The story of Italian fine jewellery brand Recarlo is essentially a love story spanning some 50 years. Although love is often the motivator for those who purchase the brand’s stunning diamond creations, founder Carlo Re’s love for beauty, detail, quality, and uniqueness continue to shine through in Recarlo’s collections to this day. Also, it is this same love and passion that keep the brand firmly in the hands of the Re family. Today, run by Carlo’s sons Giorgio and Paolo Re, Recarlo maintains a careful balance between traditional manufacturing processes and the use of modern technology. In this article we explore the fascinating history of Recarlo, the brand’s dazzling collections and what sets this family company apart from other diamond jewellery manufacturers.

Recarlo heart cut solitaire diamond ring in the Royal blue box from the brand

When and Where was Recarlo Established?

Established in 1967 by Carlo Re, the company is based in Valenza in the region of Piedmont. As arguably the world’s most important jewellery-making centre, from the outset Carlo took the decision to base his business in an area with deep-rooted artisanal heritage. From his workshop in the heart of the city, Carlo’s first creation was a men’s ring. Piedmont plays an important part in the brand identity of Recarlo. Drawing on the regal history of the region, the traditional Royal Blue of the Savoy Royal Family (Italy’s former Royal family) is synonymous with Recarlo’s own personality and style. This is reflected in the elegant blue of the brand’s DNA and packaging: the perfect blend of classic and contemporary

Where is Recarlo Headquartered Today?

Resolutely part of their “past and present”, Valenza is “forever” home to Recarlo. In 2010, the company moved to new state-of-the-art headquarters. Described as “fully eco-compatible” the pioneering building has an awe-inspiring glass dome at its centre inspired by the facets of a diamond. Flooding the building with natural light, a Japanese Zen Garden sits directly beneath the dome providing a contemplative space to nurture calm and creativity.

The nature of Recarlo’s headquarters is of such significance because it is here that the entire manufacturing process takes place. From concept and initial sketch through to modelling and production, every process is handled in-house. More about this later!

Timeless Recarlo pendant designs, featuring heart cut diamonds and round brilliant cuts
Various Recarlo diamond set pendants, set in 18ct white gold

Carlo's Vision

Carlo’s vision has always been to create jewellery which makes beauty eternal. Utilising 18ct white gold and natural diamonds, Recarlo’s collections become lasting symbols of life’s most important moments whether an engagement, wedding, birth or simply a gift given as a token of love.

Diamond Selection

The relationship between Diamonds and Love is the main pillar of Recarlo’s identity. The company’s expert gemmologists source natural (not lab-grown) diamonds of the highest quality. Using the principles of the 4 C’s (Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat), the selection process is meticulous. Just 2% of raw stones extracted are chosen to be Recarlo diamonds.

In terms of colour, of the 23 possible grades, Recarlo only uses grades from G to D. This ensures there are no traces of yellow visible to the naked eye. Also, for jewellery with multiple diamonds, Recarlo only selects diamonds of the same colour for complete uniformity.

As far as Clarity is concerned, Recarlo diamonds are ‘eye-clean’ so have no flaws or inclusions visible to the naked eye.

However, Cut is the feature that best reflects the master craftsmanship of Recarlo. Crafted according to the principles of the Ideal Cut, each diamond is cut to ideal proportions and angles with excellent symmetry. Every facet is designed to perfectly reflect and refract light.

For complete peace of mind, every Recarlo diamond over 0.14ct comes with a Gemmologist’s Certificate. This can also be viewed on a smartphone using the QR code attached to each item.

Recarlo design and make all their jewellery on site and carefully select the diamonds for setting
Recarlo heart detail mount, with diamond to be set in to finish.

Heart Shaped Diamonds

Heart Shaped Diamonds are a hallmark of Recarlo jewellery and a speciality of the brand. Interestingly, this difficult cut is executed by two cutters: one right-handed and one left-handed. Each using their dominant hand, they cut the heart’s left and right bellies, respectively. This gives the heart the most balanced shape possible. It seems fitting somehow that two cutters must unite to cut one diamond, particularly when mounted in an engagement ring to represent the union of two people.

Heart cut diamond shown in detail in a pair of tweezers
A close-up of one of the beautiful heart cut diamonds.

A Marriage of Traditional Skill and Modern Innovation

From a creative idea sketched out by Recarlo’s designers, traditional hand-made models are formed. These combine with computer prototyping to create 3D models which are then cast in gold. Similarly, in Recarlo’s gem-setting workshop, age-old traditions combine with modern technology. This includes the use of setting microscopes and pneumatic hammers. Another Recarlo innovation is a special rhodium-plating technique. A unique galvanising system and high-quality rhodium gives Recarlo jewellery a hard, bright shine which remains flawless for longer. Finally, every stage in the production process is controlled to guarantee the highest levels of quality.

Environmental and Social Responsibility: People, Planet and Product

Recarlo strive to ensure that all their diamonds are traceable, supporting the highest standards for the diamond mining industry. This includes safeguarding human rights and helping local populations. Also, Recarlo select only conflict-free diamonds from countries that adhere to the Kimberley Process. In July 2020, Recarlo was certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council. Furthermore, the company complies with the World Diamond Council’s International System of Warranties.  

Recarlo’s overall strategy is summed up in three words: People, Planet and Product. This involves striving to achieve high social standards throughout the production chain, minimising the brand’s environmental footprint and increasing transparency at every stage of production as well as fostering innovation and promoting craftsmanship.

The blue is a wax casting, which is then placed in plaster and burnt out with molten metal poured in its place to create the intricate designs.
Detail of the casting process Recarlo use to create their designs

Recarlo at James Porter & Son

We are extremely proud to be the first UK stockist of Recarlo jewellery. Each piece has been hand selected by Simon Porter and will be landing in store in the middle of November 2022.