About us
Over 100 years ago Emilio Landi, a young and charismatic goldsmith raised in an artistic family – his brother was an established wood carver, well known for his sacred commissions – begins his travelling through Europe. He wanted to dedicate himself to the goldsmithing craft with the passion of an esthete fascinated by centuries-old traditions and craftsmanship.
When he was just 17 years old, he lived in Marseille – a melting pot and a cultural crossroad – and then moved to Paris, where he contributes the historic Exposition Universelle of 1889. Appealed by the Middle Eastern ornamental and goldsmithing tradition, Landi decided to relocate to Vienna first, and then Albania. His art’s patrons spoke many different and fascinating languages, and everywhere he lived was charmingly diverse.
Browsing faded pictures, the old freehand sketches from his family’s archives, and vintage newspaper mentions, we discover a multifaceted and elegant spirit that was able to fascinate with utmost discretion both aristocrats and important public figures throughout Europe.
On their behalf he creates fine and unique craftsmanship, blending traditional goldsmithing with both Art Nouveau and Art Decò in a unique and extraordinary style. Landi’s creations were rigorously crafted from gold laminate sheets – often hand-pierced and curved to make rings, tiaras, bracelets. By adding palladium to his white gold alloy, his jewels could maintain an exceptional sparkle without the need for rhodium plating.
His sketches, like precious miniatures, remain the history of Italian goldsmithing, destined to charm a selected audience of admirers and family members. Away from limelight, nonetheless very influential, he passionately works behind the scenes of the aristocratic public scene.
Combining the artisan craftsmanship he mastered through his countless travels to a sophisticated research of gems and precious materials, Emilio Landi creates a unique tone that, merged with a meticulous care of the finishes – still identifies with the family traditions carried on by Mel – Bespoke Italian jewels creations.
Many of his greatest jewels were crafted in the 1920’s, thanks to the many exceptionally large and fine gems that Russian aristocrats had sewed in their clothes and smuggled across the border while fleeing the country, as this would secure them a better future.
Mel’s values
Today as then, our goldsmith workshop – a stone’s throw from Milan Cathedral Duomo – is a landmark for those in the pursuit of fine, custom-made jewels and precious objects crafted to tell the story of those wearing them.
Marco Enrico Landi, Mel’s CEO, not only lives up to his family name – inheriting its creativity and aesthetic taste – but amplifies its success capabilities. Each of our creations at Mel – Bespoke Italian jewels are tailored little masterpieces weaving materials, ideas, and splendours from all around the world. The milestone for those who want to capture a life moment, or their true essence, through our compositions of extraordinary materials and shapes.
