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heard complaints about poorly fi t- ting or uncomfortable rings and the diffi culties that women face with bracelet clasps. The family then set for themselves a mission to cre- ate jewelry that solves problems. After much research and trial-and- error, PICCHIOTTI found and per- fected an invisible technology that allows rings to expand and contract easily to comfortably fi t any fi nger on the hand, over the life of the wearer. This same mechanism allows brace- lets to be worn seamlessly without the need for a clasp at all. The Xpandable™ Collection has been incredibly successful in all of the brand's global markets. Now in its fi fth year, the collection launched in 2016 with only a few prototypes and has grown to encompass over two hundred designs. PICCHIOTTI has also achieved a highly prestigious patent for the proprietary technol- ogy and some of the unique designs. "We knew from the beginning that the genius of this technology was special and that it would ensure long-lasting comfort for our custom- ers," says President and Founder Giuseppe Picchiotti. "The patent now sanctions the originality of our invention and ensures that Xpand- able™ customers can be confi dent they are getting a genuine PICCHIO- TTI creation." The Picchiotti siblings see Xpand- able as the future for the expansion of retail distribution. The siblings are now promoting the Xpandable line in all marketing and advertising com- munications with special packag- ing, displays and customer service. These jewels offer true comfort and ease in high jewelry. As modern life- styles and luxury fashions continue to move in a more casual direction, sophisticated fi ne jewelry must bal- ance elegance and ease, along with customization. The Xpandable brace- lets can be stacked and layered with both precious gems or fashion styles in coral, turquoise, mother-of-pearl, lapis, and onyx. And the expanding rings eliminate the problem of ring sizing, as the rings can expand up to two ring sizes and slide easily over large knuckles. The Xpandable collection also has a second generation, with Umberto Picchiotti at the helm. The newest evolution of Xpandables include a sliding mechanism for rings and bracelets that allow expansion for easily sliding onto the wrist or fi nger. The central design ele- ment can feature many styles and/ or gems. It is placed on a binary track, with pipes fl owing through the track that allow a sliding func- tion for enlarging and contracting. Similar designs are available in earrings and necklaces for mixing, matching, or pairing (but without the sliding movement). Digital, communications are also the path of the future. MariaCaro- la Picchiotti has recently launched an all-new website at www.pic- chiotti.it for the esteemed heritage brand, including a B2B business portal for communication and fi le sharing with retail partners. In addition, she has launched a new luxury blog entitled "Sincerely, Giuseppe!" for regularly scheduled Rock Crystal, Black Onyx and Diamond Pendant necklace L'Anfi teatro, 50th Anniversary Ring PICCHOTTI Design Atelier interior, Valenza, Italy Advertorial

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