Unoaerre turns 100: from the first hallmark to the next chapter

Before becoming part of the name, 1AR was a hallmark. The first one assigned in the province of Arezzo, it is one of the symbols from which Unoaerre’s history began. It was 1926 when Carlo Zucchi and Leopoldo Gori decided to apply an industrial approach to goldsmithing production, creating a manufacturing company destined to grow alongside the district.

One hundred years later, that turning point still effectively reflects the company’s nature: transforming goldsmithing expertise through processes, technologies and new production methods. The centenary now coincides with another turning point: the opening of a new facility covering approximately 4,800 square metres, 4,400 of which are dedicated to production.

«Celebrating one hundred years means looking back at our history with pride, but also taking responsibility for building the future», says Maria Cristina Squarcialupi, President of Unoaerre. «The inauguration of the new facility represents an important investment in the company, our people and the local area».

The history of Unoaerre is also one of technical solutions that have become part of the brand’s vocabulary. The Chicco technique, the Corda chain, and the seamless wedding band made from a single block of gold all tell the story of the transition from traditional goldsmithing to structured production. Since 1935, the company has been producing wedding bands and today manufactures more than 300,000 pieces a year. Over the course of a century, approximately 40 million have been produced, using a total of 200 tonnes of precious metals.

The way products are certified has also evolved. Since 2025, the PERSEMPRE collection has been accompanied by blockchain certification guaranteeing the authenticity, traceability and provenance of the gold. On a cultural level, the company’s history has also been shaped by collaborations that brought jewellery closer to other creative worlds: Disney in the 1950s, Warner Bros in the 2000s, Fiorucci and Alessi.

Over the past fifteen years, the company’s relaunch has been driven by the Squarcialupi family. Sergio Squarcialupi joined the company in 2012, opening a new chapter that is now being carried forward by Maria Cristina Squarcialupi and her son Andrea, Board Member. «Celebrating Unoaerre’s one hundred years is a milestone that also represents a new beginning. We have been able to interpret the changes taking place in the industry with flexibility, turning challenges into opportunities while always maintaining our ability to anticipate market directions», says the President.

The new facility gives tangible form to this continuity. The building has been designed to achieve LEED certification and incorporates a photovoltaic system of approximately 140 kWp, rainwater reuse, heat pumps, smart management of lighting and systems, as well as electric vehicle charging stations. The project also addresses rainwater management, with systems designed to reduce the peak volume discharged into the sewer network.

«I envision a company capable of deeply listening to its time, understanding the needs of customers and partners and evolving responsibly, without ever losing its connection with its roots», concludes Squarcialupi. After one hundred years, the direction remains the same: to continue evolving a manufacturing culture built over time, investing in skills, technologies, local expertise and production capacity.