By Simone Bandini
Jewels as particular both universal experiences.
In the heart of Cortona, nestled beneath the same Tuscan skies that inspired Under the Tuscan Sun, there’s a place where ancient craftsmanship, family heritage, and modern elegance meet—link by link. It’s not a vineyard, nor a palazzo hotel, but a jewelry house unlike any other: DelBrenna Jewelry.
On a recent episode of Italy With Bella Podcast, hosts Anthony Campo and Brian sat down for a heartfelt conversation with Sebastian DelBrenna, the third-generation artisan behind the family-run jewelry brand, and the ever-graceful Megan DelBrenna, Sebastian’s wife, muse, and creative partner. The episode offered more than just travel tips – it was a deep dive into what makes DelBrenna more than a boutique. It’s an experience.
A Tuscan Legacy Forged in Gold.
Sebastian’s story begins in 1947, when his grandfather, seeking work after the war, found his calling in a goldsmith’s workshop in Arezzo – a city famed for its jewelry-making tradition. What began as necessity soon blossomed into artistry. Decades later, Sebastian’s father took up the trade, developing a singular handmade chain that would become the DelBrenna signature: the Links chain.
“It’s our DNA,” Sebastian said. “Every link is handmade – 88 steps for a single inch of chain.”
But it wasn’t just the technique that set DelBrenna apart. It was Sebastian’s bold vision: to bring the jewelry directly to the people, sharing the story, the process, and the passion behind each piece.
A Kansas Girl Meets Cortona.
Enter Megan. An American architecture student studying in Cortona, she met Sebastian in what can only be described as a cinematic Tuscan love story. Their shared love of design, storytelling, and connection led not only to marriage but also to the creation of the DelBrenna retail experience.
With Megan’s eye for space and Sebastian’s drive to innovate, the couple transformed a historic 14th-century palazzo into more than a store—it became their casa. Vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, and even an ancient Etruscan cistern beneath the floor now set the scene for one of Italy’s most immersive shopping experiences.
“Guests come in and we welcome them like they’re entering our home,” Megan shared. “Prosecco, storytelling, beautiful lighting – it’s all part of the magic.”
More Than a Purchase – An Experience.
Visitors don’t just browse at DelBrenna; they’re invited to experience the artistry. One of the most enchanting ways to do that? ‘Wine Dine Shine’, a Thursday night tradition where guests borrow a piece of DelBrenna jewelry, wear it out to dinner, and truly feel the elegance of handmade Tuscan design: “It’s like a red-carpet experience, and it’s not about selling – it’s about connection.”
This blend of personal touch, historical context, and aesthetic beauty is why Italy with Bella, the bespoke travel company behind the podcast, proudly partners with DelBrenna. It’s not a tourist stop. It’s a timeless story told in gold and silver.
The Art of Staying Small.
Despite growing international recognition and boutiques in Kansas City, Florence, and beyond, DelBrenna remains fiercely dedicated to its roots. Every piece is still made in their family’s workshop. Nothing mass-produced. Nothing rushed.
And when asked about the challenges of pushing tradition forward?
“My father still wonders why I need a logo or a business card,” Sebastian laughed. “But that’s the beauty – we’re evolving while preserving something precious.”
A Jewel of Cortona.
From handcrafted chains to the laughter echoing through the palazzo, DelBrenna is more than a brand – it’s a bridge between centuries of craftsmanship and today’s yearning for meaning, beauty, and authenticity.
So, if you find yourself wandering through the cobblestone streets of Cortona or through Borgo Santi Apostoli, the popular heart of Florence, follow the twinkle of chandeliers and the hum of warm conversation. Behind an unassuming doorway, you’ll discover not just jewelry, but a family, a story, and maybe even a piece of your own Tuscan dream.
Info: DelBrenna Jewelry: – Piazza della Repubblica 12, Cortona (Ar) Boutique / Tel: 0575 601518 / Office Tel: 0575 630643 / Website: www.delbrenna.com / Email: info@delbrenna.com
– Borgo Santi Apostoli 45R, Firenze (Fi) / Tel. 055 2025030
