Gift of the Gab - Mother's Day Edition
Mother's Day Gifts Through Paola's Eyes
For this special Mother's Day edition of Gift of the Gab, Gabriele welcomes a very special guest: Paola, co-owner of Bijouterie Italienne and, above all, his mother.
Working together every day, one might assume he knows her style by instinctively. This edition puts that to the test. Can he choose the pieces she would choose for herself? Through a playful exchange of favorites, Paola reveals the jewellery and watches she naturally drawn to,, while Gabriele attempts to match each selection.
From iconic creations by dinh van and Pomellato to Italian gold bracelets, and refined Swiss watchmaking by Frederique Constant, her choices offer a thoughtful perspective on Mother's Day gifting.
The Graphic Chic of dinh van
The first selection turns to dinh van, a maison Paola feels a strong connection to. Founded by Jean Dinh Van, the house has long stood apart for its free, architectural approach to fine jewellery, creating pieces designed to be lived in rather than reserved.
Her selections reflect that spirit. The Impression hoop earrings stand out for their bold, almost architectural lines, while the Maillon L bracelet explores the idea of the link reinterpreted as something fluid and modern.
Her final choice, the Le Cube necklace, feels especially emblematic. Inspired by a dialogue between circle and square, the motif has become one of the house’s signatures. Crafted in 18K gold like all dinh van creations, it embodies a modernity that feels precise, understated and enduring rather than trend-driven.
Italian Gold Bracelets, Timeless Essentials
Some pieces never leave a jewellery wardrobe. Italian gold bracelets are among them.
Paola’s essentials include a rounded curb-link bracelet, a mixed-link design full of character, and a paperclip bracelet, which becomes her final choice and the one Gaby had to guess.
What defines Italian 18K gold jewellery is not only design, but craftsmanship and material integrity. Made in 750 gold, it carries a rich, warm colour and a distinctive weight, while the alloy structure ensures durability for everyday wear. In Italy’s goldsmithing tradition, links are engineered with exceptional fluidity, allowing bracelets to feel both substantial and effortless.
The paperclip bracelet captures this perfectly. Contemporary in silhouette yet timeless in spirit, it is versatile enough to wear alone or layered, always maintaining a quiet presence.
Pomellato and the Art of Milanese Style
There is an unmistakable confidence to Pomellato, and Paola is naturally drawn to it.
Her selections move between the Iconica link bracelet and an oval-link necklace from the Gold collection, both reflecting the maison’s sculptural approach to gold.
Her final choice is the Iconica bangle.
Iconica is one of Pomellato’s most recognisable expressions of craftsmanship, rooted in Milanese goldsmithing tradition. Defined by soft, rounded volumes and entirely hand-finished surfaces, it treats gold as a sculptural material in its own right rather than a supporting element.
The bangle carries presence without excess. It feels bold, but still easy and natural to wear, which aligns closely with Paola’s personal style.
A Watch Chosen for its Meaning
The final category turns to Swiss watchmaking with Frederique Constant.
Paola’s choice is immediate: the Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar 40mm.
Beyond its refined aesthetic, the watch is powered by the in-house FC-776 calibre, featuring a perpetual calendar complication that automatically accounts for varying month lengths and leap years, paired with a 72-hour power reserve. It is a technical achievement presented with remarkable clarity and restraint.
What makes it compelling is the balance it achieves. Mechanical complexity is present, but never overwhelming. The design remains classical, legible and elegantly composed.
It reflects an appreciation for craftsmanship that is both intelligent and understated.
Gifts Chosen with Instinct
What makes Paola’s selections so compelling is their natural ease. Nothing feels forced or over-considered. Each piece reflects a style built over time, guided more by instinct than by trend.
From the graphic purity of dinh van to the sculptural richness of Pomellato, from Italian gold bracelets to Swiss horology, these are Mother’s Day gifts defined by meaning, craftsmanship and longevity.
And in the end, Gabriele manages to correctly guess at least one piece from each category, adding a final playful note to this mother-and-son exchange.