Milan :: An Ancient City

Sforzesco Castle

Piazza Castello

As I walked across the Piazza Castello, or the outer courtyard, toward the Sforzesco Castle my eyes drifted up to the outline of the fortified castle walls against the skyline. No modern skyscrapers in view, just a view as seen through the ages. Stunning. One of the main landmarks of Milan originally built in 1358 by the Visconti (one of the two important Italian noble dynasties of the Middle Ages).

By now, those who follow my blog know that I love the history behind my travels. And this recent stay in Milan proved to be one of those magical trips where I could dive headlong into the history of the place.

Duke's Courtyard

Ducal Courtyard 

One of the surprising things I learned in studying the history of Milan is that it was originally founded by Celts around 600 BC. Wait, what? I always associate Celts with Ireland, but Celts were originally the people of Medieval Europe (around 1200 BC) who spoke Celtic language and had cultural similarities. It wasn't until roughly 450 BC that the Celts migrated north to the British Isles. The Romans showed up around 222 BC, ambushed the Celts, took over and renamed the city Mediolanum (Milan). And thus founded the Northern Roman capital city.

Sempione Park

The castle was a highlight of our stay in Milan. We spent 2 full days exploring it, walking through the many courtyards, looking at the sculpture, stonework, tile work ... you name it, this place has it. The walkway ceilings surrounding the Ducal Courtyard looked like something you'd see in the Game of Thrones in the Kingdom of Dorne. And I loved the reflecting pool in the Duke's Courtyard, an oasis in the middle of Milan.

Another wonderful discovery was the massive city park just outside the castle. One of the back gates is a drawbridge that lets out onto the expanse of Sempione Park, a 95 acre park of rolling hills, lakes and walkways. 

Our weather for this trip was unbelievable. Everyone kept telling us it was 'unseasonably warm.' Just our luck! We wandered through the park on a gorgeous 80-degree day with a bit of a breeze. You could not ask for better weather. We spent the afternoon just watching the world go by. There was too much to see in this ancient city for one trip. We will return, of that I have no doubt.

Lake Life :: Como

There is nothing like sitting in an old town square, next to a lake and slowly watching life go by. You can feel the relaxation seep through you in waves as you slowly exhale and soak in the sun.

I have heard about Lake Como over the years, and somehow expected it to be more of a scene given all the celebrity sightings and talk of secret Mafia meetings. It was nothing as I imagined. I did not see George fly by in a speed boat, or anyone from the Versace Villa sit and sip an Aperol Spritz in the town square, which by the way, is my new favorite summer drink. It looks a bit like orange Kool-Aid, and I couldn't get over that I saw absolutely everyone drinking it from wine glasses? It took me awhile to figure out exactly what it was (Prosecco with Campari), but by the end of the trip it had become my go-to drink. 

The main center of this idyllic town was not crowded, but still quite active with people enjoying local cafes or shopping. Perhaps it was the time of year? I kept hearing that it was unseasonably warm. It was in the high 70s while we were there, but apparently it is typically in the low 60s this time of year which might be still a bit cold for lake life. Whatever the reason, we seemed to hit this little town at just the right moment in time. Everything was in bloom, the weather was perfect and there was room to breathe.

Across the water from the main square, you can see the villas of the aristocrats scale up the hillside. Lake Como has been a popular retreat for the wealthy since Roman times, and you could feel that in the architecture. A stroll through the narrow back streets that surround the square open up to a secondary square with the local cathedral built in 1396 in a Gothic style. It was simple, yet stunning, and nowhere near as ornate as other European cities. But it commanded the skyline giving it a beautiful focal to the town. As you can see I simply fell in love with this little town and cannot wait to go back for another visit. 

Yin Yang: Miss Jackie-O

In fairness, my last post on the Bam-Bam necklace was for a friend at the office who has absolutely exquisite taste.  I think that is why the post is all the more absurd. The first time she asked me to work on a piece for her she asked if I could find something to bring out the light blue color in her eyes.  I went hunting for chalcedony, but came back with a string of lace blue agate rounds (right).  I had expected to make a simple pair of earrings, but when I showed her the stones she gasped and said "perfect!"  She wanted a full necklace with the strand.  


Whenever I first start working with someone new, I typically ask them to explain what style they wear. Or to bring in pictures of pieces that they love so I can get a sense of what they typically like. I prefer a picture. It tells me much more than my friends can describe to me.


In this case she came in wearing a necklace that she loved.  It was made by a friend of her's while she was living in Italy.  It was a beautiful Cartier style necklace... with simple pearls set with small black beads as spacers. The style was so classic and the Yin Yang of the black & white contrast was completely elegant.

The necklace told me everything I needed to know. I could tell from her love of Cartier style jewelry, that Jackie O is the best image that describes her --- classic, elegant styles that still work today.  My Jackie O friend is so put together with pencil skirts, scoop necks and her hair tucked up in a twist.  The only difference is that she is blond and blue eyed. 


I LOVED the general idea of the necklace. I decided to use it as the basis for the necklace I created for her. First I tried the pattern with some antique pearls I inherited from my mother (left). This necklace and style is the basis for a new vintage line I'm designing. You can check it out at my Etsy shop.    


I adapted this idea again for the necklace I created for my friend. I used small fresh water, heshi pearls to space the lace blue agate.  I finished it with a simple silver box clasp and striking blue focal bead.  It was absolutely beautiful on her.  Once finished she said "do you think you could make some earrings to go with this?" Easy peasy. I love designing for her. Absolutely everything looks amazing on my friend. Even that Bam-Bam necklace did! But this Jackie O style is stunning, and really sets her apart.