LIVORNO. “Shops like ours are important because they give vitality to the centre, represent identity and create an important social fabric to fight decay.” Important words from Cristiano Galleni, a name that represents history and goldsmith tradition in the city. He speaks from his treasure chest in Piazza Grande 1 and looks at the roots. 146 years of history. «Our story began in 1878 – says he who is the owner of the Enrico Galleni jewelery shop – my great-grandfather Paolo Galleni was the pioneer who opened the first watch shop, followed by my grandfather Riccardo, and then my father Enrico continued the business starting from early fifties with great courage, immense passion and dedication that made him known to the whole city.” He remembers the past. He took fundamental steps to get to today.
«In fact, in 1952 he opened the sales point in Via Cairoli, still open and managed by my sister Alessandra, and in 1977 he fell in love with the charm of Piazza Grande where at number 1 he created the definitive headquarters, where we are now, with its large shop windows full of many jewels”. And here Galleni highlights some secrets of this success of well over a century. «Our strength, from the origins to today, has always been represented by values, which have made us a company respected and appreciated throughout Livorno and not only, first and foremost, friendliness, but also a lot of passion for the profession and seriousness».
From father to children. «Right in Piazza Grande my father – he continues – won the esteem and trust of many people from Livorno and beyond, inspired by his great desire for work and love for jewelery and goldsmithing, he managed to involve us children uniting the whole family in a strong and compact collaboration. In fact, my sister Cristiana today manages the shop in via Grande 175 and Eleonora the younger sister takes care of the accounting”. And the imprint of yesterday’s classic jewelry has been maintained today too. With a look at current trends. “With the corner dedicated to antique jewelery for the collector customer, he tried to look beyond, following the trends of the changing world. In fact, in addition to the vast assortment of traditional jewelry, we have also included modern jewelry from the best brands to embrace even a young clientele.” He takes pride in his displays and products. “We also have an important sector dedicated to watches, from the most commercial and fashion brands to the high-end second wrist corner, Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Panerai etc, guaranteed used”. There is also a corner selling gift items, furnishing accessories and silverware. “Last but not least, we also have the goldsmith and watchmaking workshop, and I buy gold,” he adds. Then Galleni, a point of reference in the shopping heart of the city centre, reflects on the importance of historic shops like his. On tourism. On the difficulties and what could be improved. “The tourists who come to Livorno are mostly on cruises, and in recent years during the summer we work well with tourists. Most of the spenders are Americans. They appreciate antique jewellery, Italian goldsmithing, and have more of a tendency towards consumerism. Before the Ukrainian war there were the Russians. We had Russian clients who came every year, with the ship on holiday in Livorno. By now they had become loyal and were spending a lot. During the summer season we also sell to Germans, who also love our jewels. Over the years, apart from 2020-2021, there has been an increase in cruises, more and more. And that’s a lot of work.” The owner of Galleni does not fail to touch on the topic of safety: “For safety, more officers would be needed for daily surveillance, however there is always a patrol in Piazza Grande.” He therefore admits that the area needs to be redeveloped: “but our strategic, central position certainly helps”, specifies Galleni.
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