Bearer Bond

Rossella Ugolini grew up surrounded by the Baroque architecture of Rome and regularly helped her father, a mechanic and inventor, with his home projects. From twisting electrical wires to later taking art classes in high school, Ugolini developed a curiosity for shaping objects with her hands. The link between transforming an idea into something real hooked Ugolini deeply, so she dedicated her life to creating Italian-inspired and Italian-made jewelry.

Ugolini acquired her own equipment during her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts and split her time between studying, working evenings and attaining exposure to goldsmiths and labs. She watched the goldsmiths in smoke-filled workshops, occasionally getting a small lesson in how they worked.

Highly conscientious, her pieces are made to give their wearers’ a sense of confidence. Ugolini’s jewelry epitomizes self-assuredness and grace. Along with women who appreciate the luxurious sophistication of her work, Ugolini also attracts a younger generation drawn to her jewelry’s uniqueness and personalization. She has said, “Translating my thoughts, emotions into form is what it is about.”

Ugolini has won several awards, including the 13th International Pearl Exporters Association Special Award and the 1998-99 International Prize for Jewelry Design from Perle Utopia.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Rossella Ugolini earrings, rings, necklaces and more.

Earrings have a rich, diverse history, and while there are many types of this accessory to choose from, the dangle style is one of the most enduring designs. Today antique and vintage dangle earrings are timeless adornments that can make any outfit instantly more glamorous.

One of the oldest known pairs of dangle earrings was made of jade between 7,500 and 8,200 years ago in Inner Mongolia. Hoop earrings — of which there have been countless variations — are as old as Ancient Mesopotamia, and Ancient Egyptians wore dangle earrings that had sacred symbolism as part of their jewelry practices. In ancient Rome, dangle earrings with pearls and other precious materials were popular.

Dangle earrings vary in length, but they are all designed to cascade off the ears. Some dangle earrings barely fall past the bottom of the earlobe while others fall low enough to graze the shoulders or even fall past them. During the Renaissance period, women wore up-do hairstyles so they could show off their dangle earrings. Even noblemen joined the trend, donning a sole dangle earring adorned with a pearl.

Georgian women preferred heavy girandole earrings that featured candelabra-like arrangements of precious metal and stones. Dangle earrings in the 19th century were simpler, often featuring a single suspended gemstone in a drop-earring style. Going into the 20th century, screw-back earrings and clip-ons became popular, leading to more minimal stud designs. However, dangle earrings have always come back into fashion.

Whether they are made with diamonds, beads or feathers, dangle earrings are statement pieces reflecting the shifting styles over the years. Find the perfect antique and vintage dangle earrings for any occasion on 1stDibs.