Jewelry Designer Franco Pianegonda Opened New Global Headquarters & Showroom In Vincenza, Italy

Online, September 27, 2011 (Newswire.com) - MIAMI BEACH, FL- Italian jewelry designer Franco Pianegonda has opened a global headquarters and showroom for La Maison franco PIANEGONDA in September in Vicenza, Italy, in the heart of the city's famed jewelry district. The new 6,500-square-foot space will be located inside the historic Il Palazzo del Monte di Pieta, an architectural masterpiece built in 1486.

"To say I'm thrilled is an understatement," said the Vicenza-based designer, 38, who has 10 freestanding stores worldwide and is sold in major retailers throughout the U.S. "The new home of La Maison franco PIANEGONDA is, fittingly, in an enclave of beauty, in the historically significant Piazza dei Signori, facing the glorious 16th-century basilica designed by the great Andrea Palladio."

Not surprisingly, the innovative jewelry company is bringing its signature whimsical, avant-garde style to its grand-opening party in Vicenza, when its 1,000 guests were kindly asked to take part in the celebration. Each invitee received an invitation that included a latex glove, which they were asked to take with them to the event. Shortly after arriving, each guest then dipped a gloved hand into one of four colors of paint, which corresponded to the brand's four jewelry collections-Veritas and franco P for women, Character for men, and Bambini for children-and left their one-of-a-kind handprint on a designated canvas.

"This was a meaningful opportunity for our honored guests to be a part of our future and rebirth, and make their own mark-literally-on the occasion, which is especially heartfelt because it occurred on such a momentous day in the history of the U.S. and the world," the designer said.

About La Maison franco PIANEGONDA:
La Maison franco PIANEGONDA is a luxury Italian jewelry brand renowned for bold, innovative designs. It features rodiated .925 sterling silver and 18-karat gold, together with natural elements, including diamonds, semiprecious stones, natural river pearls, buffalo tusk and leather. La Maison franco PIANEGONDA jewelry is made for women, men and children-free spirits of all ages-and ranges from $125 to $9,600. It can be purchased at major retailers, including Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

In addition, La Maison franco PIANEGONDA has 10 eponymous boutiques globally, including in Rome, Milan, Naples, Verona, Padova, Lisbon, Dubai, Ulaanbaatar, Moscow and Athens, as well as the U.S. flagship store in Aventura Mall, Aventura, FL. The jewelry has become a favorite of fashion-forward celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Sienna Miller, Alicia Keys, Usher, Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony and Sharon Stone. For more information, visit www.pianegonda.net.
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