The exhibits on display include some precious gemstones weighing in at more than 100 carats. And when it comes to experiencing these exceptional pieces, nothing beats an up-close viewing experience. Besides the exhibition, the maison held a gala dinner at Milan’s Alcione Theatre, where the guest of honour was friend of the Damiani family and newly minted global ambassador Jessica Chastain – winner of the 2022 Academy Award for best actress for her role in The Eyes of Tammy Faye.

Also in attendance were brand ambassadors for Japan and Korea, respectively, actress-model Mio Imada and model/actress/singer Lee Sung-kyung, as well as film star and Italian diva for the ages Sophia Loren. Rising classical crossover star Matteo Bocelli, son of Andrea, regaled guests with favourite songs from the Italian operatic canon.

It was a night very much in keeping with the spirit of Damiani, whose DNA is infused with Italianness. In the context of craftsmanship and design, a concept deeply ingrained in the nation’s cultural and aesthetic life is that of the “beautiful and well made” (bello e ben fatto).

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The maison’s commitment to craftsmanship, artistry and design excellence aligns with the Greco-Roman principle of concinnitas. A concept revived during the Renaissance, concinnitas is an ideal of elegance and aesthetic coherence, where everything comes together in a harmonious whole. It reflects the belief that beauty emerges from the skilful arrangement and integration of diverse elements, resulting in a balanced and visually satisfying design.

The exhibition’s 100 masterpieces are artfully arranged into five sections, corresponding to five Italian values. “Family” is represented by a video of the Damianis, recounting three generations of history as fine jewellers.

“Mastery” is demonstrated through the Mimosa collection, whose Eternal Blue necklace – also wearable as a pendant or brooch – features a 100-carat, cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphire encircled by diamonds.

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“Creativity” is showcased in the extraordinary Desert Garden necklace from the Margherita line, which sees a 20-carat, deep brown-yellow, drop-cut, fancy diamond suspended from a gorget, in which daisies composed of white diamonds and fancy yellow diamonds bloom prettily against a backdrop of brown diamonds and emeralds.

“History” is encapsulated in the Belle Époque collection, in which the image of a classic film reel inspired the design of the white gold, geometric Frame bracelet, whose segments are formed by pavé, baguette-cut and fancy diamonds in various cuts – brilliant, cushion, oval and heart – and hues varying in intensity, ranging from yellow and orange to brown.

Finally, the maison’s overriding “Passion” is expressed in the Fantasy Cut line – and in particular, the Damiani Green Treasure of Muzo. Hanging from a white gold necklace embellished with emerald-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds, the removable pendant in question is a 64-carat Muzo emerald from Colombia – an ultra-rare gemstone associated with ancient tales of strength and power.