Back in the eighteenth century, Japan was a very distant, almost “separate” world with an age-old culture which still held many mysteries for the West. It was at the time that members of the D’Elia family ventured forth from Torre del Greco in Southern Italy to initiate trade relations with Japanese merchants and jewelers.

That was a different age, far removed from our own, but these Neapolitan dealers are still as enthusiastic about their chosen field of specialization as they were in the 1700s. The D’Elias made the decision to procure their goods directly from the source of production and select them where the fabulous, rare, high-quality products available in the East. The D’Elia family opened offices in the city of Kobe and became pioneers in the trading of Japanese pearls, coral and seashells in Europe, India and the United States.

It was actually one of the first firms in Torre del Greco to have a New York branch. It then gradually became the most important company in its field with 600 employees. The D’Elias chose Japan as their second homeland and the Japanese took the opportunity to collaborate with the Italian traders, beginning with Kokichi Mikimoto (the firm which gave great impetus to the pearl harvesting industry), who initiated a cordial form of collaboration that contributed towards the economic development of the Japanese government itself, which recognised the Italian firm as a true friend of the country it represented on account of its having helped Japan during the years of reconstruction following the Second World War.

Now, as then, courage, inventiveness and a keen business sense are the “virtues” with characterize the family. “And never did true professional standards contribute in such a determining manner towards the success of an entire life dedicated to these precious gems from the sea” – says Alfonso Vitiello, the man who now represents the continuation of this legendary dynasty. Reflecting on the future, Vitiello is convinced “that it belongs to those firms that have a story to tell”.