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A job well done: The Savoir Faire of Mariae Nivis 1567
Artisan Work: Initiator of Civilisation and Bearer of Peace
To understand our vision, one must look at the authentic savoir faire that defines our daily work. From the industriousness of the nuns who once inhabited the monastery to our modern creations, we bring back to life techniques as old as human history. Indeed, we believe that true luxury lies in the mastery of the hand and the soul.
Homer once wrote an ode to artisans through their protective god Ephesus. He taught “illustrious works on earth to mortal men.” Following this tradition, craftsmanship remains the foundation of community life. Doing things well for the pure pleasure of doing them has been in our DNA since 1567. Furthermore, this legacy continues through the Freschi & Vangelisti family. For over 25 years, they have created precious gold objects for global luxury brands. To preserve this savoir faire, our company now hosts an in-house academy where new talents are born.
Techniques
The Art of Guilloché: A Timeless Craft Revived at Mariae Nivis 1567
Guilloché is an ancient art which is nearly extinct today. Notably, it originated in the 18th century when the technique was perfected in France. Intricate patterns range from simple interwoven lines to elaborate geometric designs.
For example, the Mariae Nivis 1567 candle is our first creation of this type. It draws inspiration from the family’s antique jewellery collection. Consequently, these treasures tell a story of dedication and the will to pass down precious metalworking secrets.
Embossing And Chasing
This ancient art dates back to the Egyptians and Romans. Later, the Renaissance era saw remarkable works by great artists such as Benvenuto Cellini, Botticelli, and Donatello.
Technically speaking, a chisel is a non-sharp utensil used to hammer decorative shapes into metal. The difference between engraving and chiselling is simple: with the former, metal is removed, while with the latter, metal is moved. However, the chiseller needs to refire the metal frequently to maintain its functionality. This meticulous process is a testament to true artisanal savoir faire.
Micromosaic
Micromosaic art was born in Rome during the second half of the 18th century. Specifically, artists used the “spinning” technique to melt enamel into thin rods. Today, Mariae Nivis 1567 has brought this art back to shine.
Our glass rods are still purchased in an ancient factory in Murano, Venice. Afterward, millimetre-sized tiles are inserted by hand, one at a time. This process requires a binding base of Roman stucco, which takes months to dry. Indeed, such patience is the hallmark of our internal academy.
Engraving with a Burin
The term burin indicates both a specialized engraving technique and the tool used to practice it. Historically, the technique of engraving copper was developed in the 15th century, made famous by masters like Albrecht Dürer.
During the process, a flat ribbed burin creates dense lines on the metal, causing a silky effect. Therefore, the engraver removes metal to create a clear and precise sign. This level of detail requires years of practice to master.
Fired Enamel: A Colourful Artistic Technique
Enamel is a technique that couples glass pastes to metal surfaces. Originally, it was born from the need to add colour to precious metals. The first examples are found in Cyprus and the Mycenaean era.
Later, thanks to Byzantine culture, enamelling spread to sacred jewellery. For instance, most of the enamels in the famous “Pala d’Oro” in Venice come from historical looting in 1204. Today, Mariae Nivis 1567 brings these ancient techniques into the present. In conclusion, our pursuit of handcrafted perfection is the path to becoming better men and women.
Mariae Nivis 1567 brings back all these ancient techniques to the present with the intention of leaving a legacy of precious craftsmanship to future generations. We acknowledge that the pursuit of handcrafted perfection is the path to becoming better men and women.