Venice boasts a rich history of goldsmithing, with artisans known as "orefici" crafting intricate and exquisite pieces for the nobility and affluent merchants of the era. These craftsmen played a pivotal role in establishing Venice as a hub of luxury and artistry, skillfully blending influences from Byzantine, Islamic, and Western cultures to create unique and opulent designs. Organized into guilds, the craft of the "orefici" upheld rigorous standards of quality through meticulous training and tradition. Techniques such as filigree, enameling, and the use of precious stones were perfected in their skilled hands, resulting in works that are both artistic and technical marvels.
Laberintho is not merely a goldsmith workshop; it is a vibrant breeding ground for creativity, where history and mastery intertwine to produce extraordinary jewels. Founded in 1994 by the talented artisans Marco Venier and Davide Visentin, Laberintho encapsulates a passion for craftsmanship that goes beyond simple jewelry-making. Here, gold, silver, and gems are transformed into stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces that seamlessly blend artistic expression with everyday elegance.
Marco and Davide's collections showcase an impressive variety of jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, all customizable based on the desires of their clients and crafted with a profound understanding of precious materials and techniques. The duo invites customers to engage in their creative process, allowing them to co-design jewelry that reflects personal tastes and stories. Their philosophy revolves around the belief that jewelry should evoke a journey through time and culture. As Marco states, “With our creations, we wish to give a new identity to contemporary jewelry through a passionate journey between eras and cultures, between the symbolic and the ancestral.”
At Laberintho, materials are selected for their uniqueness and beauty, resulting in extraordinary combinations such as ancient seals paired with geometric shapes, diamonds with ebony, and turquoise with fossil agate. Their pieces have garnered attention at prestigious events like Venice Design Week and Venice Fashion Week, solidifying their commitment to excellence in handmade craftsmanship.
Collection Breakdown:
Classico
These creations feature sober and elegant lines, utilizing precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds while reinterpreting classic 20th-century designs.
Contemporary
Leveraging innovation and research, contemporary pieces incorporate materials like precious woods, resins, and semi-precious stones to create whimsical and original jewelry that often reflects customer preferences. The craftsman's experience and imagination are key to the success of these unique objects.
Mosaic
Jewelry in this collection is inspired by the iconic Venetian mosaic, using natural stones such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, and coral. The resulting pieces often exhibit pastel colors, capturing a bright, summery essence that is distinctively unique and cannot be replicated.
Ethnic
This line enhances ancient and recent stones, seals, and coins, drawing inspiration from various civilizations and their artifacts. The pieces celebrate history while ensuring comfort and aesthetics that honor their ethnic origins.
Blown Glass
Born from collaboration with Murano master glassmaker Stefano Morasso, this project marks the first jewelry pieces using this precious material. Glass is treated as if it were a gemstone and paired with precious metals, resulting in light yet striking designs that do not overpower the vibrant colors of the glass.
Skulls
This line showcases jewelry crafted through model-making wax sculpture, producing sculptural and plump pieces designed by the talented Maddalena Venier. Subjects include skulls, snakes, and mythological animals, adding a unique character to the collection.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the world of jewelry-making by visiting Laberintho's workshop in Venice. Book a jewelry-making experience and discover how these master goldsmiths can help you create a piece that tells your unique story.
Additionally, browse a selection of their stunning jewelry at veniceoriginal.it and bring home a treasure that reflects the artistry of Venice.