Materials

Goldsmiths & Silversmiths (Oreficeria / Argenteria)

• Core materials: 18k gold (750), sterling silver (925), rose/yellow/white gold alloys
• Also work with: gemstones (sapphires, rubies, emeralds), semi-precious stones (amethyst, citrine, garnet), pearls, coral, enamel (smalto), niello, leather cords
• Florentine notes: hand-engraving (bulino), granulation, filigree, repoussé & chasing

Leatherworkers (Pelletteria)

• Core materials: vegetable-tanned cowhide (vacchetta) from the Santa Croce sull’Arno district, calfskin, lambskin
• Also work with: suede, nubuck, exotic textures (embossed), canvas/linen linings, brass/bronze hardware, natural waxes & dyes
• Florentine notes: saddle stitching, edge burnishing, classic Florentine totes, belts, journals

Pietra Dura / Stone Inlay (Commesso Fiorentino)

• Core materials: semi-precious stones—jasper, lapis lazuli, malachite, agate, onyx, mother-of-pearl
• Also work with: Tuscan marbles, alabaster (Tuscan), slate backings, natural glues
• Florentine notes: high-precision stone marquetry; Opificio delle Pietre Dure tradition

Paper Arts & Bookbinding (Carta Fiorentina / Legatoria)

• Core materials: hand-marbled and block-printed paper, cotton-rag paper, leather & parchment
• Also work with: gold leaf/foil, linen threads, bone folders, natural adhesives, endbands
• Florentine notes: classic Florentine patterns with gold accents; bespoke journals & albums

Woodcarvers, Intarsia & Frame Makers (Ebanisteria / Corniciai)

• Core materials: walnut, cypress, chestnut, olive wood; poplar panels
• Also work with: gold leaf (22–23k) for water gilding, bole (red clay), gesso, shellac, natural resins
• Florentine notes: Renaissance-style intarsia (inlay), carved & gilded frames, sacristy cabinetry

Ceramics & Terracotta (Ceramica / Cotto dell’Impruneta)

• Core materials: Impruneta terracotta (frost-resistant clay), Montelupo majolica clays
• Also work with: tin-glaze (maiolica), oxides/pigments, engobes, kiln-fired glazes
• Florentine notes: hand-thrown pots, architectural elements, traditional painted majolica

Metalwork & Foundry (Ferro Battuto / Bronzo a Cera Persa)

• Core materials: wrought iron, steel, bronze (lost-wax casting)
• Also work with: brass, copper, patinas, leaf for gilded metal, glass/stone inserts
• Florentine notes: gates, lanterns, hardware, sculptural bronzes

Textiles, Weaving & Trimmings (Setificio / Passamaneria)

• Core materials: silk, linen, wool, cotton, cashmere
• Also work with: velvet (soprarizzo), brocades, damasks, gold/silver threads for embroidery, tassels & braids
• Florentine notes: heritage looms (Antico Setificio Fiorentino), couture passementerie

Glass & Stained Glass (Vetrate Artistiche)

• Core materials: mouth-blown/antique glass, came lead (piombo), copper foil
• Also work with: grisaille paints, silver stain, putty cements
• Florentine notes: church window restoration, bespoke decorative panels