Italy is at the centre of the industry, accounting for 70% of European production. Each year, Italy processes 500 tons of fine gold, 1,400 tons of silver, and 4 tons of platinum. Over 40,000 people are employed in the jewellery sector in Italy, making Italian jewellers world renowned.
Valenza, a small city in the beautiful Piedmont region, is home to the highest number of artisan gold and jewellery businesses in Italy. Most of Italy's gold jewellery with precious stones are made in Valenza. In fact, 8,000 of its 20,000 inhabitants are involved in jewellery manufacturing. In 2015, Valenza inaugurated its Museo del Gioiello, or Jewellery Museum, marking its international reputation as the centre of the industry and honouring Italian jewellers.
In choosing to become a jeweller, Sergio Porcari followed a centuries-old tradition in his native Valenza. In that small city, Italian jewellers inhabited every block. Youths naturally aspired to excel in the craft. At the age of 16, inspired by a neighbour who was a jeweller, Sergio began his training at the Benvenuto Cellini State Institute of Art that continues to offer a wide range of courses in goldsmithery, engraving and mounting, soldering and enamelling, chiselling and embossing, glyptic, analysis of gems, as well as hard precious stone and gem manufacturing, producing the finest Italian jewellers.
As an apprentice, following the local traditions, Sergio worked for years for a master before striking out on his own. At the age of 22, in 1968, his teacher won the prestigious International Diamond Award, the world's premier prize for jewellery, while Sergio brought his teacher's design to life, after 975 hours of work. The masterpiece necklace toured the world before being purchased by a famous actress.
As an apprentice, following the local traditions, Sergio worked for years for a master before striking out on his own. At the age of 22, in 1968, his teacher won the prestigious International Diamond Award, the world's premier prize for jewellery, while Sergio brought his teacher's design to life, after 975 hours of work. The masterpiece necklace toured the world before being purchased by a famous actress.
In Montreal, Sergio continues the tradition that he learned in his native Valenza. His specialty is assembling rings, pendants, and earrings. His work is exclusive to his store. While in Valenza there are many small artisan manufacturers, Oritalia is unique in Montreal. In Montreal, Sergio is an Italian jeweller. Back home, he was a jeweller, following a long tradition of excellence.