MARCH 10TH, 2022

THE NEW FIGARO CHAIN BY DELBRENNA

INTRODUCING THE FIGARO Collection

a new interpretation of the italian figaro chain by delbrenna

Figaro chain is a classic piece of jewelry – typically designed to have a single elongated oval link followed by two or three smaller circular rings. Figaro chains were first created in Italy. As you know, we Italians are known for being the best and finest chain makers. Among them, DelBrenna has developed a unique handmade technique and their own style of chains - a family tradition passed down from generations. This is why we have decided to create our own interpretation of the classic Figaro chain, bringing a popular Italian design to a new level and giving it the distinctive DelBrenna flare!

In this article, you will read about how the new DelBrenna Figaro collection was born: the first gender-free jewelry collection we have ever made and our interpretation of a popular Italian piece of jewelry.

— watch our Debut! the new Figaro Collection by DelBrenna —

IS FIGARO CHAIN ITALIAN?

What is the history of Figaro chains?

Figaro chains are traditionally from Italy. The first design was made in Italy, and its popularity has been growing among men due to its simplicity in design.
The name Figaro comes from the main character of the classical operas 'The Barber of Seville' and 'The Marriage of Figaro.' And so our collection is inspired by the classical Italian operas! We are not sure whether there is a historical connection between the name and the design. But we can easily picture upper-class Italian gentlemen sitting in a theatre in the 18th century, when the opera was really popular, wearing Figaro-style chains while watching Figaro in action.
Figaro chains have adorned Italian men throughout history. Today, in modern times, we dedicate this design not only to men but to everyone who wants to wear our pieces. We reinterpret a classic design by honoring its pattern, imagining hundreds of years of history, and offering a new, original design, DelBrenna style!

What does a Figaro chain look like?

How is the DelBrenna Figaro chain designed?

The classic Figaro chain consists of alternating flattened links in different sizes. There are different types of Figaro chains in the market, even though the recurring pattern is always short and elongating links. Being flat makes this chain quite easy to make, and the alternating links sometimes may be similar to other basic chain designs, such as a cable chain or curb link chain.

In contrast to that, the DelBrenna signature chain design is intricate and substantial, where our links are three-dimensional in shape and float one next to the other. Therefore, our interpretation of the Figaro chain couldn't be any different from that: three-dimensional and unique!
We used our classic links elements to compose the design: the 5mm Links (where all DelBrenna chains started from) and the Etruscan Links, a larger and scalloped variation of the same element.
Our Figaro chain is durable and substantial. When you wear it, you feel the links elements moving around your wrist or your neck. Our Figaro chains are anything but flat!

In our design, we alternate a pair of 5mm Links elements and seven Etruscan Links elements. The "Link element" comprises two hand-soldered circular elements, 5mm in diameter. The "Etruscan Link element" is a circular element featuring the typical scalloped texture of the Etruscan jewelry design — another homage to our Italian and Tuscan origins!
The fact that our Figaro chain is entirely made of round elements is not by chance. The round shape is an important symbol of harmony, the perfect shape that gives the right balance to the whole composition.
In the pattern, we use seven Etruscan Links elements to recreate the typical elongated form of the classic Figaro chain design. In other words, the 5mm links stand in for the round elements, while the Etruscan links elements represent the oval sections in what a typical Figaro chain looks like. There is rhythm in the design, a perfectly balanced pattern!

This unique alternating design — the combination of our signature links elements following the classic Figaro pattern, together with our unique three-dimensional style, makes our silver Figaro bracelets and Figaro necklaces truly distinctive pieces of jewelry.

The inspiration behind the new DelBrenna Figaro Collection

As always in our collections, we draw inspiration from the beauty of what surrounds us in Italy: the architecture of neoclassical theaters, the timeless art of Italian frescoes, the magic and magnetism of the Italian operas, the spectacular contrasts of old and modern. All of this inspired us to create something classic and original at the same time.

As often here at DelBrenna, we also have a family story to tell about the origin of the new collection. Massimo and Sebastian DelBrenna developed the design over a few years by experimenting with the number of elements and wearing their creations from time to time to test them. Massimo often wears a bracelet in the same design with five Etruscan links instead of seven. As opposite, Sebastian chose the number seven because it's his lucky number — you know, in Italy, we can be quite superstitious! (read more about our Italian Horn Charm)— and he's been wearing the bracelet ever since, getting many compliments from time to time. Finally, Massimo and Sebastian agreed on the number seven because they needed the right number of elements to recreate the oval shape typical of the Figaro chain.

Are Figaro chains for men or for women?

Figaro is the first gender-neutral jewelry collection by DelBrenna

The Figaro chain is usually associated with men's jewelry. But this design is also becoming more and more popular among women, who are starting to wear and layer more substantial chains.
Our Figaro Chain is gender-neutral: you can choose whichever chain you like best; our Figaro is not tied to any gender! Superb craftsmanship, unique design, and unisex, laid-back style — that's our design ethos for the Figaro Collection. A matching game that works perfectly for men, women, and everybody!
In the new Figaro collection, we offer two standard lengths in the necklaces and two lengths in the bracelets.

Are Figaro chains in style? Yes, they are! Especially when they have a unique style, like DelBrenna's. Our design is something that you can associate with the classic Figaro chain design, but with its own identity and personality.
Our Figaro collection radiates confidence and easy elegance: effortless with a white t-shirt, bold and stylish underneath a button-down shirt.
Expertly crafted, like all our chains, our silver Figaro collections include our medallion — a hallmark that certifies the artisanal design. Engraved is our family name, DelBrenna, 'made in Italy,' and 'fatto con amore,' meaning 'made with love' in Italian.

SHOP THE FIGARO COLLECTION