Discovering Bottega Orafa's iconic jewelry and new Forte dei Marmi boutique

Cristiana Galletti tells us about the latest made-in-Italy trends to show off this summer and the atelier's new horizons

Cristiana Galletti and Luigi Citi, a couple who are stainless in life and work, have started Bottega Orafa, a creative atelier with workshop and headquarters in Navacchio, in the province of Pisa, where they have been creating highly handcrafted jewelry since 1992. The unique and original precious objects are complemented by an affable and impeccable bespoke consulting service. We meet Cristiana in the jewelry boutique that for the past year has brought them to the heart of Versilia's exclusivity, at 49 Via Carducci in Forte dei Marmi.

Cristiana Galletti

What is the uniqueness that distinguishes Bottega Orafa's jewelry.

Harmony and lightness are the qualities that distinguish our jewelry. It is the gemstone that is the essence of the jewelry, the structure and contour are designed to be proportionate and enhance it to the fullest, making it seem almost suspended in a play of form and light.
After 30 years of success in Navacchio where you are headquartered with the large boutique and workshop, for the past year you have also opened a space in Forte dei Marmi.

Can you describe it for us?

The boutique is very cozy and because of its small size, attention has been paid to every detail. No corner is left to chance, the furnishings are very modern and the color choice is unusual, the windows were designed as if they were small caskets where our treasures, our jewelry, are kept. On the wall we have installed a screen where with a film we reconstruct the history of the jewelry on display, from their conception to their creation, to make those who do not know the reality Bottega Orafa, understand our modus operandi.

Bottega Orafa Jewelry

How do you and your husband Luigi divide your work and professional commitments between the headquarter in Pisa and the boutique in Versilia?

Since last June, we have divided the tasks of running the company. I personally follow the boutique in Forte dei Marmi and continue to take care of the administrative and marketing part remotely. Luigi with our son and other employees take care of the store and workshop in Navacchio. After so many years side by side it has not been easy, but the new work stimuli have helped us overcome the gap.

What is the range of products for sale in Forte dei Marmi?

For the collections in Forte dei Marmi we thought of objects with a more cosmopolitan scent that can meet a bolder taste both Italian and foreign; the creations are unique pieces, again designed around the central gem when present. Elegance and classic proportions wink at shaped stones and playful asymmetries. The result is an eye-catching yet at the same time pret a porter collection. In addition to this there is no shortage of the " must-haves " of jewelry such as verettes, solitaires and tennis, offered in both traditional and modern revisited versions.

The iconic summer jewelry made by the master craftsmen of Bottega Orafa?

This year, which coincides with Bottega Orafa's 30-year anniversary, our style department literally had fun playing with shapes and colors: precious bouquets, wings and snakes were created to show off on big occasions but also casually in everyday life, all made with both white and colored diamonds, in different cuts and different sizes.

How do you and your husband Luigi divide your work and professional commitments between the headquarter in Pisa and the boutique in Versilia?

Since last June, we have divided the tasks of running the company. I personally follow the boutique in Forte dei Marmi and continue to take care of the administrative and marketing part remotely. Luigi with our son and other employees take care of the store and workshop in Navacchio. After so many years side by side it has not been easy, but the new work stimuli have helped us overcome the gap.

What is the range of products for sale in Forte dei Marmi?

For the collections in Forte dei Marmi we thought of objects with a more cosmopolitan scent that can meet a bolder taste both Italian and foreign; the creations are unique pieces, again designed around the central gem when present. Elegance and classic proportions wink at shaped stones and playful asymmetries. The result is an eye-catching yet at the same time pret a porter collection. In addition to this there is no shortage of the " must-haves " of jewelry such as verettes, solitaires and tennis, offered in both traditional and modern revisited versions.

The iconic summer jewelry made by the master craftsmen of Bottega Orafa?

This year, which coincides with Bottega Orafa's 30-year anniversary, our style department literally had fun playing with shapes and colors: precious bouquets, wings and snakes were created to show off on big occasions but also casually in everyday life, all made with both white and colored diamonds, in different cuts and different sizes.

Boutique Forte dei Marmi

Cristiana Galletti's addresses of the heart in Forte dei Marmi?

My quintessential magical place is the pier: I deeply love the sea and since I have the opportunity to live here, I treat myself every early morning, as if it were a ritual, to a walk right on the pier. The smell of saltiness, the colors, the sound of the waves, transmit to me a deep calm and lightness but at the same time a positive charge to face the day; occasionally, moving downtown by bicycle, I also come to enjoy the sunset, but the sunrise remains something magical and with healing power.