CAZZANIGA (founded 1940s)
Based in Rome, the firm of Cazzaniga was founded by Angelo Giorgio Cazzaniga (1908-1976) in the 1940s. Giorgio spent his formative years in the villa of Prince Abamelek Lazarev, a cousin of Tsar Nicholas II. Surrounded by an extraordinary collection of Russian artworks, Giorgio's early exposure to beauty and craftsmanship had a profound influence on his future as a master jeweler.
After apprenticing with a master jeweler in Milan, Giorgio opened his first jewelry store near the Trevi Fountain in Rome. His creations soon became known for their elaborate ornamental designs, which seamlessly blended classical, Byzantine, Baroque, Roman, and Renaissance influences. His aristocratic connections—including close ties with Princess Irene Galitzine, a descendant of Russian nobility—further shaped his vision. These relationships were reflected in the rich enameling and vibrant palette of Russian iconography that characterized much of his work from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Cazzaniga's masterful use of three-color gold, precious gemstones, and vivid enamel distinguished his pieces, each handcrafted to the highest standards. The bold use of gold and color celebrated movement and vitality, establishing Giorgio Cazzaniga as a jeweler who effortlessly blended tradition with innovation.
Giorgio’s passion and artistic legacy were passed down to his sons, Paolo and Roberto, who each opened their own Cazzaniga stores—Paolo in Rome in 1973 and Roberto in New York on Madison Avenue in 1979. Though Roberto's store later closed in 1981, Paolo continued to run the family business in Rome, creating jewelry in a distinct neo-Baroque style.
Paolo’s work, like his father's, was inspired by Byzantine art, the Florentine Renaissance, and Baroque Rome. His direction in the 1970s ushered in a period of international success for the house of Cazzaniga. With an innate passion for goldsmithing inherited from his father, Paolo committed himself to preserving and evolving what became recognized as the distinct Cazzaniga style.
Today, the firm is led by Paolo Cazzaniga and his son, Giorgio, representing the third generation of this exceptional lineage. Together, they continue to serve an international clientele, collaborating with the finest Italian jewelers and goldsmiths. Their work remains a testament to the enduring artistry, elegance, and innovation that define the Cazzaniga legacy.
