At LaViano Jewelers, FOPE jewelry has been a favorite for as long as we can remember, and it’s no surprise our customers share that sentiment. FOPE’s bracelets, necklaces, and rings hold a special place in our boutiques, not only for their breathtaking beauty but because they embody values close to our own: family, innovation, and the highest standard of craftsmanship. Here, we celebrate the story behind FOPE, a brand deeply rooted in Italian heritage and renowned for revolutionizing luxury jewelry.
The Beginnings of FOPE in Italy
FOPE's history goes back to 1919, when Umberto Cazzola opened a goldsmith workshop in Vicenza, Italy. The original focus was on crafting watchstraps from gold and precious metals under the name FICM (Italian Factory Metal Strap). These high-quality watch straps quickly caught the attention of elite Swiss watchmakers, establishing FICM as a trusted supplier. Over time, the small workshop of about 20 artisans grew into a hub of innovation, setting a strong foundation for FOPE’s eventual expansion into jewelry.
Pioneering Flexibility and Craftsmanship
In the post-World War II era, Umberto's son, Odino, took over and modernized the company. With a vision to merge tradition with cutting-edge technology, he invested in advanced machinery and began producing flexible metal watch straps. This innovation was groundbreaking, positioning FICM as the first company to design and manufacture flexible watch bands—a product they supplied to Switzerland’s top watchmakers throughout the 1950s and 60s.
By the 1960s, the company evolved from FICM to FOPE, an acronym for "Factory of Jewelry Precious Export," marking the beginning of its journey as a distinguished jewelry brand. FOPE ventured into crafting its own jewelry collections, with Odino’s two children, Umberto and Ines, spearheading new designs and technologies.
FOPE’s Signature: The Novecento Mesh Chain
In 1985, FOPE introduced the Novecento mesh chain, an innovative piece that became synonymous with the brand. Known for its incredible flexibility, the chain was designed with the intricate gold mesh that could be shaped into countless beautiful forms. The Novecento chain’s unique quality led to its global success, and it remains a central inspiration for FOPE’s collections today. This luxurious design combines the elegance of Italian jewelry with a timeless appeal, captivating customers across the world.
Expanding Globally and the Launch of FOPE Flex’It
By 2000, FOPE’s success demanded a new headquarters in Vicenza, allowing the company to keep up with demand while staying rooted in their birthplace. Giulia, Umberto’s daughter and a fourth-generation Cazzola, joined the family business during this time. She expanded FOPE’s reach internationally by establishing its first American branch in New York, transforming FOPE into a globally recognized brand.
In 2007, FOPE achieved another milestone with the release of the FOPE Flex’It collection. This jewelry line introduced a revolutionary “roll-on” design that uses tiny gold springs within each link, making the mesh chain fully flexible and incredibly comfortable to wear. Available in yellow, white, and rose gold, Flex’It bracelets and rings captured hearts with their elegance, versatility, and practical luxury, adding a new dimension to FOPE’s legacy.
FOPE Today: A Legacy of Luxury
Today, FOPE remains a family-run business in Vicenza, where production is still centralized in a single location. In 2017, FOPE ventured into luxury timepieces with the release of the LadyFope watch line. These stunning watches combined the Flex’It bracelet with Swiss-made movements, and each piece was given a unique identification number to ensure exclusivity.
FOPE’s journey reflects its commitment to innovation, quality, and family values—principles we hold dear at LaViano Jewelers. Each FOPE piece tells a story of Italian craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence. As you browse our selection of FOPE jewelry, know that you’re experiencing a piece of history and heritage. We are thrilled to share these exceptional creations with our customers, confident that FOPE’s timeless elegance and flexibility will continue to inspire.
