ETTORE SOTTSASS
Italy, 1917-2007
Credit: picture Giuseppe Pino (Mondadori Publishers)
Ettore Sottsass (1917–2007) was a pioneering Italian architect and designer, celebrated for his bold use of color, geometric forms, and a playful approach that challenged conventional design norms. In the early 1980s, he collaborated with fellow Italian designer Cleto Munari to create a groundbreaking jewelry collection that merged architectural concepts with wearable art.
Their partnership began in 1972 and blossomed into a decade-long collaboration, resulting in limited-edition pieces that redefined jewelry design. Notable creations include the 1985 ‘Roof’ ring, inspired by architectural rooftops, and the 2002 ‘Arches’ ring from the ‘La Seduzione’ series, reflecting Brunelleschi’s dome of Florence Cathedral. These pieces exemplify Sottsass’s ability to translate architectural elements into intricate jewelry designs.
The collaboration between Sottsass and Munari is documented in the book Jewelry by Architects (1988) by Barbara Radice, Sottsass’s wife. Their work continues to influence contemporary design, showcasing the seamless fusion of architecture and jewelry
DISCOVER OUR SELECTION
REF SQ0882201
“Portal”
18 ct gold Single earring
Collection “La Seduzione”
12,6 g
2002
Edited by CLETO MUNARI Limited edition of 9 + 1AP
Please contact us at info@collectors-gallery.com
REF SQ8308205
“Poker”
Gilded silver ring
With onyx elements
70.4 g
Size 61
Designed ca 1983 by Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) - Edited by CLETO MUNARI
Please contact us at info@collectors-gallery.com
REF SQ3335505
Brooch-pendant
Gold and silver plated brass geometric composition with black enamel
Weight 92.10 g
7.00 x 6.00 cm
1984
Edited by CLETO MUNARI
Prototype (certificate)
This rare and architectural brooch pendant is UNIQUE. It is a PROTOTYPE.
This model is part of a jewelry collection that Ettore Sottsass designed for Cleto Munari in the early 1980s.
Please contact us at info@collectors-gallery.com
REF SQ3827317
“Rome & You”
Unique gilded silver ring
Circular in shape with architectural elements, signed and stamped.
45.1 g
Size 54
1984
Prototype (This ring has never been issued) - Certificate
Edited by CLETO MUNARI
Please contact us at info@collectors-gallery.com
REF SQ4207486
“Decò”
Gilded silver ring
Circular in shape with geometric onyx elements
50.2 g
Size 57.5
1984
Prototype (certificate)
Edited by CLETO MUNARI
Please contact us at info@collectors-gallery.com
TOO LATE
REF SQ6764331
18ct gold and diamonds ring (3,5 carats)
Limited edition of 6
Editions Cleto Munari,1983
Marked : Sottsass - 0750
PROTOTYPE - Sold with certificate
A copy is in the permanent collection of the Design Museum Den Bosch.
Published page 88 in Jewellery by architect. Ed Rizzoli.
REF SQ8266417
Rare, Impressive and sculptural ring designed by Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass.
A limited editions by Cleto Munari Editor. Artist Proof
1984
18ct gold - diagonal Onyx stripes - Diamonds brillant cut (2,8 carats)
Dimensions : L 3,7 cm - H 2,8 cm
Marked : Sottsass PA (Artist Proof)
Published in « Jewelry By Architects » Barbara Radice (Rizzoli, 1987) on page 88 and in « Cleto Munari, Dandy Design » E. Biffi Gentile, ed. Electa Napoli 1997 on page 152
REF SQ0535680
Cleto Munari - Limited edition of 5
1984
18ct gold and lapis lazuli ring
32,7 gr
Dim 5,3 x 3,5 cm
Size 55 (US 7) (adjustable)
Marked Cleto Munari - Sottsass - gold stamp
Published page 80 in Jewellery by architect. Ed Rizzoli.
Please contact us at
info@collectors-gallery.com
REF SQ1105630
Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007)
1997
Edited by Cleto Munari in limited edition of 19
18ct and coral
Diam : 5 cm
25,4 gr
Size 56
(Our workshop expertly customizes sizes)
Marked : Sottsass - Cleto Munari - 0750
Please contact us at info@collectors-gallery.com
REF SQ1144001
18k yellow and white gold, amethyst ring with asymmetrical geometric and curvilinear designs. Named after the artist Valentina Aversano, Cleto Munari’s wife.
1984
Edition of 9
29,7 gr
4,8 x 4,2 cm
Marked : Sottsass - Cleto Munari - 0750
Please contact us at
info@collectors-gallery.com
REF SQ4853623
Large 18ct gold ring, black onyx and a small bar set with diamonds.
Designed by Sottsass for Cleto Munari, Milan, to be produced in an edition of 9.
1984-86
37,9 gr
7,5 x 3,2 cm
Marked: signed Sottsass, CM hallmark, Italian hallmarks
Literature: Radice 1987, p. 78; Vezzosi 1990, p. 105
Please contact us at info@collectors-gallery.com