Mellerio sapphire and ruby clip earrings, French, circa 1940.

With a history spanning more than 400 years, Mellerio is officially the oldest jewelry house in France. Known for their timeless and exquisite bracelets, rings, brooches and other pieces, Mellerio has counted the likes of Queen Victoria, Marie-Antoinette, Marie de' Medici and other historically important figures as clients.

Mellerio’s story began in 1613 with members of the Mellerio family — descendants of Italian immigrants — who worked as goldsmiths in Paris. During the late 18th century, Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) sold his jewelry and trinkets in town fairs and near royal residences around France. Outside of the Palace of Versailles, his finely crafted jewelry caught the eye of Marie-Antoinette, who reportedly bought a bracelet featuring seven cameos surrounded by rubies. 

Marie-Antoinette’s patronage helped broaden Mellerio’s reach as a jeweler for many French nobles and aristocrats, and, in 1796, he opened a store at 20 Rue Vivienne in Paris. In 1800, the business relocated to the Rue du Coq St. Honoré near the Tuileries Palace and, in 1832, moved again to 9 Rue de la Paix.

Today, Mellerio is owned and operated by the 15th generation of the Mellerio family. From their workshop above their historic boutique at 9 Rue de la Paix, they specialize in creating jewelry in styles such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco that is set with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and more. 

Among Mellerio’s most coveted pieces are its decorative boxes and cases, gold and silver-gilt figurines and sculptures, dazzling bands and engagement rings. Their fine jewelry collection also features an impeccable array of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and a range of watches.

Throughout Mellerio’s illustrious history, the house has participated in numerous exhibitions, including the World Exhibitions in London in 1862, Paris in 1867, Vienna in 1873 and again in Paris in 1878 and 1900. Mellerio exhibited at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in 1925, which brought Art Deco to a global stage, and the New York World’s Fair in 1939.

Mellerio dits Meller continues its long-standing legacy as one of the world’s finest jewelers, attracting royalty, celebrities and discerning collectors of luxury adornments.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Mellerio jewelry and objets d’art and vertu.