Bona Calvi, founder of Bona Calvi (2014)

Bona Calvi’s passion for jewelry is immediately perceived. Bona is inside her workshop in Milan which she defines as “her place in the world” where her wax miniatures, inspired to the world of nature, and destined to also become “customized” jewels, come to life.

What was your training path?

It was certainly fascinating and intense. After my classical studies, I enrolled at the Accademia di Brera, driven by my strong passion for drawing. Here is where I studied set design, and I was really fascinated by puppetry, thanks to which I experienced for the first time the art of clay modeling. At the same time as my academic training, I became interested in metal processing and restoration by attending Nello Paolucci’s laboratory for the restoration of ancient scientific instruments, ARASS, in Milan. Among the several projects realised during this experience, I contributed to the restoration of the famous Schiaparelli Telescope. In 2013, I enrolled at Scuola Orafa Ambrosiana in Milan, where I specialized in wax modeling.

When did your passion for goldsmithing develop?

I have never been the little girl who plays with beads and created jewels. It is by working and creating that I have discovered this passion which has now become something I cannot live without. The meeting with Master Paolucci was certainly decisive: in fact, it was on this occasion that my interest in metalworking started coming to life. A love that was born in the laboratory and has been shaped over time. During the training experience at Scuola Orafa Ambrosiana, I felt this passion growing more and more. So, I began to create my first micro-sculptures. Among my experiences, I remember with pleasure the creation of a wax bee for one of the three awards dedicated to the winners of the thematic exhibition Broken Nature, curated by Paola Antonelli, at the Triennale Milano. From there on, it was all a crescendo.

What is the inspiration for your creations?

I continually draw my inspiration from the world of nature. I love reproducing the shapes of animals: bears, octopuses, ladybugs, sloths, giraffes, anchovies, elephants, crocodiles, whales, crabs, lions and many more. I am fascinated by organic shapes and by all that is unusual, peculiar, which allows me to create precious niche jewelry.

Coccodrillo Ring

What are the materials and processing methods that characterize your creations?

In my workshop, I create jewels by using lost wax technique, a very ancient technique through which I obtain the miniatures. My creations are in gold, bronze, silver and brass. Among these, the yellow bronze is by far the material I love the most. Working it makes my heart beat. I consider my workshop as the place where I truly feel myself, and where I express myself best. Moreover, I love the slight imperfections of my jewels, which are the symbol of the artisanal process that makes each creation unique in its kind. Besides my personal projects, I create “tailor-made” creations, customized on my clients, be they museums as in the case of the prize I made for Triennale Milano or private citizens.


Inseparabili Ring

What do you wish to convey through your creations?

For me is fundamental to express emotions. I live on this: on emotions. There is no greater satisfaction than to convey my passion, and to know that I was able to communicate a feeling. Hearing the moved voice of a customer who has received a jewel I created, repays me for all my effort and long hours spent at my workshop.

Among all your creations, is there a jewel you are particularly fond of?

I am particularly attached to Polpo. It is iconic, as it best represents my story. In fact, it was one of my first creations: I received requests from all over the world and I still continue to make it. But I also love the bronze ring Inseparabili, with the two parrots in love. Tomorrow I will create a new jewel and I know already that I will fall in love again.

Polpo Ring


What are your resolutions for the future?

It is a great satisfaction to see today the amazement in the eyes of my customers when I greet them at my workshop, where I schedule meetings on appointment. Besides offline meetings, it is a great satisfaction to receive numerous orders on my new e-commerce website. Therefore, my goal is to focus on conveying emotions whether offline or online, creating products of ever-increasing quality. Moreover, my goal is to continue to perfect myself without ever stopping. I want to design customizable jewels of the highest level. My commitment is aimed at perfecting my technique to the fullest, creating products of absolute excellence, unique in the jewelry world. I would like my signature to become more and more a symbol and a guarantee of Italian goldsmith excellence and mastery.

Spiga Bracelet