Date: 8 April, Wednesday
Time: 20:00 to 21:30 JST
Format: Online via Zoom
Guest Speaker: Alfonso Vitello, President of Delia 1790
Title: Cameos, Coral and Pearls: 230 Years of Italian Jewelry Heritage – Connecting Italy and Japan
Fee: Free via zoom
Registration Link: https://cw3saoj.wildapricot.org/event-6606069
Summary
This talk introduces the unique heritage of Italian cameo craftsmanship from Torre del Greco, near Naples, a town internationally renowned for its centuries-old tradition of coral and cameo carving.
Alfonso Vitiello, President of Delia 1790, will share the story of how this art form developed in southern Italy and how his family’s maison has preserved and evolved the tradition for more than two centuries. Through historical anecdotes, design insights, and examples of contemporary creations, he will explore how classical artistry continues to inspire modern jewelry. The talk will also recount a remarkable historical connection between Italy and Japan.
Responding to the strong demand from the American market for large Mediterranean coral, the ancestors of the D’Elia family traveled to Japan in the late 19th century. During this period, they encountered the pioneering cultured pearls of Mikimoto, which they later helped introduce to European markets. Through these commercial and cultural exchanges, Delia 1790 developed close relationships with many historic European jewelry houses, supplying pearls and precious materials to renowned jewelers across Italy and Europe. These longstanding relationships continue today and make it possible to present exceptional jewelry pieces in Japan through special exhibitions and pop-up events. The talk will highlight how this unique history of trade, craftsmanship, and artistic collaboration created a lasting cultural bridge between Italy and Japan.
Profile
Alfonso Vitiello is the President of Delia 1790, a historic jewelry house based in Torre del Greco, Italy—one of the world’s most important centers for coral and cameo craftsmanship. Founded in the 18th century, Delia 1790 has played a significant role in the cultural and commercial exchange between Italy and Japan, particularly in the international development of Japanese cultured pearls. The company has been recognized for its historical contribution to over a century of trade between Italy and Japan, receiving an official commendation from the Japanese Ambassador to Italy. Delia 1790 has also been honored by the President of the Italian Republic as one of the historic Italian enterprises that have contributed to the country’s economic and cultural heritage for more than a century. Among its distinguished clients have been iconic figures such as Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy. Historically, the company maintained a presence in Kobe, which also served as a cultural bridge between Italy and Japan. Mr. Vitiello was invited to speak at the European Parliament on the cultural and artistic significance of cameo craftsmanship. He currently serves as President of the Goldsmiths’ Association of Campania. In addition, Delia 1790 has been selected as the official jewelry sponsor of the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, highlighting the enduring cultural ties between Italy and Japan. Today, Mr. Vitiello continues to promote Italian artisanal heritage internationally through exhibitions, cultural presentations, and collaborations with museums and institutions.
General Meeting Team
Director: Shigeko Nagaoka
Meeting Managers: Joan Rodgers Doi and Rina Jiang
Program Coordinators: Minami Mogi and Ruth McCreery
General Meeting Support Staff: Rina Jiang and Monami Mogi
Contact: generalmeetingmanagers@cwaj.org
