Fabrizio Ferro: the beating heart of Ferro Jewels
Fabrizio Ferro is the beating heart of Ferro Gioielli who has been able to transform a family passion into a timeless craft. A pioneer always keeping up with the times, with the gift of understanding the desires, needs, and dreams of his loyal customers, allowing each of us to turn an idea into reality.
Today we know him better...
Fabrizio, can you tell us how your passion for the world of jewelry and watches was born?
"Among my childhood memories, I have etched in my mind the image of our entire family gathered in the shop. It was natural to find mom and dad waiting for me here after school. Once at school, we walked, both in summer and winter, and after finishing homework, we would meet in front of the house to play soccer with neighborhood friends. I often stayed in the shop where friends and customers would come by. For me, these walls are a second home, a familiar place. It is precisely this familiarity that fueled my curiosity about the products sold and the skill my father Nereo Ferro had in repairing the watches customers entrusted to his care.
What educational path and experiences did you undertake to become an expert?
After an initial youthful period in the family workshop, at 19 I moved to Valenza Po’ (AL), the undisputed homeland of jewelry. I gained experience in a workshop where important jewelry took shape. In the following years, I pursued Gemological studies at the International Gemological Institute based in Antwerp, Belgium, earning a certified Gemologist diploma. Then my passion led me into the world of appraisals where, in close contact with prominent European figures, I learned a great deal about Haute Horlogerie and jewelry from various eras and styles. Additionally, many trips abroad, especially to Africa, strengthened me ethically and personally.
What are the three things you love most about your job?
I love being in contact with the beauty of jewelry and watches. I see rare gems and very high-quality watches every day: it is a joy for the eyes. I also love the contact with each of our customers, who often become friends with whom to exchange opinions about the products. Finally, I like knowing that our Company, founded in 1954, has always grown commercially and is always up to date thanks also to the new generations who are training for a further metamorphosis.
And the 3 things you like least or would like to see improved?
I like a little less the pressing competition from some marketplaces, which tend to devalue some products by copying their shapes but not guaranteeing the same quality, relying solely on marketing and price for their appeal.
The market lately is paying the price for the incompetence of some private individuals scattered throughout Italy who improvise as traders, especially in the luxury world, lacking proper professionalism and preparation. Many are putting on the market products that are partly not original or counterfeit. Buying from a friend of a friend creates in the final buyer a thought of saving money that often turns out to be a real "blunder" which usually emerges after several years and can no longer be contested.
What advice would you give to a young person who wants to undertake this profession?
It is beautiful to be a goldsmith jeweler and watch expert now. Demanding, both for the extensive training these years require and for the significant ongoing investments necessary to start and maintain an offer that must be targeted to the typical clientele. But it is worth it.
Our work has become increasingly specialized, so there are really many opportunities to seize. Just think about jewelry creation: once the jewel was made following sketches, now the computer has truly revolutionized the sector. It is wonderful to perpetuate an archaic art with the help of technology.
I recommend it to anyone who loves this world.
Thank you, Fabrizio. One last question: what values do you aim to pass on to your children, work-wise?
Undoubtedly the work ethic, commitment, consistency, the importance of training. But, above all, the heart and love for this very special job.
