The Koç family that’s been active in the jewelry industry for three generations also sought not to tamper with this tradition, making a name for itself by adding craftsmanship and developing technology to one-of-a-kind jewels. Inspired by the unique design spirit that’s still alive in Italy, the family started its own atelier, aiming to open up to the global market over time. The family then incorporated different designers and ateliers to establish the Il Bernardo brand in 2000. In keeping with the goal of taking on a global market, the family opened up a showroom and store in Istanbul, the heart of the Turkish jewelry industry that serves as a bridge to the Balkans, Russia, Turkic Republics and the Middle Eastern market. The family has made a name for itself by marketing its products manufactured in Italy to such large and important markets. Over time, it’s opened over 600 sales points across the world. Il Bernardo aims to add new products to its existing designs in 2013; in addition to gold products, the brand seeks to create exclusively designed diamond jewelry to increase its number of distributors across Turkey. Il Bernardo will soon continue to offer the brilliance and Italian flair in the elegant details of gold, diamonds and precious jewels – which have been indispensible accessories for women for hundreds of years – in concept stores.