Adam's FINE JEWELLERY & WATCHES 16 May 2023

71 It has been acknowledged that the modern history of gold is the history of Uno A Erre. Founded in 1926 by Carlo Zucchi and Leopoldo Gorri in Arezzo, Ita- ly, the company f lourished instantly and was the first busi- ness in the region to receive a registered trademark of the gold industry. This mark, “1AR” evolved into the brand’s name “Uno A Erre”. A pivotal moment for the House occurred in 1935. Following countrywide donations of gold wedding rings to aid war efforts, UnoAErre was one of the few companies commissioned to replace these important items using iron and platinite. Working on this large scale was a learning opportunity for the brand, and facilitated a focusing of efforts on mass appeal within their own designs. It was however in the 1950s, according to art historian Annamaria Massinelli, that Uno A Erre began to cultivate a respected international reputation. At this time of advancing metalworking techniques which allowed pieces such as necklaces to become more sculptural, UnoAErre experimented with mesh designs and combining various gems with gold. The following decades saw the House create a vast array of jewellery, centring the use of different styles of chains such as curbs, rope, foldover, and bead. Today, the company is thriving, and has become its own eco- system of gold which values environmental and social sustainability. The atelier takes gold in as ingots and transforms it in-house into beautiful, visually delicate creations. 98 99 100 101 102A