In the historic atelier of Florence, Pitti Mosaici, I documented the craftsmanship of stone marquetry (Pietra Dura) for Patek Philippe’s exclusive magazine. This decorative art transforms semi-precious stones—malachite, lapis lazuli, and jasper—into intricate compositions as seen in the chapels all over Florence.
The process begins with the careful selection of raw stones, chosen for their color, pattern, and quality. Each stone tells its own story—the deep blues of lapis lazuli, the swirling greens of malachite, and the warm reds of jasper. These natural materials are then cut with remarkable precision using traditional tools and techniques that have changed little over centuries.
Pietra dura, meaning “hard stone” in Italian, has been practiced in Florence since the Renaissance. Today, these techniques are preserved by master artisans who maintain the same meticulous standards that adorned the Medici Chapels centuries ago. For Patek Philippe, these craftspeople serve as inspiration for the brand’s most exclusive timepieces.
Photography Director: Emmanuelle Peri
Art Director: Andrew Campbell
