Vicenza, Italy. Since 1929
FOPE has its roots within the goldsmithing traditions of Italy, which has its historical and manufacturing centre in the city of Vicenza. Umberto Cazzola opened the first FOPE workshop in 1929. In the same pioneering spirit, his son Odino transformed this workshop into a state-of-the-art factory and invented adjustable metal watch bracelets, while nephews Umberto and Ines created the iconic Novecento mesh and patented Flex’it technology. The 4th generation, with Giulia, reached international success; the family business is now listed on the Milan stock exchange and is today one of the most well-known and popular fine jewellery brands in Italy.
Hands, machines: craftmanship and technology
In the Vicenza factory, where all FOPE jewellery is designed and manufactured, technicians are flanked by master goldsmiths, who work with automated machinery and robotics to optimise time and resources, and to achieve the highest possible quality. Among the most important innovations introduced by FOPE is the unmistakable Novecento Mesh, the soft gold weave launched in 1980, created by ingeniously crimping together intricate gold components without the need for welding, and a patented system called Flex’it, where microscopic 18ct gold springs are inserted into the gold mesh to make it flexible.
Technology and design in 18-carat gold
Flex’it is the brand’s signature: if FOPE jewellery is known the world over, it is because of the mesh made flexible by a patented system of tiny 18-carat gold springs. Over the years, the Flex’it range has expanded and the mesh has been reinterpreted in both aesthetics and technology, with jewellery that offers new styles and unprecedented wearability. A masterpiece of both goldsmithing and engineering, Flex’it is a unique system: no other brand is able to produce flexible jewellery entirely and solely using 18-carat gold.
Contemporary jewellery for everyday luxury
Luxurious yet versatile, comfortable and genderless, minimalist yet refined. FOPE jewellery’s aesthetic revolves around the gold components from which the iconic FOPE mesh was born, and Flex’it technology, which makes the jewellery flexible, embodying a cool sense of contemporary elegance. This is jewellery that transcends trends, space and time, to be worn all day, every day.