Golden Stories of Veneto: Exclusive Q&A with Prof. Claudio Tomassini
A symbolic date marking the beginning of Veneto’s golden power is the establishment of the guild in 1233. Who joined it, and what were the goals of this organization?
In 1233, the authorities of the Republic of Venice granted the Venetian goldsmiths their first charter, the Capitulare de aurifex, but their presence in the lagoon city dates back to the 11th century. The Venetian charter is likely the oldest written regulation on the control and marking of precious metal articles.
The guild had three key goals: mutual assistance among members, education of new goldsmiths, and regulation and control of the profession. To practice the art, it was necessary to be accepted as a member of the guild after at least seven years of apprenticeship. Many master goldsmiths — including foreigners — were, over the centuries, members of the Schola dei Oresi, Zogielieri e Diamanteri (Goldsmiths’, Jewellers’, and Diamond Dealers’ Guild). In Vicenza, the first mention of a goldsmiths’ guild appears in the Statuta Communis Vicentie (Town Charter of Vicenza) from 1339, but the Fraglia dei orovesi (Goldsmiths’ Guild) surely predated this, probably going back to the 9th century.
Why did this sector develop so strongly in this particular region of Italy? What circumstances contributed to the popularity of goldsmithing in Veneto?
Certainly, the long history of the Republic of Venice — its cultural and economic wealth, and its commercial and cultural relationships with the known world at the time — provided a fantastic breeding ground. But a key factor has been the industriousness, talent, and ability of the people of Veneto. They have cherished their rich cultural heritage and have been able to adapt it to new realities and trends, offering the international market products that are a winning mix of tradition and fashion.
Are there specific techniques or areas of goldsmithing in which creators and brands from Veneto particularly specialize?
A typical Venetian goldsmithing tradition was the production of so-called entercosei — from the 18th century commonly called manini. These were chains made of 22 kt gold wire, crafted into small rings of 0.6–1.3 mm in diameter, with a semi-circular hollow section, welded together to form a fine mesh used as necklaces or twisted on the wrist as bracelets. For this reason, Venetian goldsmiths were long known for their chain-making expertise. Today, however, their production is broad and varied — and appreciated all over the world.
Given the current economic context (record-high gold prices), what challenges is the industry and the golden community of Veneto facing today?
The current economic situation is certainly not among the most favourable. Analysts predict a period of slower growth for the luxury sector at least until 2026, mainly due to higher raw material costs. Firms should take this period as an opportunity to re-examine and revise their strategies, knowing they must think with a long-term perspective. It’s time to make bold choices, strengthen customer relationships, and invest in the fundamentals of the business — even if returns may not be immediate. And new markets must be opened, without neglecting traditional ones.
Jewellery is about ideas. What values are most important to the people who co-create the golden community of Vicenza and Veneto?
Quality, craftsmanship, design, and attention to the consumer are the traditional values of the golden community of Veneto — and more broadly, of Italy. And in recent times, sustainability in the broadest sense of the term has become one of the main values to which companies in the sector are paying close attention.
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EXPERT’S BIO:
Claudio Tomassini was born in Rome on 11th December 1959.
After graduating in law, in 1982 he started working at Confedorafi, the national association of goldsmiths and silversmiths, becoming its Executive Director in 1986, until 2005 when he resigned.
From 2006 to 2011 he was Responsible for the Legislative Area of Assicor – Unioncamere, association of the Italian Chambers of Commerce for the jewellery sector.
From 2008 to 2011 he was Responsible of the Legislative Area of Italian Textile Fashion, association of the Italian Chambers of Commerce for the textiles/clothing, footwear and leather goods sectors.
From 2011 to 2014 he was Responsible of the Legislative Area of Unionfiliere – Unioncamere, born from the union of Assicor and Italian Textile Fashion.
From 1989 to 2000, he participated in the work of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, representing Italy.
Since 2002 he is member of the Italian Delegation to the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Control and Marking of Articles of Precious Metals.
From 2008 to 2015 he was Coordinator of the Working Group “Precious metals and gemmological materials” at the UNI, Italian Standardization Body.
From 2014 to 2021 he was a partner of the Law Firm De Carolis in Rome.
Since 2018 he is legal advisor of Unioncamere for the jewellery sector.
He is consultant for trade associations and companies in the sector, speaker at numerous national and international conferences and author of many articles for leading magazines in the field.
