La Peninsula

A Legacy Rooted in the Beauty of Taormina

There are places where craftsmanship feels inseparable from the landscape itself. Taormina is one of them.

Perched high above the Ionian Sea with panoramic views stretching toward Mount Etna, Sicily's celebrated hilltop town has long inspired artists, writers, and dreamers. Ancient Greek ruins, elegant palazzi, flowering terraces, and centuries of Mediterranean culture create an atmosphere where history is not simply preserved; it is lived. In such a setting, beauty becomes part of everyday life.

It is here that Le Colonne Taormina has established itself as one of Sicily's most distinctive jewelry maisons, creating handcrafted fine jewelry that reflects both the island's artistic heritage and the timeless traditions of Italian goldsmithing.

The story began in 1967, when master goldsmiths Alfredo Correnti and Giuseppe Alvaro founded the renowned jewelry house Alvaro e Correnti. Bound by friendship and a shared passion for exceptional craftsmanship, the two artisans believed jewelry should possess far more than material value. Every piece should tell a story, celebrate artistry, and become a treasured object passed from one generation to the next, with Leila Correnti and Sanny Alvaro in Taormina, and Carlo Correnti in Messina.

The company expanded its reputation beyond Sicily through an important collaboration with longtime friend Peppe Siracusa, whose boutique in the heart of Rome introduced Alvaro e Correnti creations to an international audience. Together, they helped establish a reputation for artistry that continues to define the family today.

A New Generation Preserving Tradition

Today, that remarkable legacy continues through Leila Correnti and Sanny Alvaro, daughters of the founding families, whose leadership has guided Le Colonne Taormina into a new era while remaining faithful to the principles established nearly sixty years ago.

For centuries, goldsmithing was considered almost exclusively a male profession. Under Leila and Sanny's creative direction, the maison reflects a more contemporary vision, one in which technical mastery, artistic sensitivity, and feminine perspective exist in perfect harmony.

Rather than replacing tradition, they have enriched it.

Their collections demonstrate that heritage is never static. It grows through creativity, curiosity, and the willingness to explore new artistic possibilities while honoring the techniques that made the family name synonymous with excellence.

The Atelier Where Ideas Become Art

Behind the elegant boutique lies the true heart of Le Colonne Taormina: its atelier.

This vibrant workshop is where imagination gradually becomes reality. Every jewel begins as an idea, then evolves into a sketch, a carefully refined design, and ultimately a handcrafted creation shaped by patience, precision, and extraordinary technical skill.

The atelier is led by a masterful team of technicians, headed by master goldsmith Carlos Humberto Stella.

Signature Creations

Among Le Colonne Taormina's exclusive creations, several pieces beautifully reflect the maison's artistic vision. A pendant inspired by Taormina's legendary Centauress, crafted in gold, silver, and precious gemstones, celebrates Sicily's rich mythology. Equally distinctive is a necklace featuring an antique Japanese silver coin set in 18-karat gold, where history meets contemporary design. Another remarkable pendant conceals a miniature Venus of Willendorf, transforming an ancient symbol into a deeply personal work of wearable art.

Built Around Human Connection

Since opening its boutique in Taormina's historic center in 1996, Le Colonne Taormina has embraced a philosophy rarely found in today's luxury market.

Visitors are not simply invited to purchase jewelry; they are welcomed into the creative process itself. Clients explore gemstones, discuss ideas with the artisans, review sketches, and participate in designing bespoke pieces that reflect personal stories and individual style. This dialogue between artisan and collector transforms every commission into a shared creative experience. The maison believes the most meaningful jewelry is not simply worn; it becomes part of a person's history.

The inspiration behind the brand itself reflects this philosophy. The elegant columns that define Taormina's historic architecture symbolize permanence, balance, and timeless beauty, qualities echoed throughout every Le Colonne creation. Like the city that inspired its name, the maison continually balances classical tradition with contemporary expression.

When Art Honors Art

Beyond its jewelry collections, Le Colonne Taormina has earned international recognition for creating extraordinary artistic awards that blur the boundaries between sculpture and fine craftsmanship.

The maison embraces a philosophy beautifully expressed in a simple idea: when art honors art, both become richer.

Among its most celebrated commissions are the prestigious Taobuk Literary Festival awards. Individually handcrafted from Taormina stone and sterling silver, these sculptural books are far more than ceremonial objects. Their silver pages gradually transform into natural stone, symbolizing the permanence of literature and the enduring power of the written word across generations.

The atelier also creates elegant silver medals featuring a bas-relief of Taormina's ancient Greek Theatre, presented annually to distinguished figures from the worlds of literature, music, politics, cinema, and the performing arts.

Its artistic legacy extends further through the City of Taormina Award, presented to internationally celebrated cultural icons including fashion designer Valentino Garavani and legendary composer Ennio Morricone.

In an era increasingly shaped by standardization and mass production, Le Colonne Taormina continues to champion the uniqueness that handcrafted artistry alone can achieve.

From Sicily to the World

Although firmly rooted in Sicily, Le Colonne Taormina's creations now reach collectors across five continents, demonstrating the universal appeal of authentic Italian craftsmanship. Remarkably, approximately 40 percent of the maison's jewelry is designed for men, reflecting a creative philosophy that transcends convention while embracing individuality.

Supporting the company's continued international growth is Amedeo Pasquale, whose organizational leadership has helped expand the maison's global presence while preserving the warmth and authenticity of its family character.

Yet despite growing international recognition, Le Colonne Taormina remains deeply connected to the place where its story began. Every handcrafted jewel, every bespoke commission, and every sculptural award carries something of Taormina itself, the elegance of its architecture, the brilliance of Mediterranean light, and the enduring dialogue between history and innovation.

For visitors exploring Sicily, discovering Le Colonne Taormina is far more than a shopping experience. It is an invitation to witness a living artistic tradition where family, craftsmanship, and imagination continue to shape jewelry of lasting beauty, proving that the finest creations are those that honor the past while confidently embracing the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Le Colonne Taormina?

Le Colonne Taormina is a family-owned Sicilian jewelry maison specializing in handcrafted fine jewelry, bespoke creations, and artistic commissions rooted in generations of Italian goldsmithing.

Where is Le Colonne Taormina located?

The boutique is located on Corso Umberto in the historic center of Taormina, Sicily.

Does Le Colonne Taormina create bespoke jewelry?

Clients collaborate directly with the atelier to create one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry tailored to their vision.

Who founded Le Colonne Taormina?

The family's jewelry tradition began in 1967 when master goldsmiths Alfredo Correnti and Giuseppe Alvaro founded the Alvaro e Correnti jewelry house.

What are the Taobuk Literary Festival awards?

Le Colonne Taormina creates handcrafted sculptural awards made from Taormina stone and sterling silver that honor internationally recognized authors and cultural figures.

What makes Le Colonne Taormina unique?

The maison combines nearly sixty years of Italian goldsmithing, family heritage, bespoke craftsmanship, and contemporary artistic design inspired by Sicily's beauty and history.