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San Lorenzo

Silver with a modern bent

June 2, 2000
Web posted at: 4:44 p.m. EDT (2044 GMT)

MILAN, Italy (CNN) -- When Ciro Cacchione opened the studio of San Lorenzo in 1970, his goal was to capture the essence of silver in a modern way. The fourth-generation silversmith said he felt the industry was stuck in the past.

To propel silver into the 21st century, Cacchione ushered in a new design with an age-old purpose.

"My goal was to make beautiful objects ... that represent the culture of our age, give them a stamp of our time," he said. "I think every period of history has its own way of expressing itself in design."

Cacchione introduced new textures for sterling housewares and jewelry. One is designed to remind you of tree bark; another conjures the image of a constellation of stars. A third texture is reminiscent of a corn husk.

Each is painstakingly handcrafted.

"As well as a study of the geometry of form, it's a study of the ability to work silver," he said. "Objects that are geometric, but at the same time communicate to you."

San Lorenzo designers primarily concentrate on functional silverware for the home -- cutlery, bowls and tea services, for example. But jewelry is now becoming a more important part of their work.

The pieces use geometric forms and are kept simple and delicate. He said his goal is not to compete with the jewelry world.

"We're creating a rapport between the jewelry and the person who wears it," he said. "Our jewelry is more beautiful when it's being worn, than when it isn't."

CNN Style Correspondent Elsa Klensch contributed to this report.

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