【Vicenza, Ita】Italy Report 《VICENZA ORO 1》 Part 2: The Talented Designer Proudly Represented by Mikimoto [Jewelry]

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Editor’s Note

This excerpt introduces Giovanna Broggian, whose journey from landscape architecture to jewelry design was shaped by her family’s workshop and a pivotal 1992 encounter with Mikimoto that revealed the beauty of pearls.

Giovanna Broggian’s Background and Encounter with Mikimoto

Giovanna was born in 1966. She studied landscape architecture at a university in Milan and married an architect. However, having grown up with parents who ran a jewelry workshop, she developed a deep interest in jewelry design and, through her parents, encountered Mikimoto.

“It was in 1992. Through Mikimoto, I discovered the beauty of pearls as a gemstone and was genuinely moved. I started creating the ‘Milano Collection’ from 1997. The jewelry designed in Japan for Mikimoto was beautiful, but to my eyes, it appeared quite orthodox. I believe pearls should be worn more actively in daily life.”
Mikimoto MILANO COLLECTION by GIOVANNA BROGGIAN (2002 Collection)

From the 2002 collection, from left:
Ring: K18 White Gold / Black South Sea Pearl / Diamond – ¥500,000
Lavaliere: K18 White Gold / Black South Sea Pearl / Diamond – ¥400,000
Lavaliere: K18 White Gold / White South Sea Pearl / Diamond – ¥370,000
Ring: K18 White Gold / White South Sea Pearl / Diamond – ¥560,000
*All items went on sale in Japan from March.
Her designs frequently feature jewelry with multiple uses from a single item, such as a lavaliere (Y-shaped pendant) with an adjustable length and convertible chains that can connect a bracelet and necklace to create a longer piece. Indeed, such pieces seem versatile for various everyday occasions.

“When designing jewelry, what I pay attention to is that ‘the pearl is the protagonist.’ I strive to ensure the gold setting does not overshadow the pearl, and that the pearl maintains its perfectly round shape from every angle. Look, even the rings aren’t covered by prongs or anything, right?”
Mikimoto MILANO COLLECTION by GIOVANNA BROGGIAN (2002 Collection)

From the 2002 collection, from top:
Pendant: K18 Yellow Gold / Akoya Pearl – ¥50,000
Pendant: K18 White Gold / Akoya Pearl / Diamond – ¥200,000
Earrings: K18 Yellow Gold / Akoya Pearl – ¥180,000
*All items went on sale in Japan from March.
These are jewelry pieces that highlight the perfectly round shape characteristic of cultured pearls. While this might sound like a very common idea, seeing her works in person feels remarkably fresh. However, designing such dynamic, adventurous, and rule-defying jewelry must require considerable courage. For her, is the weight of representing Japan’s top jeweler, Mikimoto, not heavy?

“No. I don’t have a sense of carrying a Japanese brand on my shoulders. The Mikimoto brand name itself signifies the high quality of pearls. My responsibility is to draw out the maximum beauty from those exceptionally high-quality pearls. That is the significant task entrusted to me.”

These confident words! Giovanna is convinced that her designs further enhance the beauty of Mikimoto’s pearls. And the splendid new pieces presented at this 《Vicenza Oro 1》 undoubtedly substantiate her statement.

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⏰ Published on: June 10, 2002