Our Pesci che Volano jewelry collection continues to grow in popularity both online and in-store. It is handmade using the ancient lost-wax casting method in a small atelier in Florence, Italy.
The Italian city of Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region, has a long and strong affiliation to the arts and fashion, witnessing the emergence of the Renaissance Art movement 500 years ago, and more recently being widely considered the birthplace of modern Italian fashion.
In keeping with this long and proud tradition is the small, independent jewellery designer Elena Dosio and her team who for 20 years has been responsible for the Pesci che Volano jewelry range of rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and pendants. Primarily cast in bronze but incorporating other quality materials such as silver and ebony with waxed cotton cords this selection is stunning in its simplicity.
Looking at these remarkable hand-crafted items may take your mind to a time long gone by before exacting precision became the hallmark of jewellery when decorative pieces were painstakingly created on an individual basis and reflected the spirit of their maker. Well, if so, that should be no surprise as the Pesci Che Volano collection is all made by hand in a basement atelier and is created using a traditional method, lost wax casting.
This process, which dates back some 5000 years and involves the destruction of the casting mould, ensures that no two pieces are ever made exactly the same. Indeed, it is the imperfections and irregularities in each of the pieces that give it authenticity and unique appeal - which is further enhanced by individual hand engravings on each and every item.
Pesci Che Volano jewelry is the epitome of timeless style.
For the past 20 years, its team of designers and craftsmen has strived to maintain their natural creative process and a timeless taste for essential forms.
The bronze used to produce the jewellery pieces gives them a rustic, antique feel while their intricate details bear some resemblance to Etruscan works.
Unique symbols are hand carved into each individual piece while irregularities and imperfections ensure no two designs are exactly the same.
This collection of statement rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants combines bronze with materials including ebony and silver to create an ornate, yet understated style.
Being an alloy made of copper and tin, bronze possesses the desirable characteristics of both these metals. The skin’s natural oils help maintain its deep, rich colour and gloss over time.
The name Pesci Che Volano (‘flying fish’), was inspired by a triptych altarpiece painted by Dutch draughtsman Hieronymus Bosch, where human figures ride flying fish. This image is a metaphor for the triumph of fantasy over reality and a constant reminder of the need to set our imagination free.
How To Care For Your Jewellery
BRONZE
Bronze is a live alloy of metals and it reacts differently depending on your skin’s pH level. Some people may notice their jewellery pieces will get darker over time while others will see them become shinier with wear.
Because of the copper content in the bronze, sometimes wearing bronze jewellery can cause your skin to turn green where it touches the metal. This green staining is not harmful to the skin, nor is it permanent. It can be easily washed off with soap and water. You can have your bronze jewellery sealed with clear nail polish to prevent your skin from turning green.
To clean your bronze jewellery, apply some mild soap to the piece, and rub it to take out any dirt that has accumulated. Rinse it with water and dry it using a towel.
Bronze jewellery may tarnish with time and wear. You can restore your jewellery’s original, shiny look by removing the patina with a mix of 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda and lemon juice. Rub the paste onto your jewellery using a cloth or a toothbrush until the item is clean – then rinse it and dry it with a cloth. If the patina is persistent, you might need to repeat the process until the tarnish goes away. You can also soak the piece in vinegar for about 20 minutes before cleaning it.
When taking off your bronze jewellery after wearing it, wipe the piece clean with a soft cloth before storing it. This will help remove any traces of oils from your skin. You can keep your jewellery piece in its original bag to slow down the formation of the patina.
SILVER
Clean your silver jewellery with a mild soap and water solution, then pat dry it with a soft cloth. For more stubborn dirt, use a cleaner designed for silver use.
If your silver jewellery has tarnished, you can use a tarnish-removing polishing cream to remove the black coating. For persistent tarnish, you may also use a silver cleaning dip. Line a glass container with aluminium foil, pour some hot water and add one or two tablespoons of salt and baking soda. Leave your silver piece in the dip for about five minutes, then rinse it with water and dry it using a soft cloth.
Don’t use toothpaste to clean your silver jewellery as it can be too abrasive and cause damage. Don’t wear your silver jewellery in chlorinated water or when working with household chemicals.
Store your jewellery piece in a cool, dry place, preferably in its original bag or wrapped in a soft piece of felt to slow down tarnishing.