Gino Volpato: The Architect, The Artist, The Jeweller
Born in 1927 in Treviso, Italy, Gino Volpato embodied the spirit of a modern Renaissance master. His prolific career spanned a multitude of disciplines, from architecture, urban planning, and industrial design to sculpture, painting, scenography, and, of course, jewellery design.
His artistic journey began in the small town of Fanzolo, where as a child he played in the gardens of the famed Villa Emo—amasterpiece by the legendary 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio. This early exposure to timeless beauty was further shaped by his education in Possagno, a town celebrated as the home of Antonio Canova. There, he was surrounded by the largest collection of the sculptor's plaster models, deepening his understanding of form and classical artistry.
As newlyweds, Gino and his wife Adelia embarked on an adventure to Caracas, Venezuela. There, he worked as a scenographer, immersing himself in a world of theatre and film. Before returning to Italy, he shared his passion for creativity by hosting a weekly arts and crafts television show for children.
After a brief return to Italy, Gino and Adelia settled in Sydney, Australia, with two of their six children. As Principal Architect for Sabemo, he left an indelible mark on the city, designing iconic buildings in the central business district, most notably the striking Orange building in North Sydney.
Driven by an irrepressible creative spirit, he eventually established his own studio. This allowed him to fully devote himself to a range of passions, including painting, sculpture, and ceramics. One of his most significant works, a monumental 900-piece ceramic mural for the Munmorah Power Station, was later acquired by the Powerhouse Museum for its permanent collection.
The enduring significance of Gino Volpato's work is confirmed by the State Library of New South Wales, which has acquired his entire archive. There, his legacy will be preserved and displayed alongside the work of other architectural luminaries such as Glenn Murcutt and Jørn Utzon, cementing his place in history as a true visionary.
The Gino Volpato Jewellery Collection: An Exclusive Release
Craftmanship & Tradition
The creation of every Gino Volpato piece begins with the timeless art of
a hand-drawn sketch, laying the foundation for a pendant, bracelet, or ear-clip.
This initial vision is then meticulously carved by hand into a unique wax model
using special tools, a crucial step that faithfully translates every intricate
detail from paper into a tangible form.
The artistry deepens as Gino introduces a sculptural dimension through
'Relief Sculpture,' a technique with roots stretching back 20,000 years. This
elevates the design from a two-dimensional profile, giving it depth and
presence. Often, the piece is taken to a third level of artistry with the 'Alto
Rilievo' or 'High Relief' technique, where the sculpted forms project
dramatically, transforming the jewellery into a true three-dimensional
masterpiece.
The Art of Casting
Each piece in the Gino Volpato collection begins with the ancient,
revered lost-wax technique—a 6,000-year-old art form still celebrated for its
ability to capture extraordinary detail in jewellery.
This process starts with a wax model, which is encased in a mould.
Molten silver or brass is then poured in, displacing the wax and perfectly
capturing every fine, intricate detail. Once the metal has cooled, our master
goldsmiths begin their transformative work. They meticulously grind away any
imperfections, polish the piece to a brilliant shine, and finally apply an
oxidation treatment to bestow a timeless, aged character.
This harmonious blend of ancient technique and masterful hand-finishing
ensures every piece is not just jewellery, but a wearable work of art.
This harmonious blend of ancient technique and masterful hand-finishing ensures every piece is not just jewellery, but a wearable work of art.