The Roberto Coin Appassionata collection is singular in its unique, woven texture that appears in its 18 karat gold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. These pieces take on a fabric-like aesthetic that evokes the incredibly detailed and meticulously handcrafted jewelry of Ancient Egypt. We’re taking you inside this fan-favorite collection and explaining how the basket weave design works.
The Backstory
Ever the innovator, Roberto Coin found inspiration for the exceptional woven texture of his jewelry when he was in a car factory. The elegant arrangement of intertwined hoses at the factory left an indelible impression on the designer, and from it was born the Appassionata collection. With a name meaning “passionate” in Italian, this collection clearly came to life thanks to Coin’s discerning eye and dedication to design.
The fabric-like composition on the pieces in this collection is meticulously handcrafted by the artisans at Roberto Coin. Each “thread” is one thin piece of gold, laid flat and then heated so that it bends. These strands are then skillfully woven together like a basket, forming one cohesive design that is both sturdy as well as beautiful.
Roberto Coin Appassionata 18K Pink Gold Hoop Earrings.
A Wardrobe Staple
This collection’s woven look is so popular that future collections, like Primavera and Designer Gold, incorporated the technique into their designs as well. It’s easy to see why this incredible, statement-making design is such a fan favorite.
First of all, pieces in the Appassionata collection are inherently hard-wearing. The woven texture of the pieces makes it so that the gold is very thick and difficult to break. On the necklaces, since each link is woven together and not connected through tiny rings that can warp or break, the wearer can rest assured that their piece will not fall apart easily, if at all. Some of the pieces even incorporate diamonds into the design, which are, of course, the hardest gemstone in existence. Roberto Coin clearly designed this collection with longevity in mind, making it excellent for heirloom pieces that will survive the ages.
The Roberto Coin Appassionata 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
More than that, the unique design is one that will never go out of style. The bold lines and prominent silhouettes of Appassionata pieces transcend fickle trends and will complement any ensemble thanks to their simplicity and classic composition. Each piece commands attention because of its significant presence on the hand, wrist, or neck, making it the perfect statement-maker that won’t overpower the rest of the outfit, or indeed, the rest of the wearer’s jewelry collection.
One attractive element of the Appassionata collection and of Roberto Coin’s jewelry as a whole is actually not visible from the outside. Each piece is fashioned with a tiny ruby on the inside that makes direct contact with the wearer’s skin. According to legend, ruby gemstones are harbingers of good fortune, and in this case, they represent the message of good wishes that Roberto Coin dedicates to his passionate clientele.
Header image courtesy of First Dibs.