Argento…creations in repurposed silver

                       

 

The concept behind Argento

 

Argento means silver in Italian.  My name is Nestor Citino,  my family emigrated from Italy to Argentina where I grew up, and I now live in the California desert.  I’ve always identified strongly with the traditions of Italian design.  With that motivation, I wanted to create a company in which the primary artistic focus would be repurposing of old, beautiful and often forgotten silver objects (such as silverware) into art jewelry pieces with broad appeal.   My work consists of unique, fresh designs seated in a sense of nostalgia, yet with a contemporary footprint.   Through workmanship, material quality, and smart design the jewelry is never boring or ordinary.  Because each piece has been repurposed, the focus goes beyond just the object to embrace the values of environmental conservation and thrift.

 

Finally, the pieces are affordable... which is essential to the concept.  These are jewelry pieces, but my hope is that customers never feel they are purchasing just an accessory.  There is no mass production, and every piece is interesting and unique. 

 

My work process

 

I work primarily with sterling and silver-plated materials.  Frequently I  incorporate natural stones into the designs.    Just as a woodworker allows the wood grain to help define the object, I also follow the “nature” and condition of the piece to determine its ultimate direction.  While the initial design is fundamental to creating a beautiful piece, the decision of how to finish the piece is just as important.  When the original silver condition is good I tend to create bolder silver finishes. But when the piece has defects I work around and “respect” those characteristics to create more rustic and organic results.

 

 

I hope you enjoy viewing my work.  If you have questions, comments, or an interest in purchasing one of my pieces, please feel free to contact me using the information on the “contact” page.