Dear readers, today I want to ask you an important question:
Can art and design be tools for change? The traveling exhibition Jewels for Freedom proves that they can—even contemporary jewelry can become a powerful means of raising awareness and speaking out.
Inaugurated on March 8, on International Women’s Day, this exhibition carries a strong and necessary message: saying no to gender-based violence through the beauty and symbolism of artistic jewelry.
Conceived by Monica Cecchini for Incinque Jewels and Roma Jewelry Week, in collaboration with artist Elina Chauvet, the exhibition brings together designers, artists, and master goldsmiths to create unique, meaningful pieces. Its signature project is a mandala ring, featuring a pair of red shoes at its center—an international symbol of the fight against femicide—surrounded by pearls, representing resilience. A fusion of art and spirituality that transforms pain into positive energy.
But Jewels for Freedom is much more than a jewelry collection. Each creation tells a story of resistance and hope: pendants, rings, and necklaces that speak of betrayed love, invisible wounds, and rebirth. The incredible pieces on display were created by talented designers such as Myriam Bottazzi, Simone Vera Bath, Elena Donati, Maria Gaia Piccini, Angela Gentile, Lorella Verrillo, Anna Pinzari, Paolo Mangano, Francesco Ridolfi, Simona della Bella, Dettagli D’Attimi, Matuta Gioielli, Emanuele Leonardi, Maria Patrizia Marra, and Fenicia Bijoux.
The exhibition will travel to various cities, culminating in Roma Jewelry Week in October 2025. Adding even more depth to the project is the involvement of schools, where young students will design their own symbolic jewelry pieces as statements against gender-based violence. Additionally, works by Elina Chauvet and Alessio Boschi will be auctioned, with part of the proceeds going to support survivors of violence.
With Jewels for Freedom, jewelry art becomes a social statement. These are not just adornments—they are wearable testimonies, meant to remind us, to raise awareness, and to continue the fight.
For my Roman friends: The exhibition will remain at Open Art In Cinque Monti at least until April. Don’t miss the chance to see these stunning, meaningful miniature works of art.
