of art while remaining passionate about the art of his craft.
"I have to say to people who know the trade, know there's a lot of satisfaction. It's not cheap but the level of satisfaction all over the world and in America, especially in magazines and newspapers is beautiful," Ricchi said.
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