Founded in 1814 in Rome by Fortunato Pio Castellani, the family-run jewellery house became synonymous with revivalist designs inspired by antiquity and the Renaissance. Castellani jewellery is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, featuring intricate granulation, filigree, and miniature mosaics. Crafted in warm 18k or 22k yellow gold, their pieces often highlight classical motifs, ancient coins, hardstone intaglios, and bold ornamental shapes like bulbous vases and Byzantine forms. Castellani’s distinctive style masterfully blends historical accuracy with modern proportions, showcasing influences from ancient Rome to the Italian Renaissance.
Their work, celebrated for its historical fidelity and artistry, is preserved in museums worldwide. Notably, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London houses a pair of Byzantine-inspired gold earrings and other pieces, attributed to Michelangelo Caetani’s designs in collaboration with Castellani. This legacy ensures their designs remain timeless tributes to the art and craftsmanship of the ancient world.
