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
Le origini
Massimo Izzo nasce a Messina nel 1966, in una Sicilia intrisa di mito e bellezza. Fin da giovanissimo, scopre nella materia un linguaggio capace di raccontare la sua terra.
Allievo della Scuola d’Arte di Siracusa, si forma sotto la guida dei maestri Salvatore Canigiula e Salvatore Cassone, apprendendo l’arte orafa e la disciplina del metallo. Nel 1983 ottiene il titolo di Maestro d’Arte: la strada è tracciata.
“Qui ho imparato a guardare davvero: la luce sull’acqua, le mura antiche, i fondali. Ogni dettaglio mi raccontava una storia.
Io volevo solo trasformarla in qualcosa di eterno.”
1987 - 1990
The First Workshop
In 1987, he opened his first workshop in Syracuse, on the island of Ortigia.From that small space emerged creations that combined myth, the sea, and tradition.
In 1990, he 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
In 1994, he created the Papal Coins and the Votive Lamp for the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime, both offered to Pope Giovanni Paolo II.
Two years later, he 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
Dalla Sicilia al mondo
Tra la fine degli anni ’90 e i primi 2000, Massimo Izzo porta la sua arte in tutto il mondo: Belgio, Spagna, Stati Uniti, Emirati Arabi.
Nel 2000 realizza i gioielli per il film Malèna di Giuseppe Tornatore, indossati da Monica Bellucci — un incontro tra cinema, sensualità e arte orafa che consacra la sua fama internazionale.
1997 - 2002
From Sicily to the World
Between the late 1990s and early 2000s, Massimo Izzo brought his art across the world — to Belgium, Spain, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
In 2000, he 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.
2007
The House of Jewelry
In 2007, 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.
That same year, his works gained permanent showcases 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
La Casa del gioiello
Nel 2007, per celebrare vent’anni di attività, inaugura la boutique e laboratorio in Piazza Archimede 25, nel cuore di Ortigia.
Lì, ogni creazione nasce come un racconto: l’oro si fa racconto marino, le gemme ricordano la pietra vulcanica, il blu rievoca il mare di Siracusa.
Nello stesso anno le sue opere guadagnano una vetrina permanente al prestigioso Ritz Hotel in Place Vendome, Parigi, e alla Galerie Elsa Vanier in Rue du Pré Aux Clercs, Parigi.
Presenta inoltre il suo lavoro a TRAME SICILIANE in "CASA SICILIA" a Parigi
2008 - 2013
The World
Since 2008, his collections have been showcased 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..
In 2012, he 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.
2014 - 2019
Jewelry as Sculpture of the Soul
Massimo Izzo has exhibited at the Ritz in London, the Park Hyatt in Milan, and the COUTURE show in Las Vegas.
In 2016, The New York Times dedicated an article to him, portraying his vision of jewelry as “poetic and sculptural.”
In 2019, he exhibited in Noto with The Garden of the Hesperides, 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 solo exhibitions around the world: in Florida at the Vero Beach Golf Club and Onteora; numerous shows in Tampa, including one at the Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club; one in New Orleans, and many more.
In 2022, he took part in the exhibition UNESCO – The Power of Beauty.
In 2024, he 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 — a union of art and fashion — and presented an installation composed of seven works dedicated to the stages of cotton production.
2020 - 2024
Mostre ed Eventi Internazionali
In questi anni Massimo Izzo realizza diverse mostre personali in giro per il mondo: in Florida, al Golf Club di Vero Beach e a Onteora; numerose esposizioni a Tampa, tra cui una presso il Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club; una a New Orleans e molte altre.
Nel 2022 partecipa all’esposizione “UNESCO – The Power of Beauty”.
Nel 2024 partecipa e collabora all’evento Bugatti, tenutosi a Ortigia, in Sicilia, creando pezzi speciali per l’occasione.
Nello stesso anno, durante il G7, Massimo Izzo impreziosisce la sfilata di Sofine con i suoi gioielli tra moda e arte, e presenta un’installazione composta da sette opere dedicate alle fasi di produzione del cotone.
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.