Many artisans in Florence face the same challenge: the work is labor-intensive, which is often the case when using traditional methods. This requires the mastery of highly specialized technology and careful attention to details. Although there are many people who appreciate the skills and techniques required to create original works of art, it is often a challenge to connect these creators with the many talented artisans who work in Oltrano, the center of craftsmanship and creativity in Florence.

This is why education is essential to protect traditional arts and culture. In order to appreciate the value of something, one must first understand the conditions needed to make it exist. My last article on "Florence" emphasized the benefits of educating tourists to look for the talented artisans of Oltrarno, where artisans have been honing their industries for centuries.

A good example is the work of jewelry design artists Debora di Giorgi and Flavio Agresti. Their Bottega flagship store is called Extremida and is located in via Maggio, a short walk from Pitti Palace. To casual passers-by, it looks like a beautiful jewelry store with amazing unique creations. But this is a unique jewelry store, their works are both handmade and artistic.

Debora and Flavio met while working in the antique market ten years ago. Flavio studied goldsmithing at Porta Romana Institute; Debora received a degree in graphics and design from Istituto Professionale Tornabuoni. As their creative career develops, Flavio finds himself attracted by executive innovations that incorporate different metals, while Deborah is attracted by the complexity of restoring 16th-century Florentine furniture.

Facts have proved that these passions are the sparks of Extremida bottega's collaborative creation. Affected by nature and the love of unique natural materials, their art takes many forms: exquisite works made using a century-old lost wax technique and bold bracelets cast from bronze, copper or silver brass metal plates. Their Autumn in Florence collection uses intricate filigree rings that reflect the Florentine Renaissance period.

Each piece is unique, handmade, and truly original. Debora and Flavio combine classic technology with modern ingenuity, and the result is a true work of wearable art.  

During a recent visit to the bottega of Debora and Flavio, they shared their latest collection, made with dewaxing technology. Reminiscent of the underwater world, it is aptly named a coral reef, with freshwater pearls and small semi-precious stones inlaid in gilded brass.

For more information about the product and the original commissioned work, please visit www.extremida.com or send an email to Debora and Flavio at [email protected].

Last year, I have been working with a small group of craftsmen in the Oltrarno district of Florence. I myself am a student majoring in leather making.​​I want to help these talented people survive the tourism downturn caused by the global pandemic. Many bottegas have been closed, which is a serious problem. I am honored to be able to help these dedicated craftsmen, and my goal is to connect them with people who value craftsmanship and authenticity. We are working hard to build a vibrant platform to bring a wider audience to the works of this talented group focused on unique and traditional art forms. 

We are tailoring a virtual shopping tour for all kinds of exquisite handicrafts. I work directly with clients to understand their interests and shopping dreams, and connect them with the artisans in Oltrarno, who are masters in leather processing, jewelry design, interior decoration, fashion design and antique restoration. 

For me, the reward is to express surprise and joy when customers see a wide range of treasures, their excellent quality and affordability. The smile on the face when the craftsman’s work is well received and appreciated, and the customers who are excited about the purchase: this combination is the best reward I can ask for. 

If you want to set up a virtual shopping experience, please contact me at [email protected]. All my work is commission-free, and all sales income is directly donated to the craftsmen in Oltrarno. 

It is fun and simple, and you can work directly with the craftsman of your choice. Therefore, if you missed your trip to Italy this year, or just want an extraordinary virtual shopping experience, now is the best time to capture the most exquisite original works of Florence. We work with a trusted local shipper to integrate purchases from all our craftsmen's bottleteghe and deliver them directly to you. 

Thank you for your support of Florence art and culture!

Photo credit: Melissa Ramondelli, Kate Sippey, Emma Cecilia Rosandich

Kris Garland is a student of Alicia Roca and co-founder of the Artisan Quarter Association. Her responsibilities are mainly marketing communications and public relations to support her colleagues and their work in Oltrarno.