Jewels by Michele della Valle at Sotheby's
Michele della Valle Biography
Whether in his design studio overlooking Lake Geneva, visiting the atelier in Rome or on his boat in the Mediterranean, designer-jeweller Michele della Valle dreams in colour, conjuring up lyrical compositions from a treasure trove of sumptuous gemstones. Rare and precious or unexpected and mysterious, the vibrant grass greens, flaming orange and lilting blues of sea and sky are the colours of jewels for which he has become celebrated among an elite international coterie of collectors and connoisseurs. Still a rarefied name in the world of jewellery, della Valle lives and works in Geneva, where he presents ideas and designs to clients in his appointment-only studio.
Della Valle reinterprets classic jewellery iconography – soft, silky, light feathers and ethereal flowers. Nature remains his greatest inspiration. In Tahiti he was captivated by jewels made of fresh flowers, pearls and shells. “Jewels to last for one night only: the ultimate in luxury.” According to the jeweler, in India, colors, and saris, fruit and vegetable left him breathless. “In India, inspiration is everywhere, you need only open your eyes and your heart.”
Michele della Valle states: “I don’t understand how a jewel can be created without the magic of a trip to India or to the Far East in search of stones. The stones give birth to the design, and not the other way around.” In his designs, della Valle combines musicality with color, line and rhythm. This approach stems from della Valle’s personal passion for opera and his own early training as a dramatic tenor.
