Roberto Coin: “I would like to dress every woman with a different style”

Italian jewellery designer Roberto Coin made a very bold move in his career back in the 1990s: he abandoned a successful career as a hotelier to follow his true passion – jewellery making. Now, with its trademark ruby signature and the brand’s popular flower motif, Roberto Coin’s jewellery is an internationally recognised brand that is often favoured by the rich and famous.

Here Roberto Coin talks about his journey into the world of jewellery making and the inspiration behind his timeless pieces, and reveals that his designs are now available at the Michalis Diamond Gallery in Germasogeia.

What made a successful hotelier get involved with the jewellery business?

I have always been in love with creativity and fashion. Even during my previous career in my hotel I used to study trends and styles. The change from hospitality to the world of creativity has been a mad challenge, but in the end I succeeded in my mission.

When did you first consider designing jewellery?

During a trip in Italy, I visited the Vicenza Gold Show and it was love at first sight. I decided to change my life and start this adventure in creativity. Jewels looked like the maximum expression of beauty and emotion.

What urged you to go from designing for other brands to launching your own line under your own name?

I used to design for the most famous international jewellery brands, when my clients started notifying me that my lines were recognisable for their special manufacture and styles, able to give shape to a brand. After many of these requests, I decided to try and to launch my own brand.

You are called a beauty explorer because you travel the world to find inspiration to design your jewellery. Tell us a few things about this?

Inspiration lies among the differences. They can be differences among views, cultures, ages, styles, tastes. I consider beauty as an expression of these differences so much that I always say that being different is an art. Travelling made me able to get in touch with all these differences that characterise the world, through my jewels I tell them in the language of gold.

Tell us about the legend of the ruby that has been associated with your jewels.

The idea of the ruby as a symbolic signature comes from an ancient time and the pages of antique books.

My passion for history and mythology made me discover three very special stories.

The first legend belongs to the world of ancient Egypt. The pharaohs believed that the ruby was a sort of talisman capable of, if kept in contact with the skin, guaranteeing love, joy and everlasting health.

The second legend narrates the tale of Burmese warriors who wore the ruby for protection on the battlefield.

And lastly, the third legend comes from an old Hindu myth in which rubies were the precious fruits of the sacred Kalpa tree – the tree of hopes and desires.

I decided to identify the soul and the mission of my creative world with this little precious stone and in 1996 I marked my first Appassionata collection with this magical ruby signature.

What inspired the collection’s floral motif that is also the trademark of your brand?

We have designed over 100,000 models and flowers have been part of many of our collections, but the 4 petals venetian floral decoration has become a trademark of the brand during the last years. I used to say that a handwritten letter, a flower and a jewel are the best gifts to touch women’s hearts.

What type of woman do you have in mind when designing?

This is exciting, because I would like to dress every woman with a different style. I do not have one woman in my mind, but all of them, each time unique.

What do you think about the evolution in the field of jewellery from the beginning of your journey until today? What do you think that the evolution in the field of jewellery will be in the coming years?

Since the very beginning in the jewellery field my motto is made by 2 words: Innovation and diversity. This vision has never changed, and I think will never do.

Have you ever been to Cyprus?

I have been in Cyprus three times, unfortunately for a short time, but I consider it a beautiful island with a tasteful clientele.

What changes from the 16th of June for the Roberto Coin brand in Cyprus?

We have a new space in Cyprus, with a special selection of pieces that will transmit all the power of creativity and our mission of beauty.

How do you feel about the fact that famous women systematically choose your creations for glamorous events as well as in their everyday life?

I feel very proud as I know that celebrities are looking for something new and different, it means that our brand is able to surprise again and again.

The brand Roberto Coin is exclusively represented in Cyprus by Michalis Diamond Gallery.

They have a mono-brand jewelry presence at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Other store locations include:

- COD Mediterranean

- Amathus Hotel

- Parklane Hotel

- Four Seasons Hotel

- Central Shop-Tourist Area (Georgiou A 89, 4048) Tel: 25312071

www.michalisdiamondgallery.com