text Sabrina Bozzoni
The jewellery of Bona Tondinelli
The bijoux designer and her atelier in the heart of the Oltrarno district
Antiques dealer, interior designer and jewellery designer. Where does the common denominator lie?
Combining shape, colour and proportion is not an easy task, if everything is not well harmonized the jewel is not beautiful. Everything lies in a magical combination.
Your atelier is in the heart of Oltrarno. Which vintage pieces are you most attached to?
As an antique dealer, I love the oldest pieces: French pompon bracelets from 1820, Victorian agate and carnelian bijoux, jet jewellery. Of course, I also love vintage designer pieces from the great couturiers like Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Balenciaga, along with a meticulous selection of famous jewellery designers from the 1950s to the 1980s and 1990s.
Which of your creations would you dedicate to your city?
My creations are divided into unique pieces handcrafted by me, and selected collections made by highly experienced Florentine artisans. This season I have included wood shaped like an egg or a heart with which I have created necklaces, pendants and bracelets. To my city I would dedicate my Flora ring with cushion-cut semi-precious stones surrounded by small natural pearls and, as a unique piece, my rigid collar in gold-plated brass dotted with pearls.
3 places in Florence that speak of you.
The Viale dei Colli with its unparalleled view of Florence; the Villa Bardini garden with its flowers, and finally Boboli, a romantic place and perfect mix of art and nature.
Beauty is…
Everything that makes our life better, the joy of wearing something that lights us up and brightens our days.
