The Municipality of Udine pays homage to master goldsmith Dario Nonino

Dario Nonino began his career in August 1960, at just 15 years old, in the workshop of master Eliseo “Leo” Zoratti in via Nazario Sauro. At the same time, he trained at the evening school of the Sello Institute, under the guidance of the artist Dino Basaldella. After 21 years of apprenticeship and professional growth, in 1981 he opened the “Dalì Gioielli” laboratory in Corte Portanuova together with his colleague Lino Gagno, a name born from the union of the first syllables of their surnames.

Over time, the business has consolidated thanks to the entry of the new generations: first his nephew Gianluca Nonino, then his daughter Martina. After Gagno's retirement, the jewelry store was taken over by Gianluca and Martina, who still carry on the tradition today with the precious support of Dario. The shop has been able to stand out not only for its artisanal quality, but also for its creativity, combining goldsmith art with painting: among the latest collections are pendants inspired by the great masters such as Klimt, Miró and Van Gogh. Many are the historic customers, including the illustrious Gianpietro Benedetti, who dedicated an entire chapter of his posthumously published book to the Nonino family. "Thanks to the school of the master Zoratti we have acquired solid skills in both goldsmithing and jewelry - says Dario - and the knowledge of precious stones has led us to have a loyal clientele, who have made us known throughout the city".

"Rewarding a figure like Dario Nonino - said Deputy Mayor Alessandro Venanzi - means valorizing not only an extraordinary personal career, but also an entire world of artisanal knowledge that represents the identity and history of our city. The transmission of these crafts to new generations, as happens in the Nonino family, is a fundamental element to keep alive a heritage that is not only economic, but also cultural and human. Generational continuity is what gives a future to tradition."

In the photo, the delivery of the recognition for 65 years of activity to Dario Nonino, the reading of the chapter dedicated to goldsmithing written by engineer Gianpietro Benedetti, the goldsmith Nonino with his daughter Martina who, together with her cousin Gianluca, continues her father's business.