It’s well established by this point that I adore Italian jewelry – the passion and creativity are unparalleled, and the country’s rich history of jewelry production means that Italian jewelers have centuries of skilled craftsmanship at their disposal to bring those inspired visions to life. So when the Italian Trade Agency invited me to join them at the Italian Pavilion at JIS Miami, I jumped at the chance to bring you more coverage of The Extraordinary Italian jewelry!

JIS Miami is the second-largest jewelry trade show in the Western hemisphere, after JCK Las Vegas, and the Italian Pavilion is that show’s mini Italian jewelry embassy; a vibrant collection of 30+ remarkable Italian brands and one hidden espresso machine.

Enough talk – let’s look at the The Extraordinary Italian Jewelry.

These rings were the first design I was drawn to at the Italian Pavilion, and I’m still fascinated by them. The brand is called Spartan Ring and, as you might have guessed, the design is inspired by the ancient Greek warriors of Sparta.

The jewels are unisex, in recognition of the warrior spirit that lives inside all of us, regardless of gender. Each ring is designed in the shape of a warrior’s helmet, carefully curved to fit comfortably on the finger. They are just so creative and so well executed!

My favorite element is the reverse-set diamonds and sapphires on the cheeks of the all gem rings. Such a bold and fierce look! Also it’s worth mentioning that the all metal rings (which are perfect as an everyday reminder of one’s inner strength) are pretty affordable for such well-made jewelry.

Speaking of bold and beautiful – I am so excited to have had another chance to see Amlè’s charismatic designs. I met this brand at JCK Las Vegas, but their booth was mobbed and I didn’t have a chance to really get up in there.

At the Italian Pavilion during JIS Miami, I made a point of visiting Amlè early in the morning so that there would be less competition! These pieces – the star tiara and glorious pearl statement earrings – were my favorites of the brand’s new fall collection. I always enjoy a tiara, but these earrings are the real star of the show.

I want to make sure to point out that Amlè makes costume jewelry: these beauties are high quality material, but they’re not real pearls or solid gold. So you get all this look without emptying your bank account.

This beautiful necklace from Carada remains one of my favorite pieces from the Italian Pavilion at JIS Miami.

Carada does something very unique: they specialize in creating custom settings for both new and vintage cameos. They make beaded frames, necklaces, earrings – you name it. The cameo is affixed to a backing of leather and then the beadwork is hand knotted around the mounted cameo, either in a halo to frame the cameo or sometimes to form a whole chain, like with this piece!

This killer bracelet is from another brand that makes luxury costume jewelry: Graziella. It’s still very high quality – think more affordable stones and gold plated metal – but it’s a price point that’s accessible to more consumers.

This piece is a perfect example of something I love about The Extraordinary Italian Jewelry: these designers offer beauty that spans all price points. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy adorning yourself with gorgeous jewelry.

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