We’re back again with our Behind the Designer series looking deeper into the brands of the jewelry we admire.
For this interview, we’re exploring Inbilico. A jewelry brand that desires to express the balance in jewelry creation. Balance is at the core of Inibilico's philosophy from production to packaging. Using only Lab-grown diamonds for their designs, Italian jewelry brand Inbilico puts people and the planet first through its unwavering commitment to the environment.
We’re glad to embark on this journey to learn more about Inbilico with co-founder Manuela Picciotto. Join us!
“Inspiration can come from various sources: nature, architecture, art, or my personal story. For me it is a way to express creativity and connect on a personal level with those who wear my creations, offering a form of communication that transcends words.”
What brought you into the world of jewelry? What was the inspiration?
From a young age, I was always drawn to beauty in all its forms, whether it was a piece of design, a building, a painting, a film, or a garment. My career began in the advertising field, where I served as an art director. However, over time, I felt something was missing; I felt the need to create something tangible, something I could touch. This longing fueled my curiosity about the world of jewelry, soon turning into a deep passion that led me to embark on a new path.
Inspiration can come from various sources: nature, architecture, art, or my personal story.
For me it is a way to express creativity and connect on a personal level with those who wear my creations, offering a form of communication that transcends words.
The allure of creating something both beautiful and meaningful gave me the motivation to follow this path, and the drive to always experiment with new materials and designs.
Inbilico is an intriguing name. Why the name Inbilico for your brand?
The choice of the name "Inbilico" for our brand symbolizes a balance between various elements that we embody. "Inbilico," translates to "in balance" or "on the brink" in Italian, suggesting that our brand is positioned at the intersection of tradition and innovation, artistry and technology, as well as sustainability and luxury.
It reflects our commitment to maintaining an equilibrium between aesthetic beauty and ethical considerations. We aim to navigate the fine line between classic elegance and contemporary design.
The name embodies the brand's philosophy of being in a constant state of dynamic equilibrium, always seeking to harmonize the different aspects of jewelry making and design.
I really believe that “Inbilico” is the impetus to change in life.
“I hope my customers experience the freedom to express themselves through my jewelry, mixing and matching to create new looks that reflect how they feel at the moment.”
Please share with us about any one of your collections. Why is this a stand-out collection?
Currently, we offer four collections, available in both gold and silver. However, the essence of our design lies in the modularity and interchangeability of the earrings, effectively presenting our offering as a single extensive collection. Moreover, it's up to our customers to shape their look, freely combining pieces to create personalized and unique styles.
What do you hope customers experience when wearing your jewelry?
I hope my customers experience the freedom to express themselves through my jewelry, mixing and matching to create new looks that reflect how they feel at the moment. I want them to feel free to pair pieces from my collection with those they already own, always feeling free to explore and express their individuality without boundaries.
What is your design process like in forming the jewelry?
My design process begins with inspiration and research, which can come from anything around me: nature, art, architecture, or even human emotions. From there, I sketch my ideas, trying to capture the essence and the essentials of what I've imagined.
I select materials that best fit the vision of the piece, with always a focus on sustainability and quality. The next phase is the realization, where my ideas take physical form through the skilled hands of Italian artisans in our workshop.
I collaborate with an 80-year-old visionary goldsmith who can infuse his extensive tradition into every single piece we create!
“This acceptance and understanding from someone so deeply rooted in traditional jewelry-making underscores the potential and value of combining innovative materials like lab-grown diamonds with the unmatched skill and artistry found in Valenza.”
What about your commitment to the planet? What is your environmentally friendly jewelry-making process?
Our commitment to the planet is demonstrated by using lab-grown diamonds and recycled gold and silver, key components of our eco-friendly jewelry-making process. Every piece of sales support material is carefully chosen to ensure its sustainability, confirmed by specific certifications. For example, our pochettes are made of a special fabric created by recycled plastic bottles from the sea!
This conscious choice allows us to offer luxury jewelry that respects the environment, aligning with the values of both our customers and our brand. Furthermore, the way our earrings are used also mirrors the circular economy; every single model we produce is designed to be worn and combined with something you already own, enhancing both versatility and sustainability.
What does it mean that your jewelry is made in your region (Italy)? How does the region you are in influence your jewelry?
Our jewelry is crafted in Valenza, Piedmont, a town with a rich history of jewelry making and home to many of Italy's most prestigious brands. Valenza is not just our production base; it's a place steeped in the tradition and excellence of Italian craftsmanship.
I must say, bringing lab-grown diamonds to Valenza was a bold move, but to my great surprise, my trusted over eighty collaborators immediately recognized the beauty and complexity of these diamonds. This acceptance and understanding from someone so deeply rooted in traditional jewelry-making underscores the potential and value of combining innovative materials like lab-grown diamonds with the unmatched skill and artistry found in Valenza. It's a testament to the region's openness to innovation while maintaining a deep respect for the craft's heritage.
What are your hopes for the jewelry landscape in the future?
I hope for greater transparency in the industry, allowing consumers to make informed choices about the jewelry they purchase. I wish for continued innovation in materials and techniques, opening new possibilities for design while reducing environmental impact.
Anyway on every path I'll explore, there will come that "Inbilico" moment where, with a smile, I'll find myself weighing the options, and then, I'll let myself be guided towards the path that promises the greatest adventure.