Something magical happens when you enter the atelier of master goldsmith Alessandro Dari in Florence.
Behind the doors of a historic Renaissance palace in the San Niccolò district of Florence is a space dedicated to the beauty and traditional techniques of the goldsmith. It′s a rare and unique space that combines showroom, museum, and atelier in one, filled with beautiful pieces of crafted jewellery.
Dari’s exceptional pieces are works of art—exquisitely designed and executed. And if you are anything like me, you will search for any excuse to take home a memento for your collection before you leave. The intricate detail of his crown rings or bejewelled crosses embellished with precious stones is irresistible. This is where you find that unique item to celebrate your love or life events.
Florence has a long history of exceptional goldsmiths
The work of Alessandro Dari is uniquely Florentine; these are not pieces you will find anywhere else in the world. Dari’s studio harkens back to a Renaissance atelier, rich in atmosphere and tradition. Cabinets of precious pieces are on display, and the workshop itself sits beneath a wooden mezzanine cluttered with shelves of tools and raw materials.
Also, a museum with a large number of glass cabinets displaying stunning jewellery from past collections, the workshop was given the illustrious title of “Museo Bottega” from the Cultural Ministry in Rome in 2001, and its doors are open to everyone.
If you feel inspired to design your own family jewels, Dari also runs trimester-length courses in the art of the goldsmith. Students are based in his workshop and learn to create their own original pieces.