Rosita Petrosino – Unique Lapis Lazuli Box with Jade, Coral and Diamonds

Rosita Petrosino – Unique Lapis Lazuli Box with Jade, Coral and Diamonds

An exceptional Italian jewellery box by Rosita Petrosino, founder of Rosita Gioielli d’Amare, crafted from lapis lazuli and decorated with jade, coral, onyx, diamonds and elements in 18-karat gold. The object most probably dates from the second half of the 1990s and represents an excellent example of the luxurious objets d’art characteristic of Petrosino’s work, inspired by the aesthetics of Art Deco.

The rectangular body of the box is crafted from slabs of lapis lazuli in an intense blue colour, with naturally occurring areas of calcite and flecks of pyrite. The corners are accented with elements in 18-karat gold.

The central element of the composition is the striking finial on the lid. A carved jade element measuring 49.5 mm in diameter is combined with a geometric black onyx surround and carved coral. The combination of deep blue lapis lazuli, green jade, red coral and black onyx clearly reflects the contrasting combinations of materials and colours characteristic of Art Deco.

The front of the box is decorated with another carved coral element set within an onyx surround, accompanied by a subtle jewellery detail embellished with diamonds. The overall composition brings together the traditional coral craftsmanship associated with the Torre del Greco region with Italian goldsmithing and the skilled working of ornamental stones.

The box is signed Petrosino / RP and bears the 750 gold fineness mark together with the Italian goldsmith’s mark ★ 805 NA, registered to Rosita Gioielli d’Amare di Petrosino Rosa in the province of Naples in 1995. This marking allows the object to be dated to a period after 1995.

With a weight of 788.52 g and relatively compact dimensions, the box is an exceptionally substantial and richly executed collector’s object. Its striking combination of ornamental stones, jewellery-level precision and the distinctive design language of Rosita Petrosino make it an interesting example of Italian artistic craftsmanship from the late 20th century.

Specification

• Design / workmanship: Rosita Petrosino – Rosita Gioielli d’Amare
• Origin: Italy, Province of Naples
• Dating: After 1995, most probably the second half of the 1990s
• Materials: Lapis lazuli, jade, onyx, coral, diamonds, 18-karat gold
• Gold fineness: 750
• Signature: Petrosino / RP
• Goldsmith’s mark: ★ 805 NA
• Body dimensions: 14.8 × 10.7 × 4.3 cm
• Diameter of jade element: 49.5 mm
• Weight: 788.52 g