Welcome to the World of Massimo
Since 1980 Massimo Izzo's creations have been chosen by celebrated customers around the world, royalty, film directors and art galleries.
He has been acknowledged among the 108 contemporary designers by Olivier Dupon in "The new Jewelers" publication (Thames and Hudson), the red carpet for the new jewelers' generation.
1966 - 1983
The Origins
Massimo Izzo was born in Messina in 1966, in a Sicily imbued with myth and beauty. From a very young age, he discovered in matter a language capable of narrating his homeland.
A student at the Art School of Syracuse, he trained under masters Salvatore Canigiula and Salvatore Cassone, learning the goldsmith’s art and the discipline of metalwork. In 1983, he earned the title of Master of Arts — the path was set.
“Here I learned how to truly see: the light on the water, the ancient walls, the seabeds. Every detail told me a story. I only wanted to turn it into something eternal.”
1966 - 1983
The Origin
Massimo Izzo was born in Messina in 1966, in a Sicily imbued with myth and beauty. From a very young age, he discovered in matter a language capable of narrating his homeland.
A student at the Art School of Syracuse, he trained under masters Salvatore Canigiula and Salvatore Cassone, learning the goldsmith’s art and the discipline of metalwork.
In 1983, he earned the title of Master of Arts — the path was set.
“Here I learned how to truly see: the light on the water, the ancient walls, the seabeds. Every detail told me a story. I only wanted to turn it into something eternal.”
1987 - 1990
The First Workshop
1987 - Massimo Izzo opened his first workshop in Syracuse, on the island of Ortigia. From that small space emerged creations that combined myth, the sea, and tradition.
1988 - Creates the "Archimede Award", presented that year to scientist Romano Toschi.
1990 - Crafted the Archimedes Coin, a symbol of the bond between art and the city’s history.Soon after, his mastery drew the attention of collectors and international figures — from the Swedish royal family to the mayor of Tokyo.
1994 - 1996
The First Works and Recognition
1994 - Massimo Izzo created the Papal Coins and the Votive Lamp for the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime, both offered to Pope Giovanni Paolo II.
1996 - Designed commemorative coins for the classical cycle of the Greek Theatre of Syracuse, reviving an ancient tradition.
The craftsman became a guardian of memory.
1997 - 2002
From Sicily to the World
1990 - 2000 - Massimo Izzo brought his art across the world — to Belgium, Spain, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
2000 - Created the jewelry for Giuseppe Tornatore’s film Malèna, worn by Monica Bellucci — a meeting of cinema, sensuality, and goldsmithing that sealed his international acclaim.
2002 - Presents the “Jewels of the Sea” collection at Xanadu Gallery in San Francisco.
1997 - 2002
From Sicily to the World
1990 - 2000 - Massimo Izzo brought his art across the world — to Belgium, Spain, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
2000 - Created the jewelry for Giuseppe Tornatore’s film Malèna, worn by Monica Bellucci — a meeting of cinema, sensuality, and goldsmithing that sealed his international acclaim.
2002 - Presents the “Jewels of the Sea” collection at Xanadu Gallery in San Francisco.
2007
The House of Jewelry
2007 - Massimo Izzo celebrating twenty years of activity, he inaugurated his boutique and workshop in Piazza Archimede 25, in the heart of Ortigia.
There, every creation is born as a story: gold becomes a marine tale, gems recall volcanic stone, and blue evokes the sea of Syracuse.
2007 - His works gained permanent exhibition at the prestigious Ritz Hotel in Place Vendôme, Paris, and at Galerie Elsa Vanier on Rue du Pré aux Clercs, Paris.
He also presented his work at Trame Siciliane in “Casa Sicilia,” Paris.
2007
The House of Jewelry
2007 - Massimo Izzo celebrating twenty years of activity, he inaugurated his boutique and workshop in Piazza Archimede 25, in the heart of Ortigia.
There, every creation is born as a story: gold becomes a marine tale, gems recall volcanic stone, and blue evokes the sea of Syracuse.
2007 - His works gained permanent exhibition at the prestigious Ritz Hotel in Place Vendôme, Paris, and at Galerie Elsa Vanier on Rue du Pré aux Clercs, Paris.
He also presented his work at Trame Siciliane in “Casa Sicilia,” Paris.
2008 - 2013
The World
2008 - His collections have been exhibited in London, Paris, Munich, and Hong Kong.
He collaborates with international galleries and brands such as Max Mara and takes part in art and design events.
2009 - Creates the “Dee” Collection with fashion designer Marella Ferrera, unveiled during AltaRoma.
2011 - Featured in Vogue Italia (September), celebrating the opening of the Milan boutique.
2012 - Was featured in The New Jewelers by Olivier Dupon as one of the 108 great contemporary masters.
In Milan, he participated in Vogue Fashion’s Night Out, creating special jewels for the occasion.
2013 - he took part in the "Month of Italian Culture" in Monaco, wich was inaugurated at Barclays Bank's Palace, with 10 other italian artists, hosted by the italianEmbassy.
2014 - 2019
Jewelry as Sculpture of the Soul
2014 - Massimo Izzo has exhibited at the Ritz in London, the Park Hyatt in Milan, and the COUTURE show in Las Vegas.
2016 - The New York Times dedicated an article to him, portraying his vision of jewelry as “poetic and sculptural.”
He takes part in Milan Design Week with Marella Ferrera, blending art, fashion, and craftsmanship.
2019 - Exhibited in Noto with The Garden of the Hesperides with Carmelo Giannuso, an homage to Greek mythology and the dialogue between man and nature.
2020 - 2024
International Exhibitions and Events
Over the years, Massimo Izzo has held several exhibitions around the world
2019 - Solo exhibition at the Vero Beach Golf Club in Florida.
2021 - Solo exhibition at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club and other solo exhibitions in Tampa and Onteora
2022 - he took part in the exhibition UNESCO – The Power of Beauty. Presents his work at Art Basel Miami, bringing Sicilian Mediterranean artistry into the international art scene.
2022 - Creates the “Sciara Rings” for Elisabetta Cipriani Gallery and is published in Forbes, highlighting the collection.
In the same year he exhibits the “Sciara” Collection at Castello Ursino in Catania, a dialogue between volcanic stone, fire, and gold.
2024 - Financial Times features his mastery in working with Sciacca coral and exhibits the unique piece "Eyes of Saint Lucia" at Museo Bellomo in Siracusa. He also participated in and collaborated with the Bugatti event held in Ortigia, Sicily, creating special pieces for the occasion.
That same year, during the G7, Massimo Izzo adorned Sofine’s fashion show with his jewels.
2020 - 2024
International Exhibitions and Events
Over the years, Massimo Izzo has held several exhibitions around the world
2019
Solo exhibition at the Vero Beach Golf Club in Florida.
2021
Solo exhibition at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club and other solo exhibitions in Tampa and Onteora
2022
He took part in the exhibition UNESCO – The Power of Beauty. Presents his work at Art Basel Miami, bringing Sicilian Mediterranean artistry into the international art scene.
2022
Creates the “Sciara Rings” for Elisabetta Cipriani Gallery and is published in Forbes, highlighting the collection.
In the same year he exhibits the “Sciara” Collection at Castello Ursino in Catania, a dialogue between volcanic stone, fire, and gold.
2024 - Financial Times features his mastery in working with Sciacca coral and exhibits the unique piece "Eyes of Saint Lucia" at Museo Bellomo in Siracusa. He also participated in and collaborated with the Bugatti event held in Ortigia, Sicily, creating special pieces for the occasion.
That same year, during the G7, Massimo Izzo adorned Sofine’s fashion show with his jewels.
2025
Bergdorf Goodman
Massimo Izzo brought his creations to Bergdorf Goodman, earning a place on Fifth Avenue.An exhibition in which Bergdorf Goodman chose to celebrate Izzo’s vision as a true form of art.
“Being at Bergdorf Goodman and seeing my creations — so far from Sicily, yet feeling so at home — was an emotion difficult to express in words. A moment that embodies years of work, research, and passion.A vision I have carried since the beginning, now finding its place on Fifth Avenue.”
Today and Tomorrow
The Sea, the Hand, the Light
In the silence of his workshop, the hand of Massimo Izzo continues to converse with the sea.
Each jewel is a ritual, an act of memory.
Sicily remains his muse — not merely a place, but a breath that becomes form, light, and story.Thus, time does not fade: it becomes eternal beauty.