Discover this museum of sparkles under the Palladian arches of the Basilica. This area of the city once housed the artisan’s workshop or bottega, in Italian, where he would work on his pieces, so it’s fitting that the site of the museum is now here.

Vicenza has long been a key hub for the production of gold and jewellery, along with other cities like Arezzo in Tuscany, and Torre del Greco in Campania.

Talk to anyone here and they will have something to say about the gold industry and will know someone who still works in this industry.

One of the most important gold trade fairs in the world, VicenzaOro, takes place here every year in January and September.

Now back to the museum. Once inside, you’ll see that each room focuses on one central theme connected with jewellery.

Spoiler alert: I’ve included a few examples of each theme so that you can
learn something new if you live far away- while not spoiling the visit for a local
or a tourist to Vicenza!

This temporary collection is curated by Alba Capelleri. She chose the statement necklace of autumn leaves by goldsmith Buccellati. It is made of precious metals and also of amethyst and citrine to create the autumnal leaves. As well as being a stunning necklace, it’s also a reminder that inspiration can be found in the simplest things.

The Symbol Room

This sparkling crown made in 1900 for the statue of the Madonna di Monte Berico. Did you know that she’s the patron of Vicenza who saved the city from the plague in 1426?
Her crown is a feast of yellow gold, diamonds, peridot, amethyst, rubies, sapphires, pearls and coloured stones.

The Magic Room

If you’ve ever worn a special ring or bracelet before an exam or played with the pendant on your necklace as you ponder on something, you will know the power of jewellery to help you focus or give you that little boost of confidence that you need to take the next step.
In this room you can find a sun pendant from the Iron Age and yes, I do have a similar sun charm on a necklace!

The Function Room

This is all about elevating those items that we actually need and use every day. Maybe it’s the buckle of a belt or a comb to keep our hair swept back and tidy or buttons, and other fastenings. In this collection there are many functional and beautiful objects made with
precious materials.
This 19th century comb was made in Torre del Greco, in the Campania region, using tortoiseshell, gilded copper and local coral.

The Beauty Room

I think we all know the power of jewellery as a beautiful decorative item that will bring together a look or elevate an outfit. Just think about the addition of a simple pair of earrings- you put them on and your children ask you why you’re looking fancy today! Try it and see. Well, this dazzling collection is that effect many times over. It’s lavish and opulent and the jewels on display are all the works of famous goldsmiths and designers.
My favourite is the Pomellato set. It’s so glamourous but minimal at the same time- a repetition of white gold link and diamonds.

The Art Room

This room presents creative jewellery that is not necessarily made from fine materials. It’s all about trying something new and creating something unique that will get people talking about it. The cheeky statement ring in the photo was made from yellow gold and plexiglass by Mario Pinton in 1995.

The Fashion Room

This room discusses the place for fashion jewellery. Those pieces which are made from non-precious materials allow the wearer to follow trends without having to spend too much.

Remember that the fashion designer Coco Chanel would mix real and fake jewellery items to get the effect she wanted. The animal brooches on display glitter like real jewels but they’re made with coloured glass stones, plated metals, faux pearls and crystals.

The Design Room

What is Design? Is it creating something which has a function and, if possible, aesthetically pleasing at the same time? Look at this reading ring. It’s a silver ring made for the thumb maybe, with two metal wings on either side to hold open the pages of a book as you read. Mmm, do I find this useful ? Not so sure. But it sure does make for a fun guessing game to show your friends.

The Icon Room

It happens that you visit a museum and what you want to see isn’t there, it’s on loan or it’s having a little restoration work done. I’ve tried to see the Magna Carta a couple of times and missed out twice. This small area which is really a display box with space for a few items was closed for renewal when I visited. It should house jewellery that has stood the test of time– a true icon. It doesn’t matter- you have plenty of other
objects to keep you busy!

The Future Room

Necklace Loving More by SeeMe, 2017.
This one item encapsulates two ongoing concerns- using the right materials (sustainable gold and recycled metals, for example) and giving a voice to those who need it. This company’s mission is to make meaningful jewellery.

The museum is worth a visit if you’re a jewellery lover or you’re into design.
Once you’re done, there are plenty of cafés and bars nearby for a coffee or
lunch to restore your energy!