Pomellato: 50 years of panache

It’s anniversary time at the iconic Italian fine jewellery house of Pomellato as it marks 50 fabulous years of presenting renowned collections which have won women over with their panache and verve. Glamorous yet wearable round the clock, its signature gold and semi-precious stones combination of stackable jewellery has a cult following. In fitting style, it celebrates the milestone with the launch of its new Ritratto collection presenting drop-gorgeous rings, earrings and pendant necklaces. Aviamost recollects key moments in its growth    

Pomellato was founded by the son of a goldsmith Pino Rabolini in 1967 in Milan, credited as being the first to inject the spirit of prêt-a-porter in the realm of jewellery. The idea of the brand apparently took shape at the legendary Bar Jamaica in Milan, a venue which attracted artists, writers and the artsy type from all over. He envisioned an easy-to-wear yet expressive range of jewels which the emerging feminist of the day could identify herself with and slip on with nonchalance. And he named it ‘Pomellato’ after a horse head featured on the corporate hallmark of the atelier.

Pomellato’s strong and distinctive identity is captured in its renowned collections such as Nudo, Tango and M’ama non M’ama. They are immediately recognizable for their unique mix of colourful stones, cutting techniques and gem-setting methods. The brand prefers to showcase the rare beauty, colour and clarity of semiprecious stones such as tourmalines, aquamarines, amethysts and garnets rather than the prized four: diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires.

Pomellato is also known for its innovative campaigns by the world’s most acclaimed photographers such as Helmut Newton, Michel Comte, Javier Vallhonrat and others. It was in 2015 that it featured brand ambassador and talented Latina actress Salma Hayek. In this milestone year, its ad campaign has been shot in black and white by renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh, hailed as the undisputed maestro of sophisticated realism.

Rivetting Ritratto

Pomellato’s new Ritratto (Italian for portrait) collection is eye-catching for its large rectangular-shaped rose, smoky and milky quartz, amethysts and London blue topaz set at unusual angles on rose gold settings with a tasteful presence of brown, white or icy pave diamonds. Fusing the traditional with the contemporary, it pays tribute to the ancient Indian Portrait cut where stones of large dimensions are cut in slabs with polished upper and lower surfaces and step-cuts on their sides, and were used to showcase miniature paintings.     

In Dubai, Pomellato unveiled its new Ritratto collection as well as the new ad campaign at the St. Regis Dubai Hotel, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. A shrine-like showcase crafted from multicoloured concentric frames displayed the new line. Guests at the event also posed for pictures holding signs such as Powerful, Passionate, Proud and Imperfectly Perfect. A hashtag summed it all up:#PomellatoForWomen symbolizing it as a brand for the liberated women of all ages.

Expansive outlook

Today, Pomellato is part of Kering the French luxury goods group behind Gucci and Bottega Veneta. It is Europe’s top jewellery brand by sales after bigger names such as Cartier, Chopard, Bulgari and Tiffany & Co but much younger. It’s also a high-end jeweler which dares to be different. For instance its Rouge Passion ring with gold settings featured synthetic stones and is today one of its top selling lines.

Pomellato produces all its collections at its Milan headquarters where a team of 100 artisans cast pieces in the ancient lost-wax method and painstakingly finish every piece by hand, guided by longtime creative director Vincenzo Castaldo.

Today it has over 60 shops in 50 countries across the world. At the helm of affairs is CEO Sabina Belli, Pomellato’s first female chief executive. ‘Pomellato for women’ is an expression which gains relevance this year and allows the brand to go back to its roots.