Europa Star: Can you tell us the amazing story of Chantecler?

Maria Elena Aprea: Chantecler is a story that combines myth, glamour and tradition, with moments that mark not only the development of the brand, but also that of the island of Capri. It all began in 1944, when its founder, Pietro Capuano, gifted the Peace Bell to President Roosevelt. A gesture of friendship and gratitude to the American troops stationed on Capri, it also became the symbol of a universal desire for peace. La Campana bears the emblematic symbols of the myth of Capri – Saint Michael slaying the dragon and the horn of plenty – and marks the beginning of the legend of the Campanella, one of the most recognisable and best-loved jewels in the world.

In 1947 Pietro Capuano and his friend Salvatore Aprea opened the historic Capri boutique, which soon became the place to go for the international jet set. Numerous famous figures crossed Chantecler’s threshold, from Jackie Kennedy to Audrey Hepburn and from Ingrid Bergman to Mona von Bismarck, turning the boutique into a symbol of la dolce vita. The change of generation in the 1990s marked another crucial milestone: Salvatore Aprea’s sons took up the reins of the company, perpetuating tradition while looking to the future.

Large Ingrid Bergman Campanella charm in 18k yellow gold, diamonds, emeralds, blue and light blue sapphires

When did Chantecler expand beyond the island?

In 2003, when the world discovered the Campanella and the essence of Capri. This process of international expansion enabled the brand to become a global ambassador for the glamour of Capri. In 2024, which marked the 80th anniversary of the Campanella, we celebrated our roots with limited editions, special events and the launch of the Casa Chantecler project, which will house the company museum and preserve and tell our history.

In your capacity as artistic director, how do you integrate and develop this substantial heritage in the new collections?

Chantecler’s heritage is the beating heart of every one of my creations. Every collection is born of the necessity to keep our history alive and reinterpret it in a modern way without betraying the values that define us.

For example, the horns are a perfect symbol of that continuity. Presented in wholly novel shades and combinations in 2025, 20 years after they were first created, they are archetypical symbols of Capri.

Integrating heritage into a piece is also a question of selecting the right materials. We combine classic materials, such as gold and diamonds, with innovative materials such as titanium or sculpted coral, creating pieces that are contemporary but hold a wealth of meaning. Every jewel has to tell the history of Capri, its legends and timeless beauty.

Small Sea Urchins ring in coloured titanium, diamonds and sapphires

What does “Capriness” mean for you and for the brand, and how do you convey it internationally?

“Capriness” is the very essence of Chantecler. It’s a concept that goes beyond aesthetic beauty: it embodies the soul of Capri, its unspoiled nature, its millennia of history, its free, cosmopolitan spirit. “Capriness” is a mixture of sophistication, colour and joie de vivre with a touch of extravagance: aspects reflected in each and every one of our creations.

For us, conveying the image of “Capriness” internationally means translating the unique energy of this island into jewels that can be understood and loved all over the world. With their cheerful tinkling, the Campanelle are a perfect example of this. They’re lucky charms that tell a universal story of good fortune, hope and beauty. Thanks to our stores in Capri, Milan and Tokyo and our presence at more than 130 selected retail outlets worldwide, we’re in a position to take the authenticity of Capri everywhere, while keeping our identity intact.

For the Campanella’s 80th anniversary in 2024, we celebrated our roots with a series of events on the island involving the local community and building a bridge between our history and the future.

As the current custodian of the brand’s image, what lessons taught to you by your father do you apply and how?

My father, Salvatore, taught me two fundamental lessons: attention to detail and the importance of human relations. From my childhood, he taught me to consider each precious stone as a unique masterpiece, to understand the value of perfect hand-crafting and to respect every stage in the creative process. Today, that translates into an obsessive attention to quality: each and every jewel that leaves our workshops has to be perfect, not only aesthetically but also in terms of the message it conveys.

The other lesson my father taught me is about his relationship with people. He was never content just to sell jewellery. He understood customers’ desires and established a deep connection with them based on trust and empathy. That approach is still at the heart of Chanteclerc today. Every piece of jewellery is designed for a specific person, to tell a unique story and to accompany special moments in life. The bell is revisited every year, taking inspiration from famous figures.

How do you choose these individuals and how do you celebrate their uniqueness?

The people we dedicate our special bell editions to are not chosen randomly; they have all marked our history and embody values that are important to our brand: elegance, authenticity, charisma and creativity. Jackie Kennedy Onassis, for example, was a loyal customer who left an indelible mark on our style. Her bell, with a mosaic of diamonds and black onyx, reflects her modern, timeless elegance.

Other icons, like Audrey Hepburn and Ingrid Bergman, were chosen for their ability to represent beauty in all its nuances. Audrey, with her innate grace, is celebrated by a bell adorned with pearls and diamonds, symbolising her daintiness. As for Ingrid, she is represented with a design inspired by Scandinavian ceramic artists as a tribute to her magnetic gaze and her presence on screen. These bells are not simply jewels. They are stories which celebrate extraordinary women and their impact on the history of the brand. Every detail, from the design to the choice of stones, is there to reflect their essence and create an object which is not only an object of beauty, but one of memory and meaning.