On October 10th 1613, queen Marie de Medici granted exceptional privileges to members of the Mellerio family, who had arrived from Italy a century earlier. Thanks to this decree, renewed by all the kings of France until Louis XVI, these peddlers of small precious objects soon became the jewellers of an illustrious clientele. 14 generations later, after wars, changes of regime, cross-border travels, numerous distinctions, innovation patents and exceptional creations, the Mellerios are still at the helm of the last independent, family-run french high jewellery firm.
Intimacy with Clients
Over four centuries, the destiny of the Mellerio family closely followed the history of France, as the private trajectories of its members were weaved into a larger narrative. All the queens of Europe commissioned jewels from the Mellerios, alongside many writers, composers, bankers and industrialists. In addition to this extraordinary heritage, the family has kept an unique archive, revealing the intimate relationships the Mellerios built with their clients. These women were the fashion and society icons of their time, and the jewels they commissioned were perfect encapsulations of their era. Today the same happens, with Clients like the Duchess of Wales, Kate Middleton, among others.
Creativity
Today, Mellerio’s jewels are designed by Laure-Isabelle Mellerio, as the 14th generation of the Mellerio jewellery dynasty. She places a creative emphasis on color – with subtle shades of sapphire, emerald and chrysoprase paying tribute to the beauty of the Borromean Islands, a return to the origin of her family, whose native village was a few kilometers away from the Lake Maggiore. Additionally, the House of Mellerio also offers completely bespoke designs, which can also occasionally incorporate precious stones from their client’s own collections. Reimagining and remaking existing jewels in this way has always been an intrinsic part of Mellerio’s heritage, but takes on an additional significance in the contemporary world as a way to help minimize environmental waste.