Mellerio, Jeweler of Excellence since 1515
A dynasty of French jewelers of Italian origin
The Mellerio family is a dynasty of French jewelers of Italian origin, founded in Paris in 1515. Authorized by Queen Marie de Medici in 1613 to operate in France without administrative restrictions, Mellerio became a supplier to the Court under Louis XVI . The shop located at 20 rue Vivienne quickly attracted the circle of Empress Josephine , establishing close ties with the Bonaparte family .
Mellerio and the Royal Courts of Europe
In 1830, during the reign of Marie-Amélie and Louis-Philippe of Orléans , Mellerio became the official supplier to " Her Royal Highness, the Queen of the French ." During the Second Empire , Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie were among its most important clients . Eugénie, after becoming Empress, frequented the shop almost every week.
The House of Mellerio established itself in Madrid in 1850 to serve the Spanish nobility , including Countess Eugénie de Montijo . By the end of the 19th century, it was renowned at the Dutch court for its impressive jewelry . The boutique on Carrer de la Paix , opened in 1815 by Francesco Mellerio , became a must-visit destination for European aristocracy .
A prestigious clientele worldwide
The boutique on Rue de la Paix attracted personalities from all over the world , including the Rothschilds and the courts of Spain , Russia , Italy , and Belgium . In 1905, during a visit to Paris, the Maharaja of Kapurthala purchased two pieces of jewelry, including an exceptional peacock aigrette adorned with 2,984 rose-cut diamonds and enamel .
A House of Innovation
Mellerio innovates with patents , notably in 1854 with a flexible frame mimicking the movement of temples, and in 1951 with decorative false nails in palladium and diamonds . In addition to jewelry, Mellerio creates trophies , including the Ballon d'Or trophy since 1956 and the Roland-Garros tennis tournament trophy since 1981.
A know-how passed down for 14 generations
For 14 generations , the House of Mellerio has subtly incorporated a reminder of its Italian origins with the " Mellerio cut ," a discreet geometric shape represented by an oval inscribed within an ellipse . This distinctive motif frequently appears in the House's iconic creations , such as the Peacock Feather brooch designed for Empress Eugénie in 1868.
A contemporary family and creative leadership
Today, this expertise remains a hallmark of Mellerio watches and jewelry . In 2018, Laure-Isabelle Mellerio , representing the 14th generation of the family, became both president and artistic director of the Maison, the oldest and last remaining family-owned jewelry house in France . Her elegant creations draw inspiration from her Italian heritage , with her own signature use of contrasting volumes and materials.
Iconic collections at the heart of Mellerio's identity
Today, Maison Mellerio offers several iconic collections that reflect its heritage and expertise , including: Cabinet de Curiosités , inspired by 17th-century collectors' cabinets ; Giardino , a tribute to lush gardens ; Maglia , combining lightness and grace ; Mellerio Cut , with its signature stone cut ; Indra , inspired by peacock feathers ; Monterosa , a tribute to the wild rose ; and finally, the M Cut Watch , which embodies the Maison's watchmaking excellence .
