Fashion Takes Flight

In honor of National Armed Forces day, we’re taking a closer look at one of our new artisans, Jerry.  It’s not every day that you come across a retired marine who’s evolved from a career working on aircraft into making and selling jewelry, which is why we just had to know more!

After high school graduation, Jerry’s family didn’t have the ability to finance a college education, and after weighing out his options, Jerry knew serving his country was the best option. Coming from a long line of family in the armed forces, his grandfather in the Army air corps, his father a sailor and Uncles who were also in the Army, Jerry found his place in the Marines.

Throughout his years of service, he acquired skills that have helped his business blossom into what it is today. These include treating people respectfully and professionally, knowing how to speak directly to get your point across firmly and clearly, as well as knowing how to finish a task on time.

With all these skills acquired along with his airplane refurbishing skills, Jerry did manage to have a little fun. When we asked what his favorite memory of being in the service was, he responded “Oddly enough, I was a part of the base rugby team and spent a lot of weekends traveling, playing rugby, and representing the base and the Marine Corps. Our team was a very tightly knit  bunch, a band of brothers if you will, already tied together being Marines but solidified through rugby.”

It’s amazing to think that Jerry has now founded a career in handcrafting upcycled jewelry. Jerry of Colorado started making jewelry as a pastime, using refurbished aircraft  parts to adorn his wife with customized jewelry. It wasn’t long before Jerry’s sense of fashion took flight; friends and other jewelers were asking his wife where she got her fabulous pieces.

We want to thank Jerry for all that he’s done from creating jewelry to servicing our country. Uno Alla Volta wishes all of those who’ve serviced or are currently servicing a happy Armed Forces day; we cannot thank you enough for what you’ve done for our country.

Mother’s are the foundation of all life and their unconditional love is what shapes the mold into the person one becomes. In honor of Mom’s everywhere, Uno Alla Volta shares with you the stories of artisans who have held their mothers close, shaping them into the dream-fulfilling artists they have become.

Jewelry Buyer, Minetta and Lorena in Murano, Italy

Lorena of Murano has literally had the torch passed down throughout generations of mothers to share the secrets and mastered skill of lampworking. Today, Lorena works alongside her mother enduring a beautiful family tradition that has become a life-fulfilling passion.

CEO Terri and Giulio in Venice, Italy

Artisan Giulio and his sister, Roberta grew up in Venice, under the watchful eye of their grandmother. From cooking in the kitchen, to lampworking she made sure all Italian traditions were taught to her grandchildren. Several years later, Giulio has created an artistry business in lampworking. Having never forgotten his grandmother and all that she taught him, he honors their relationship often when creating  venetian jewelry using vintage beads originally lampworked by his Nonna.

Artisans and sisters, Judy and Lynn

Judy & Lynn of Philadelphia are two sisters that grew up in a household where fun meant making paper dolls or painting. Their artistic encouraging mother was involved in almost every project, teaching them to hone in on their creative ideas and projects. This mother-daughter relationship founded on artistic creativity is the reason why the two have launched into the business of handcrafting ornaments!

Artisan, Kim and her millefiori cats

Growing up watching her mother paint, Kim was immersed in the world of art right from the beginning. Watching her mother paint and growing a relationship founded on creativity and artistic views, her passion was fueled. As her relationship with her mother grew so did her artistic skill, launching her into a life-fulfilling business.

Uno Alla Volta wishes mothers everywhere a happy Mother’s Day. May your time be well spent with the ones you love.

What is liberty if not the freedom to reach for the best within each of us?
What greater blessing can there be in life than appreciating the privilege to assist in some small way in creating the opportunities for others to become the best they can be?

We have such deep respect for each of the artisans with whom we collaborate. It is such an honor to facilitate their work.

Uno Alla Volta celebrates the “little guy” (or more often “little gal”). So many of our artisans are right here in the U.S. of A. Every day, they are finding fulfillment and sustenance with the work of their hands.
Know that you, my friends, are bringing about these blessings, one purchase at a time.

Terri S. Alpert, Founder & CEO

T.Alpert@unoallavolta.com

Cinco-de-Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France during the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican war.  Uno Alla Volta honors this holiday, reveling in all of Mexico’s beauty and wonder with our Mexican opal.

Opal is a naturally formed element and the most familiar opal is known for its play-on-colors shimmering with different hues and iridescence. However Mexican Opal, also known as fire opal, isn’t known so much for its iridescent play on color but its deep and rich colors.

Opal forms through an interaction between water and soil, the color is affected for fire opal based on the soil’s different properties. Formed in the rich redness of Mexican soil, fire or Mexican opal translates its country’s colors with the deep red hue that we see i
n the soil, opal and even in Mexico’s flag.

Historically, the Aztec Indians of Mexico were among the first to know of this fiery gem. Eventually there came a time when knowledge spread about this gemstone, and was passed down throughout generations in Mexico, in true Uno Alla Volta fashion.

For Americans across the country, Cinco de
Mayo traditions include street festivals, parades, and mariachi music. In true American spirit, Uno Alla Volta crosses cultures, as our London jeweler, Leon Nussbaum, takes this gorgeous Mexican opal and transforms it into this stunning collection.