Monumental Jewellery: Cairn. A Workshop by Bruno Villani

The Jewel as waymarker and structure: from Cairn symbolism to architectural design
Contemporary jewelry is communication, status, symbolism, ideology, belonging. There are no limitations; it is the design that sets the intent. The primary objective is to create new visions through the application of the most diverse goldsmithing techniques. Observation is fundamental—never limited to simply looking; being curious about forms and knowledge, finding new approaches, developing the magic of mathematics and applying it to goldsmith craftsmanship.

In this educational journey, the role of the teacher is crucial: to facilitate learning through knowledge and empathy, to help the student recognize their own talent, to spark curiosity and, ultimately, to show them the way. These principles guide two distinct seminars, both aimed at exploring jewelry as a bearer of profound meaning, whether spiritual or structural.
 
The “Cairn” line: the symbolic waymarker
The project is inspired by the concept of the cairn, an artificial stack of stones historically used as a waymarker in natural landscapes, but also as a burial monument. The cairn embodies strong symbolic value: it represents the search for balance, connection with nature, and the human desire to leave a trace of one’s passage (with references to cultural forms such as Suiseki, Gongshi, and Suseok).

The “cairn” line arises from the intention to reflect on the meaning of “marking the way” in personal growth. Students will shape materials (sea or river stones, wood, sea glass, plexiglass) and metal to create support structures, settings, and decorative elements suited to “wearability.”


Important Information:
Duration: 15 hours in 3 days.
Cost: 600 €.
Teaching language: Italian.
Materials: The school provides, as part of the participation fee, the necessary materials for the exercises. The objects made by participants remain their property.
Skills: Basic knowledge of goldsmithing techniques.
 
The workshop will be activated with a minimum of 5 participants.
Participants may request the list of tools from the school office to purchase their own, or they can rent a complete kit provided by the school.

15% discount on total tuition for enrolment and payment by December 31, 2025.

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Bruno Villani was born in Naples on July 9, 1973. He is a goldsmith model maker with over 25 years of experience in the fine jewellery and high fashion sector. He earned his Master of Arts diploma at the State Institute of Art in Florence, specializing in goldsmithing and sculpture.
Since 2017, he has worked at MAMI S.R.L. in Calenzano as a wax and metal model maker and micro-casting specialist. Previously, he collaborated with companies such as Alessio Pecchioni srl, Orotech, Rosita Gioielli d’Amare, Pada srl, and other renowned firms in Naples, Florence, and Caserta.
His expertise includes independent prototype creation, management of the full creative-production cycle, wax modelling, micro-casting, soldering, and both flame and laser techniques. He has participated in numerous events and competitions, being selected for international contexts such as the Diamonds International Awards and Creativeness Gems Relations, and winning first prize at Gioielloinarte 2022 at the University and Noble College of Goldsmiths in Rome. Villani is also active in contemporary jewellery design, creatively combining mixed techniques and innovative materials. He currently works in his studio in Florence, maintaining a style that merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary research.