Renato Cipullo Expands Popular Collection with Accessible Hardstone Pendants

Renato Cipullo, a heritage brand known for its 18-karat gold statements inspired by the glamour of the 1970s and Italy's rich history, has introduced a notable expansion to its beloved ‘Splendente’ collection. The designer has unveiled new pendants crafted from hardstones, offering a more accessible price point to his signature letter designs.

Introducing Hardstone ‘Splendente’ Pendants

The iconic ‘Splendente’ letter pendants, originally conceived in 18-karat yellow gold, are now available in durable and elegant rock crystal and onyx. This expansion offers a welcome alternative, particularly as the price of gold continues to rise. The new hardstone pendants are priced at $4,950, representing half the cost of their 18-karat gold counterparts, which retail for $9,900.

Renato Cipullo, the visionary behind the brand, expressed his excitement about the evolution of the collection. ‘The Splendente letters have always been among our most coveted pieces,’ Cipullo stated. ‘So we’ve been thoughtfully considering how to reinterpret them while honoring the spirit of the era that inspired them. Hardstone felt like a natural evolution: distinct, unexpected, and true to the 1970s, when richly colored stones were a defining element of fine jewelry design. It brings depth and character to the collection while offering a more accessible price point in a time when the cost of gold continues to climb.’

As of press time, gold prices hovered around $5,250 per ounce, underscoring the economic considerations driving this design shift.

Reviving 1970s Designs

The ‘Splendente’ letters have a rich history, with the original design dating back to 1973 when Cipullo created a pair of earrings for his aunt. The design was later reimagined as a pendant when it was passed down to her daughter. Cipullo initially hand-sculpted these pieces in silver, emphasizing clean, architectural lines softened with subtle curves, resulting in pendants that were both sculptural and fluid.

The expansion of the ‘Splendente’ collection debuted alongside two other revived designs from Cipullo’s 1970s archive: the ‘Blocco’ and ‘Trio’ pendants. Both of these new offerings also feature hardstones complemented by precious metals at their centers.

• The ‘Blocco’ pendants are available in rock crystal or onyx, accented with platinum.
• The ‘Trio’ pendants feature a combination of onyx, lapis, or turquoise, set in 18-karat yellow gold.

These pendants come presented on either a black suede or a cream-colored cotton cord, each finished with diamond accents at the ends. Additionally, the ‘Blocco’ and ‘Trio’ pendants will soon be available in smoky topaz and in 18-karat yellow gold versions with a stone inlay on the reverse side.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Proudly made in New York and Italy since 1972, Renato Cipullo has established itself as a heritage brand dedicated to handcrafting fine jewelry. The brand’s collections, including ‘Zodiac’, ‘Amor Fati’, ‘Romantica’, and ‘Revival’, draw inspiration from diverse sources, from the vibrant energy of 1970s New York to the deep historical and artistic heritage of Italy.

The newly expanded ‘Splendente’ collection, along with the ‘Blocco’ and ‘Trio’ pendants, are available for purchase on the Renato Cipullo website, continuing the brand’s tradition of offering unique and meaningful pieces.