One thing I appreciate about Italy is that it has so many amazing local businesses! I hardly saw any chains. Most of the restaurants are family businesses handed down from generation to generation.
As I roamed through the city I saw little wood or brass workshops and the cutest little trinkets that fill the windows. I have to give a little shoutout to my homie Laurel who studied abroad in Florence a few years ago and told me about a jewelry shop I needed to visit.
At first I was a little skeptical when she told me it was in an apartment complex and I had to ring the buzzer for this man to let me into his shop, but when the gates opened, the cutest little Italian man and his wife came out to greet my friend and I and took us into their amazing workshop.
Giuliano Ricchi makes every piece of jewelry in his shop by hand and he had some of the most exquisite detailed pieces I have ever seen. We came to have a special bracelet made by him so he took us down a steep stair case so we could be involved in the entire process.
We handed him 1 Euro each and he turned on his roller machine (I’m sure there’s a technical term for this) and sent it through on a fancy Florence designed piece of steel and it smashed our coin into a beautiful medallion!
Then he drilled some holes in the sides and attached a chain to each side that fit each of our wrists perfectly. It was so cool!!
He was having so much fun showing us all the little things he has made inducing little mini “The David”s and tiny bumble bees. He showed us some purchase orders he has from states in the USA!
This experience perfectly sums up the type of trip was for me, unique, special and filled with people that care about others. Thank you Giuliano for being a part of making my trip to Italy so special!
Love always,
Nicole xx #DoStuff
hello. may i have the address, please? and how much did you pay for each bracelet? thank you in advance!
Hi! I don’t know the exact address but if you can find Osteria Santo Spirito then the door is adjacent to the square. Look on the buzzer for “Ricchie” and that’s him!!