Mellerio dits Meller: Jeweler to Royalty Since 1613

When it comes to jewelry houses with a truly storied past, few can rival Mellerio dits Meller. Founded in 1613, this prestigious French firm is widely recognized as the oldest family-owned jewelry house in the world, carrying with it more than four centuries of artistry, innovation, and close ties to royalty.
Today, Mellerio remains a symbol of elegance, tradition, and refinement, offering creations that bridge historical craftsmanship with contemporary beauty.

A Royal Beginning

The story of Mellerio dits Meller traces back to the early 17th century, when the Italian Mellerio family settled in France. Their reputation grew rapidly when they were granted special privileges by Marie de' Medici, Queen of France, who admired their fine craftsmanship. By the time of Louis XIV, the Sun King himself, Mellerio had already cemented its place among the elite purveyors of luxury goods at the French court.

Over the centuries, Mellerio has served an illustrious clientele, including Marie Antoinette, Empress Josephine, Queen Isabella II of Spain, and Napoleon III, who frequently turned to the house for exceptional jewels and decorative objects.

A House of Historic Creations

Mellerio is particularly renowned for creating breathtaking jewelry pieces that combine technical prowess with artistic expression.
Among its historic masterpieces:

• The Diadème of Queen Isabella II of Spain, an extraordinary tiara made of diamonds and pearls.

• Exquisite enamel and gem-set objets d'art during the Belle Époque and Art Deco periods.

• Bespoke brooches, medals, and ceremonial regalia for European courts.

Each piece reflects an attention to detail and a poetic sense of design that has been a signature of the house for generations.

The Distinctive Mellerio Style

What sets Mellerio apart is its unique artistic sensibility — a blend of French refinement with subtle Italian romanticism.
Signature elements often include:

• Floral motifs: Particularly delicate renderings of lilies, roses, and ferns.

• Light, ethereal settings that emphasize the beauty of gemstones without overwhelming them.

• Unusual color combinations, thanks to their expertise in sourcing rare sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and opals.

• Plique-à-jour enamel work, a translucent enameling technique resembling miniature stained glass, used masterfully in their brooches and pendants.

Even today, Mellerio maintains an in-house workshop in Paris where artisans handcraft each jewel with time-honored methods passed down through the centuries.

Mellerio in the Modern World

Unlike many historic jewelry houses that have been absorbed into large luxury conglomerates, Mellerio dits Meller remains an independent, family-run business.
This independence allows the house to maintain its distinctive style and dedication to bespoke service.
In recent decades, Mellerio has modernized its collections, blending contemporary designs with traditional savoir-faire to appeal to a new generation of collectors — while still honoring its rich legacy.

Collaborations with artists, limited-edition high jewelry collections, and the preservation of archival pieces have ensured that Mellerio continues to shine in the global world of haute joaillerie.

Why Mellerio Jewelry Captivates Collectors

Collectors and connoisseurs are drawn to Mellerio pieces not just for their beauty, but for their historical significance and rarity.
Owning a Mellerio jewel means owning a piece of European royal history — a connection to centuries of artistry, power, and cultural refinement.

Vintage and antique Mellerio creations are highly sought after at auctions and among private collectors, particularly those from the 19th century and Belle Époque era.

In the world of fine jewelry, Mellerio dits Meller stands as a true testament to enduring artistry, royal favor, and timeless beauty.
Whether through their historic tiaras or their delicate contemporary pieces, Mellerio continues to enchant those who seek jewelry not merely as an ornament, but as a living piece of history.

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