Rossella Ugolini 18K Yellow Gold Handcrafted Octopus Stud Earrings

Rossella Ugolini grew up surrounded by the Baroque architecture of Rome and regularly helped her father, a mechanic and inventor, with his home projects. From twisting electrical wires to later taking art classes in high school, Ugolini developed a curiosity for shaping objects with her hands. The link between transforming an idea into something real hooked Ugolini deeply, so she dedicated her life to creating Italian-inspired and Italian-made jewelry.

Ugolini acquired her own equipment during her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts and split her time between studying, working evenings and attaining exposure to goldsmiths and labs. She watched the goldsmiths in smoke-filled workshops, occasionally getting a small lesson in how they worked.

Highly conscientious, her pieces are made to give their wearers’ a sense of confidence. Ugolini’s jewelry epitomizes self-assuredness and grace. Along with women who appreciate the luxurious sophistication of her work, Ugolini also attracts a younger generation drawn to her jewelry’s uniqueness and personalization. She has said, “Translating my thoughts, emotions into form is what it is about.”

Ugolini has won several awards, including the 13th International Pearl Exporters Association Special Award and the 1998-99 International Prize for Jewelry Design from Perle Utopia.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Rossella Ugolini earrings, rings, necklaces and more.