Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Photo courtesy of Attilio Codognato

Coveted Venetian jeweler Attilio Codognato will lend a touch of fantasy and plenty of sparkle to the Golden State when he brings his bold, one-of-a-kind gems—which have adorned the likes of Coco Chanel, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Grace Kelly—to San Francisco as part of Memento Mori: Jewels by Codognato, an exhibit opening at The Serge Sorokko Gallery on Dec. 14.

The month-long, museum-grade show, the result of prodding by longtime Bay Area collectors and gallery owners Serge and Tatiana Sorokko, will showcase 50 new and vintage works from the archives of the 151-year-old Casa Codognato, as the company’s sole, and very exclusive shop near the Piazza San Marco in Venice, is called.

“I have always kept my jewelry exclusively in my shop in Venice, and so have my father, grandfather and great-grandfather before me,” says Codognato. “Serge and Tatiana Sorokko, some of my most dedicated collectors, had finally convinced me, after years of trying, to exhibit my collection in the United States for the first time last year, and I am excited to share my works with American collectors again.”

Among the grandiose (and rarely accessible) pieces on display will be Codognato’s signature skulls — a reference to memento mori, which reminds the wearer to celebrate their life while they have it—and serpents, in rare combinations of gold and diamonds, rubies and sapphires. The exquisite pieces have garnered a loyal following among a discerning set, counting everyone from Tom Ford and Elton John, to Carine Roitfield and Kate Moss among the brand’s clientele.

Memento Mori: Jewels by Codognato will run through January 2018. Serge Sorokko Gallery, 361 Sutter Street S.F.; 415-421-7770.

Written by Gillian Koenig