RTZ - Storia

Our Story

The story of RTZ Artigiani is rooted in a family tradition that spans generations, blending passion, innovation, and artisanal mastery. It all began with Elio Rizzo, a visionary man born in 1932 in Naples. During his career as a representative of photographic equipment, he developed a deep interest in optics, which led him to invest in the field and open a shop in the heart of the city.

With determination and creativity, he didn’t stop at retail: he founded a small frame factory and, in 1975, successfully launched the renowned eyewear line "Ritz International" at the MIDO fair in Milan.

After his untimely passing in 1982, the business was handed down to his children and grandson, who, with dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, expanded the company by opening stores across Italy. This passion for craftsmanship and the beauty of eyewear design has been passed down to the new generations, who have continued the project with the same commitment and innovation.

The company’s journey is built on a solid foundation of training in the field. Elio Matteo Rizzo, founder of RTZ Artigiani, obtained his mechanical optical technician qualification in 2012, and continued his studies at the "Gian Lorenzo Bernini" school of optics in Naples. In 2014, he earned his diploma as an optician-optometrist and, in 2017, received the certification required to practice this fascinating profession. Since 2019, he has further expanded his expertise by attending industrial design courses.

The Birth of RTZ Artigiani

In 2020, RTZ Artigiani was founded — a company that combines tradition and innovation, collaborating with expert artisans from various fields to create unique and distinctive products. Production focuses on luxury eyewear, true works of art enriched with jewelry and precious metals, designed for those who wish to express elegance and style without compromise.

The story of RTZ Artigiani is a celebration of Italian craftsmanship, creativity, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.

The dedication and passion of Elio Matteo Rizzo, grandson of Elio Rizzo and craftsman behind the creations, have been recognized with important awards: in 2024 he received the Optical Innovation Award 2.0, granted by the AIO (Italian Association of Opticians and Optometrists), and in 2025, thanks to the presentation of the Karmen eyewear, the A.M.A.I (Association of Italian Masters of Art) awarded him the prestigious Italian Craftsmanship Excellence Award.