Strolling through Paris on the Rue de la Paix, you could hardly miss highly decorated gates, behind which is hidden the unique treasure: Mellerio dits Meller jewellery boutique. The Mellerio family derives from the northern Italy. Antiquaries, traders, jewellers, collectors of unique items, after being transferred to France, thanks to the royal protection, they quickly became a supplier of the French Royal Court and aristocracy. One of the last family-owned jewellery brands, it is well known for its carefully intricate designs made for the client seeking perfection in the aesthetic and verifies its Frenchness, Heritage and Craftsmanship. Over the years the prestigious Maison Mellerio has formed an impeccable reputation for unique mastership, utmost attention to detail and everlasting prestige emphasized by the commissions received from clients worldwide. Due to perfect combination of tradition and innovation Mellerio dits Meller creates stunning jewellery adornments today, to become heirlooms for tomorrow. In our exclusive interview with Laure-Isabelle Mellerio, the wife of the company’s president Laurent Mellerio and the creative director of the brand, find out more about the mysterious Maison Mellerio dits Meller.
L.C.: Tell us about the way you create jewellery.
L.I.M.: Being an architect of interiors by formation, I prefer creating high end wearable jewellery that especially is distinguished with colour and volume. The new collection Prive, mainly consisting of cocktail rings, enhances the central gem, featuring their unique characteristic. I started making a piece using important stones, found in the coffers of the Maison. Then, surrounding it with other bright stones, I create a show-stopping jewel by means of different materials, playing with light, volume and colors.
L.C.: Who were historic personages, illustrious clients of the Maison Mellerio?
L.I.M.: We were purveyors of different European Courts: almost all the queens of France; Marie-Antoinette, Empress Josephine, Empress Eugenie, d’Orleans dynasty, Youssoupov family(we made a unique jewellery item with exceptional stones for Youssoupov).
L.C.: Medicis collar: exceptional savoir-faire and unique creation.
L.I.M.: This item was an example of the new way of wearing jewelry. This collar is also a reference to Mary of Medicis, Queen of France, who in 1613, permitted us to trade freely in precious stones and jewellery, without being subject to the corporation laws which would later give rise to the professions of jeweller and goldsmith. It is made of exceptional rubies, Burmese rubies ,originated from Mogok, the most reputed.
L.C.: Tell us about the collaboration with Alexandre Vauthier.
L.I.M.: In the 1950s, the Maison Mellerio worked mainly with Fashion Houses. So it was simply a habit. We were exceedingly interested to collaborate with a very talented stylist Alexandre Vauthier, well known for his sense of a precise line. Our common collection has a contemporary look much appreciated by young people.
L.C.: Three key words that define the Maison Mellerio?
L.I.M.: Grace, History, Freedom.
L.C.: Is there a piece that particularly symbolizes Mellerio dits Meller?
L.I.M.: Empress Eugenie’s “Feather” brooch, delicately embellished with emeralds, favourite gems of the House of Mellerio, creative and modern simultaneously, we could not even imagine that this gorgeous item dates back to the 19th century.
L.C.: What is your favourite gem?
L.I.M.: I love emeralds; I prefer emerald cut of the gem.
L.C.: How do you define luxury?
L.I.M.: Luxury, it is something exceptional.
L.C.: What are the keys to success in this peculiar field of exclusive Haute Joaillerie ?
L.I.M.: The quality of stones, the savoir-faire of craftsmen.
L.C.: Your motto?
L.I.M.: To be always enchanted, especially by the beauty of the jewellery.
10 January 2017/Lusine Chilingarian
Photo Courtesy of the Maison Mellerio Dits Meller
www.mellerio.fr
