Design & Identity
Over the years Ponte Vecchio Gioielli has developed a strong identity, this creative spirit is revealed in every precious detail. Starting from the stylistic simplicity of our logo which represents the three arches of the Ponte Vecchio, our jewellery conveys the splendour of the world at large. Moving on to the “sgriffatura”, an ancient perforation invented by Benvenuto Cellini to add light to the gemstones and which the brand has made its own by reinterpreting it with a touch of its own personality. Or the characteristic “point” of each ring stem, that confers each jewel with a distinctive balance of shapes and makes all the Ponte Vecchio Gioielli creations unique.
A History of Uniqueness
The 1960s introduced Florence to the Vespa, student uprisings, the years of the haute couture fashion shows and the first holidays at the seaside. These were the years of the second Florentine Renaissance. Amidst this popular enthusiasm, Ugo Calà was little more than a child and in his spare time he helped his father in their barber’s shop. The store was located just a stone’s throw from the Ponte Vecchio and was frequented by the finest master goldsmiths of the city. Thus it was here that Ugo began to take an interest in the lives of these men with such skilled hands and such fascinating stories to tell: from queens’ colliers to noble families’ rings, from the first bracelets in white gold to the jewellery commissioned by famous international brands.
Every day was a new discovery, until Ugo finally decided that it was time to take a step forward. Going against his father’s wishes, he accepted a job as an apprentice to one of the most famous goldsmiths on the Ponte Vecchio. Year after year, job after job, creation after creation, and the apprentice gradually became an expert, and by then an adult, he decided to create his own brand of jewellery together with friend and marketing expert, Giancarlo Campani. Combining the secrets of the century-old goldsmith’s art with a fashion idea in line with the times, they set up a workshop that over the years was to change the world of luxury for good: Ponte Vecchio Gioielli was born!
Love Lock
For almost a century a special symbol of love has existed in Florence. Legend has it that if a couple attaches a padlock to the Ponte Vecchio and throws the key into the Arno River then their love will last forever. The romantic atmosphere of the bridge, together with the symbolic power of the padlock is perfect for creating a deep bond between two people. A bond that carries with it the image of the sun rising over the Arno River, the sound of stolen kisses in the shade of the day, the magic of the street lamps accompanying the night.
Honouring this tradition, Ponte Vecchio Gioielli has brought this iconic gesture to life. A jewel embodies a secret emotion, a lock unites shared feelings. And so every jewel we create is packaged in a box held closed with a special padlock to celebrate the magic of the Ponte Vecchio. This is our tribute to those who continue to believe in the power of love and the purity of passion.