The Soul of Milan: Why Pomellato is the 90s Icon We Need Right Now
In the 1990s, from the counter of my jewelry store in Italy, I watched a revolution unfold. While the world was chasing "logos," a few Italian houses were chasing something deeper: soul, craftsmanship, and a conscience. Chief among them was Pomellato.
Long before "sustainability" was a corporate buzzword, Pomellato was already a pioneer—weaving social responsibility into the very gold of their chunky, Milanese designs. Today, as the jewelry world looks back to its roots, Pomellato has answered with Memorie D’Archivio—a breathtaking bridge between the rebellious elegance of the 90s and the "Responsible Gold" future of tomorrow.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a piece of jewelry truly "timeless" in a world of fast-fads, this is the story of a brand that never had to change its values to stay in style.
Beyond the Trend: Why Pomellato’s Newest Collection is a Love Letter to the 90s
If you walked into my jewelry store in Italy back in the 90s, the air felt different from what it does today. It was another golden era for Italian design. Back then, a few names didn't just make jewelry; they set the industry's pulse. We’re talking about the "Big Four": Pasquale Bruni, Damiani, Buccellati, and, my personal favorite, Pomellato.
In those days, these designs were so coveted that you’d see "inspired" copies everywhere. But you could never truly replicate the soul of a Pomellato piece.
A Pioneer with a Conscience
What I love most about Pomellato, and what many people don't realize, is that they were "woke" long before it was a marketing buzzword. And that is such a good thing! They stood out because of this; they were literally the only ones, the only jewelry company doing so.
Long before "Corporate Social Responsibility" was a trend, Pomellato was using its voice for good. Whether it was the iconic Dodo collection or their signature chunky gold pieces, they always donated to social causes and promoted equality. They didn't just sell luxury; they sold values. Play with that phrase a little in your mind. Does it change how you look at their jewelry now?
Today, that legacy continues with their #PomellatoForWomen campaign and their commitment to 100% responsible gold.
The Return of the Icon: Memorie D’Archivio
During the recent Trendvision session at VicenzaOro, the brilliant Paola de Luca spoke about a recurring theme: The Reinterpretation of Heritage. It’s the idea of taking the best of the past and making it relevant for the "now" audience. Pomellato has mastered this with their new capsule collection, Memorie D’Archivio (Archival Memories).
They’ve reached into the vault to bring back two '90s legends:
- The Mora Collection: Named after the Italian word for blackberry. These rings are clusters of "succulent" gemstones like labradorite and amethyst that look good enough to eat. They look yummy!
- The Mosaico Collection: A masterclass in goldsmithing where cabochon-cut stones fit together like a perfect puzzle.
Why This Matters for You
You might think, "It’s a collection from last year, is it still relevant?" The answer is yes, more than ever. We are currently living in a "90s Renaissance," but we are also looking for things that last. These 24 one-of-a-kind rings bridge the rebellious spirit of 1997 and the empowered, sustainable luxury of 2025. I do love new collections like the next person, but what we often see is a rush of media attention for a collection, and then it’s silent. Like we are all waiting for ‘’what is next?. But jewelry, especially of this calibre, should live a lifetime and beyond. We cherish it, and ever now and then I will kindly nudge you to a collection you might never have seen before because you missed the rush, but it is so worth your attention.
When you wear a piece like the new Bisanzio (which is being reimagined for this year!), You aren't just wearing gold and stone. You’re wearing a piece of Milanese history, born of kindness and crafted by hand.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for jewelry that tells a story -not just a brand story, but a human one-look toward the archives. The 90s are back, but this time, they’ve brought thirty years of wisdom with them.
