This necklace is the first in a series inspired by the Archeological Revival Jewelry made by Castellani in the 1800s. 

Fortunato Pio Castellani opened his first jewelry shop in Rome in 1814.  He was the son of a goldsmith who died when he was Fortunato was young.  Other family members and Michelangelo Caetini fostered his fascination with jewelry.  The latter encouraged the young Castellani to look to the ancient Etruscans and other societies for inspiration after hearing him speak at a lecture in 1826 on tinting gold

to imitate the deep yellow of the ancient archeological finds.  Royalty from all over the world purchased his “archeological revival jewelry”.  He experimented with new techniques and old techniques described by Pliny the Elder.

His business flourished (as well as designs) when he collaborated with his two sons, Alessandro and Augusto.  Their designs also were inspired by the Byzantine and Gothic periods.  They used gold, gems, enamels, and micromosaics to create magnificent and timeless pieces of jewelry.

This necklace was inspired by a micromosaic Castellani necklace that had an Egyptian influence.  It uses stone scarabs and cylinder beads to recreate his micromosaic wonder.   Participants will learn to bezel the scarab (or focal bead) with peyote and then join to a square stitch piece.  Participants will also learn circular peyote and brick stitch and how to “combine” the two.

Two Day Workshop
Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Must be proficient in flat brick stitch, flat peyote stitch.