“Donna Jewel x GemGenève” project arises from the desire to give voice to creativity, culture and self-expression through the art of jewelry. Under the Creative Direction of Laura Inghirami, the students from the “Artistic High School, Jewelry Design Course” of the Francesco Degni Institute of Higher Education and the students of the “High Technician for the Production of High-Quality Made in Italy goldsmith products – ITS” from the Galdus School of Milano, celebrated the excellence of “Made in Italy” in GemGenève, as they represent the future of Italian Art. The project, at its third edition, saw an exhibition curated by Laura Inghirami, Donna Jewel and GemGenève. The project concluded with the awarding of the prize to Annapia Liguoro.

Annapia, you are the winner of the prestigious award at GemGenève. Tell us more about your experience in Geneva.

My experience in Geneva was simply wonderful. I am thrilled to share the details of my stay and the prestigious award I received. Geneva, with its rich history, culture and natural beauty, will always remain in my heart as a special city, full of inspiration and unique opportunities. I will also fondly remember the fact that I took a plane for the first time. GemGenève is an extraordinary event that brings together some of the greatest talents in the world of jewelry. It was an honor to participate and winning the award was a dream come true. I had the opportunity to meet industry professionals, participate in workshops and admire unique creations.

What was the best memory you have of this experience?

The best memory I will keep of this experience was the moment of the award ceremony. Hearing the applause of the audience and seeing the proud faces of my loved ones was truly emotional. Another unforgettable memory was meeting and talking with other designers, sharing experiences and learning from them.

Tell us about your jewel, where did the idea come from?

The idea of ​​creating a jewel with the frog arose because the frog has a deep meaning to me. The ability of the frog to transform from a tadpole to an adult represents to me the ability to adapt and grow personally. Knowing that the frog symbolizes transformation, luck, regeneration, and growth, I connected these meanings to the discrimination that unfortunately persists today. The inspiration for the structure of the bracelet comes from the 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog”. The frog enclosed in a dome represents freedom. Unfortunately, the princess cannot kiss the frog because people do not change, so there will never be a balance in the world if we do not change ourselves first.

What techniques did you use and how much time did you invest to complete the jewel?

Before making the design table, I made several test sketches until I found the right idea. Then, I moved on to 3D design, making changes to the original sketch. After casting the bracelet, I cleaned the supports, cut the malachite paste, engraved the leaf on mother-of-pearl and created the frog with the shell. Finally, I assembled everything with the dome. The time it took to complete the work was four and a half months.

What was the most difficult part?

The most difficult moments of the project were two: removing the supports from the bracelet and figuring out how to position the dome.

How much has your territory influenced the creation of your jewel?

I hope that my jewel can give value and rebirth to my city, Torre del Greco. My territory has a huge influence on my work. The nature, history and culture of the place where I live have always been a source of inspiration for me. Every piece I create reflects in some way my roots and the environment that surrounds me.

Who do you want to dedicate this award to?

I dedicate this victory to all those who believed in me from day one: friends, relatives, teachers and simple acquaintances. Even to those I don’t know personally but who voted for me. I dedicate this award to the city of  Torre del Greco, which deserves recognition. But above all, I dedicate this victory to myself, because after so many sacrifices, I feel I deserve something special.

How did your passion arise?

My passion for art arose when I was a child. I have always felt attracted to creativity and artistic expression. Sometimes I abandoned art, but every time I felt lost. This made me understand how fundamental it was for me.

How did you choose Istituto Degni?

I chose Istituto Degni because it offers a unique opportunity. Initially I had chosen another course, but I soon realized that it was not the right one for me. At the end of the first year I enrolled in the artistic major and I have never looked back.

What is the most beautiful feature of your school?

The most beautiful feature of my school is the museum, a place that encompasses history, art and inspiration.

What would you like to do after graduating from high school?

After graduating from high school, I hope that luck and the skills acquired will allow me to continue in this wonderful artistic field.

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to teach one of the many artistic subjects, sharing my passion and inspiring future generations.

 Is there anything you would like to add?

I want to thank everyone who believed in me and my project since day one: friends, relatives and teachers for their support. A special thanks goes to GemGenève, Laura Inghirami, the Headmaster of my school and the President of Assocoral for making this wonderful experience possible.