A precious jewel
Location: Rome
Area: 30 Smq
Client: Private
Project time: 2010
In the heart of the Monti district, just a few steps from the Imperial Fora, in an area historically known for its artisan workshops, we designed and built a small jewellery shop complete with an adjoining craft workshop. The existing condition consisted of two separate rooms, allowing us to divide the functions according to the activities, both characterised by large shop windows overlooking the street.
The design approach shared with the owner was shaped by several needs: first and foremost, the need to maximise space in a small environment and increase the visibility of the handmade pieces; to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere using colour tones that would complement not only the items on sale—characterised by a variety of materials and colours— but also the very soul of the neighbourhood; to make the new space contemporary through refined and effective design choices.
In the first room, dedicated to displaying the jewellery and serving as the main entrance, we created a plasterboard wall featuring niches of various sizes for showcasing the pieces.
The relationship between solid surfaces (wall) and voids (niches) is intentionally unbalanced: the solid parts are more prominent in order to emphasise the niches and the items displayed within them. Several studies were carried out for this wall: at first, we considered introducing base drawers to increase contrast with the flooring, or creating larger niches clad in wood; however, these solutions overshadowed the main objective—enhancing the jewellery.
The final choice, agreed with the client, was to create a linear and contemporary wall organised with niches sized specifically to house the jewellery, “forcing” the eye to focus precisely on those spaces. Each niche is fitted with recessed LED lighting, discreet and precise, to create plays of light and reflections on the gemstones and metals.
Warm-coloured parquet flooring was used throughout the shop to give the environment a sense of warmth and hospitality.
Warm-coloured parquet flooring was used throughout the shop to give the environment a sense of warmth and hospitality.
In the passageway between the first and second room, we placed the cash desk, which also serves as a visual divider between the two spaces.
The second room, in turn, is partially separated by a small wall where the workshop activities—designing and crafting the jewellery—take place.
Thanks to the shopfront windows overlooking one of the district’s most important streets, both rooms become points of interest, as passers-by can observe both the workshop and the display and sales area.
Linear forms, delicate materials, warm and inviting lighting all come together to transform the entire space into a small and precious jewel.