Damiani: Alchemy of Desire: A Story, A Family, and an Italian Passion

“The book itself ranks up there with any of the great volumes produced about the heritage or legendary brands with the appropriately perfect photography and reproduction quality.”

Damiani: Alchemy of Desire: A Story, A Family, and an Italian Passion has multiple missions. There is no question that given the quality of its contents this book is more than up to the task and may accomplish even more than it set out to do.

First and foremost it is a paean to the business that was founded some 90 years ago and remains a family business to this day. The history is lovingly told by family members who control the Damiani operation as well as those who have worked for the business and the family for decades. Testimonials abound and rose petals are tossed in the path, so to speak, of the Damiani family for their kindnesses and business acumen. This is the expected portion of this glorious book.

For these critical eyes, the most mesmerizing part of the book is the assemblage of photographs that affords the reader an exquisitely extensive look at the history of the brand and its incredible range of product. After reading the book, my assessment of the brand is that it holds its own amongst the major players of the world of “haute joallier.” No longer can Damiani be looked at as a cousin or “poor relation” to Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef, or Tiffany, because after reviewing the astounding output, the brand certainly demonstrates itself a peer even a leader in this rarefied product arena.

What sets apart this brand from the rest is that it is distinctly contemporary and modern but not in a cheesy way. It is where all the heritage brands are directing themselves these days, and Damiani has already covered that arena.

Another distinction that can be made here is that Damiani was a leader and way ahead of the flock when it came to brand ambassadors, collaborations, and celebrity editorials. It’s quite astounding what can be gleaned from this epic volume.

As is the case with most glossy books of this nature or genre, there are chapters that deal with design concepts and philosophies as well as raw materials. Again, what distances this book from the others is the knowledge we gain and learn about this lesser known brand. The undercurrent is always that this is a family held business and not beholden to stockholder scrutiny thereby insuring the ongoing integrity and original modus operandi.

If you are a jewelry lover or consider yourself a bit of a historian on the subject, you best get out there and buy this book and add it to your library as this is a book that will beckon you time after time. The book itself ranks up there with any of the great volumes produced about the heritage or legendary brands with the appropriately perfect photography and reproduction quality.