Envisioned as a jewellery line by the creative duo, Rinaldo and Martha Gavello, since the brand’s creation in the late 1970s, the concepts behind each piece are meant to push the traditional narrative they saw in the modern jewellery world.
They did away with the crumpled and hammered texture that was so readily available by their contemporaries, instead focusing on elegant and simple design. Gavello gold is thick with an almost liquid appearance, dripping along gemstones or pulling across a surface. The pieces evoke a sense of easy luxury, without any frills or high maintenance.
Rinaldo being a native Italian and Martha being of Greek origin, both had a deep connection with ancient history and access to jewellery of the classical world to draw inspiration from. The pieces Gavello creates now in their fine jewellery line evince this deep spiritual association, from the strength of the Alexander bracelet to the near talismanic quality of their Icons ring. A key element to their pieces, that distinguishes them from other designers who also draw similar inspiration, is their ergonomic design. Gavello follows the lines of the body, has movement and is comfortable to wear. The impetus of each piece is to bring it to life when it is worn.
The pieces should either move or give the appearance of movement, combined with unique materials create a truly original experience on the body. In the decades they have been in operation, this level of craftsmanship has only improved, as a result of the precise planning and continued evolution of their jewellers. The technological aspect of each piece, either the exacting methods of stone setting or the mechanisms that allow for kinetic movement, is the essential component of beauty for Gavello.
As a design house, they have managed to perpetuate this method of excellence and standard of quality. Even the brand’s more economic line, Very Gavello, carries this connection forward, featuring bright enamel evil eyes and crosses, strong symbolism in very wearable everyday pieces. These design elements are frequently used across both lines; however, the focus is on not only the pieces but the way they wear. The consideration for the jewels as art extends beyond the gems themselves to the way they interact with their environment, truly making these living pieces.
Gavello continues to expand their line, now under the creative guidance of Elisabetta Gavello. She has already made a splash in the design house’s history, most recently revamping their Mykonos shopfront. Gavello Nel Blu now resembles a swimming pool. When one walks through the door, they are greeted by cool blue tiles made to the exacting measurements of the space, a ladder to nowhere dropping down from the ceiling, red lockers that hide rooms for the employees, and beach balls detailed with their logo. This sensational space is evocative of being on the floor of a pool, all while being surrounded by jewellery. This surreal experience, being underwater but breathing, in a space both casual and upscale where every detail was carefully considered before being placed, is exactly the Gavello way. A focus on sensation, creativity, and craftsmanship.
The showroom has taken the freshness and tradition of swimming in Mykonos and flipped it on its head, modernised it, while still paying homage to its origins. Wearing a Gavello piece is the same as stepping into this space, to have a connection to history, evolved to suit the wearer in the most considerate way.
