08 Jul Sell Antique Castellani Jewelry in San Diego
C. Blackburn Jewelers is a San Diego jewelry buyer that buys antique jewelry often sold at auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s. One of our areas of expertise is antique jewelry from European jewelry firms of the 19th century — expert goldsmiths who created exquisite pieces for Europe’s royal family members.
One such legendary jeweler was Fortunato Pio Castellani, who opened his first jewelry shop in Rome in 1814. Castellani began his career as a goldsmith. He was greatly influenced by his travels to Greece and the Middle East, where he developed a deep appreciation for ancient jewelry and the techniques used to create it. Castellani was particularly fascinated by Etruscan jewelry and Greek jewelry, which he sought to recreate using traditional methods.
Upon opening his Rome jewelry shop, his creations quickly gained recognition for their exceptional quality and historical accuracy. He specialized in reviving ancient jewelry-making techniques, such as granulation, filigree, and micro-mosaic. Granulation involves fusing tiny gold beads onto a metal surface, while filigree is the delicate twisting and shaping of fine metal wires. Micro-mosaic is a technique where small pieces of colored glass or enamel are used to create intricate designs.
Castellani’s designs were highly sought after by European aristocracy, including Queen Victoria and Empress Eugénie of France. His jewelry became known for its bold, elaborate designs, often featuring motifs inspired by ancient Rome and Greece. The use of colorful gemstones, such as garnets, emeralds, and pearls, was also a hallmark of Castellani’s creations.
One of Castellani’s most significant contributions to jewelry design was his meticulous attention to historical accuracy. He studied ancient artifacts and incorporated their motifs and techniques into his own pieces, creating a sense of authenticity and timeless beauty. His work helped popularize the concept of archaeological revival jewelry, which became fashionable during the Victorian era.
Castellani’s Most Treasured Jewelry
Some of Castellani’s most treasured pieces include his “Archaeological Bracelets,” which often feature a wide band with intricate designs inspired by ancient Greek, Roman, or Etruscan jewelry; the “Castellani Necklace,” which typically consists of multiple strands of gold chains with intricate links, interspersed with gemstones and ancient-inspired pendants; and his “Sardonyx Cameo Brooches.” Sardonyx, a layered semi-precious stone, was one of Castellani’s favorite materials for cameo carvings, which often depict classical scenes or mythological figures and were framed with intricate goldwork.
After Fortunato Pio Castellani’s death in 1865, his sons Alessandro and Augusto continued the family tradition and expanded the firm’s influence. They participated in international exhibitions, including the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1867, further establishing the reputation of Castellani jewelry.
Although the original Castellani firm eventually closed in the early 20th century, the influence of their designs can still be seen in contemporary jewelry. Their commitment to historical accuracy, intricate craftsmanship, and the revival of ancient techniques left a lasting impact on the jewelry industry.
Sell A Castellani Necklace, Brooch, or Bracelet
If you would like to sell antique Castellani jewelry, please contact C. Blackburn Jewelers of La Jolla today. Get a preliminary cash quote by calling 858-251-3006 or send us a message in the contact form below. Please provide as much details as possible about your Castellani necklace, earrings, brooch, or bracelet. To send photos and a text message, please use the following number:
Text Message & Photos:
619-723-8589
