The Story Behind Roberto Coin and the Hidden Ruby in Every Piece
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Roberto Coin Hidden Ruby
Fine jewelry has always been a medium for capturing a moment in time, a memory, or a story of emotion told through precious metals and brilliant stones. Yet, few designers have mastered the art of embedding a literal and figurative secret into their creations quite like Roberto Coin. Since its launch in 1996, the Italian brand has become a classic. A favorite. Beloved by collectors for its unmistakable artistry and innovative silhouettes. And within each creation? A small ruby hidden on the inside of every single piece.
To truly grasp the artistry behind a Roberto Coin creation, one must look beyond the surface-level brilliance of its polished gold and meticulously cut diamonds. It demands an appreciation for the heritage of Italian goldsmithing itself, and a level of curiosity for ancient mythology. Those who incorporate this name into their day-to-day life are those who desire something that holds meaning, almost like a secret handshake between collectors. For those looking to explore these wearable works of art, Sheiban Jewelers offers a curated selection of necklaces, bracelets, and rings, all of which tether the here and now to a special moment in history.
The Origins of Roberto Coin
Roberto Coin, as a global luxury jewelry brand, is entirely unique. Unlike many heritage houses that trace their lineage back centuries through generations of bench jewelers, Roberto Coin’s philosophy was driven by sheer passion. Before the man himself became a master of gold, Roberto Coin was a successful hotelier who traveled the world, immersing himself in diverse cultures, art, architecture, and high fashion. Even so, he harbored a relentless desire to create and in 1977 decided to leave hospitality to dedicate his life to the art of jewelry making. For nearly two decades, he operated behind the scenes, producing exceptional pieces for some of the world’s most prestigious international jewelry brands.
By 1996, Roberto Coin was ready to step into the spotlight and debut the brand under his own name, so that’s exactly what he did. When the name finally arrived, the house was already brimming with creative energy and unbound by the rigidity of centuries-old archives; he soon found that his only true constraint was the reach of his own imagination. And so the story began…
Vicenza: The City of Gold
Roberto Coin’s headquarters are rooted in Vicenza, a picturesque city in the Veneto region of northern Italy. Known globally as the "City of Gold," this special location has been a center for jewelry craftsmanship since the Middle Ages, and it’s easy to see why. The city’s streets are lined with Andrea Palladio architecture, offering bucketfuls of inspiration for creating jewelry pieces of classical beauty.
It is here that Roberto Coin’s sketches are transformed into reality. The artisans in Vicenza possess knowledge passed down through generations, understanding how gold behaves and how it can be woven, textured, polished, and shaped to defy its metallic nature. This setting provides the perfect alchemy for a Roberto Coin collection – each creation entirely its own.
The Signature Hidden Ruby: A Secret Message to the Wearer
Above all, the most defining and emotionally resonant characteristic of Roberto Coin jewelry is the secret shared exclusively between the designer and the wearer: a small, round ruby flush-set into the interior of the metal. This signature element is deeply rooted in ancient mythology and historical texts, not to mention entirely unique to the Italian brand. While reading the ancient works of Pliny the Elder and studying Egyptian pharaohs and ancient Burmese folklore, Roberto Coin discovered that the ruby was indeed considered the king of all gemstones. It was believed to possess magical properties, capable of granting its wearer:
- Good Health: Associated with vitality, protection, and well-being.
- Happiness: Symbolizing joy, passion, and positive energy.
- Prosperity: Representing good fortune, wealth, and success.
There was one stipulation, however. The ruby had to remain in continuous contact with the wearer’s skin.
Roberto Coin’s Wearable Works of Art
What of the aesthetic language of a piece of Roberto Coin jewelry? This globally loved innovator introduces hundreds of new designs every year. Yet, across all the collections, there is a unifying thread of structural integrity and exceptional wearability. Several key collections highlight the brand’s ability to push the boundaries of traditional jewelry making. Here they are…
The Jasmine Collection
Inspired by the delicate beauty of the jasmine flower, the Jasmine collection brings botanical forms into Roberto Coin’s jewelry designs. Crafted in 18K gold, the collection features floral and butterfly motifs with soft silhouettes and intricate details. Diamonds, mother-of-pearl, and colorful gemstones add dimension to the designs, while polished and satin finishes highlight their natural forms. The collection includes rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and bangles, ranging from simple floral accents to elaborate arrangements.
The Princess Flower Collection
The Princess Flower collection draws inspiration from the beauty of flowers, transforming delicate floral shapes into distinctive jewelry designs. Crafted in 18K yellow, white, and rose gold, the collection features sculptural petals, intricate textures, and a combination of polished gold and sparkling diamonds. The designs balance soft, romantic details with structured floral forms, appearing across rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and bangles.
The Venetian Princess Collection
Inspired by the decorative details of Venetian palaces overlooking the city’s canals, the Venetian Princess collection incorporates floral motifs and intricate goldwork into its designs. One of its distinguishing features is a concealed structure of twisted gold wire, adding complexity beneath the surface of each piece. Crafted in 18K gold, the collection features diamonds, colorful gemstones, and textured finishes across rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Each design reflects the architectural influences and decorative traditions of Venice.
The Love in Verona Collection
The Love in Verona collection explores the symbolism of love through a distinctive four-petal floral motif. Repeated throughout the designs in diamonds and engraved details, the flower also appears on the interior of certain pieces as a subtle reminder of inner beauty. Crafted in 18K yellow, white, and rose gold, the collection combines polished surfaces, diamond accents, and delicate engravings. Its designs range from understated floral rings and necklaces to diamond-set bracelets, earrings, and bangles.
Technology and Handcraft of Roberto Coin Designs
What sets Roberto Coin apart in the crowded landscape of high jewelry is the brand’s refusal to choose between old-world handcraft and modern technology. They employ both with equal respect.
Advanced 3D modeling and laser-welding technologies are used to achieve the millimeter-perfect precision required for each complex structural design within the Roberto Coin universe. However, the soul of the jewelry is always applied by hand; the final polishing, the intricate wire-brushing of the gold, and the meticulous setting of the diamonds, as well as the hidden ruby, are all executed by the steady hands of master artisans, ensuring that every piece is highly durable for everyday wear but imbued with the warmth of human touch.
Roberto Coin’s Commitment to Ethical Sourcing
Roberto Coin recognized early on that true luxury cannot exist without ethical responsibility, so the brand became a pioneer in transparency, strictly adhering to the Kimberley Process to ensure that all diamonds are conflict-free. Furthermore, it sources its materials from regions and partners that uphold rigorous human rights and environmental standards. The hidden ruby, for example, is completely synthetic – an ethical choice made by Roberto Coin to ensure that this special signature element does not contribute to the complex environmental issues often associated with ruby mining. By using a chemically identical, lab-grown ruby for the hidden signature, Roberto Coin can guarantee that the stone’s message of peace and prosperity remains untainted.
Discovering Roberto Coin at Sheiban Jewelers
Understanding the profound history and the hidden message within each Roberto Coin jewelry design is only the first step. The true enjoyment in these pieces only happens the moment you hold them and feel the weight of the gold against your skin. Only then, when you observe how the light catches the wire-brushed finishes and locate the hidden ruby for yourself, do you unlock the true beauty of the Roberto Coin experience. Devoted collectors of these pieces describe this experience to us every day, here at Sheiban Jewelers.
For discerning collectors and new enthusiasts alike, finding a trusted environment to explore these creations is paramount. We’re proud to be a destination for discovering the artistry of Roberto Coin. Our deep respect for heritage craftsmanship and a commitment to curating only the finest jewelry designs show in our curated selection in-store. The values here at Sheiban Jewelers naturally align with the ethos of the Roberto Coin brand.
We understand that shopping for fine jewelry is an intimate experience and requires guidance from experts who understand the nuances of the pieces they present. That’s why our team at Sheiban Jewelers offers a warm and highly personalized approach, ensuring that you can navigate the diverse collections of Roberto Coin with confidence. Whether you’re drawn to the delicate floral designs of the Princess Flower collection or the distinctive four-petal motifs of Love in Verona, we provide the setting to experience these creations firsthand.
Every piece of Roberto Coin tells a story. We invite you to discover yours by exploring the Roberto Coin collection at Sheiban Jewelers today.
Does Roberto Coin jewelry come with a warranty?
Roberto Coin provides a 24-month warranty from the date of purchase for manufacturing defects. The warranty does not cover damage caused by improper use, accidents, normal wear, or alterations, and it can be voided if the jewelry is repaired or modified by a third party.
What should you do if Roberto Coin jewelry needs to be repaired?
Roberto Coin recommends bringing jewelry that needs servicing to an authorized Roberto Coin retailer like Sheiban Jewelers. The brand directs customers to its store locator to find an authorized location.
Are all Roberto Coin designs available online?
No. Roberto Coin explains that its website carries a selected assortment of newer and popular styles. Other products, sizes, and styles may be available through Roberto Coin boutiques or authorized retailers even when they aren’t shown for purchase online.
Sheiban Jewelers
Sheiban Jewelers is a fifth-generation, family-owned jeweler serving the Cleveland area. With more than a century of family expertise in fine jewelry and craftsmanship, Sheiban specializes in fine jewelry, luxury timepieces, custom design, and expert jewelry services.