Mirella Falco already played an identical character also called Mrs. Motta in Piedipiatti (1991). In that case, she was aiding the cops instead of the thieves.
Monica Bellucci was already becoming an international star, but was very happy for the opportunity of playing a comic role. Although born near Perugia, in the region Umbria, Bellucci had to train the local dialect with a specialized voice actor, Max Turilli.
The jewelry is located in Via Montenapoleone, the famous shopping street in Milan, and was called Gioielleria Calderoni at time of filming. As of 2022, it's branded Prada. Short after the movie release, a gang of burglars really tried to rob it.