Carlo Giuliano: A Master of Victorian Era Jewelry

Carlo Giuliano (1831–1895) was a renowned Italian jeweler known for his intricate and highly detailed work during the Victorian era. Working from his London-based workshop, Giuliano crafted pieces that were highly coveted for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Born in Naples, Italy, Giuliano developed a passion for jewelry at an early age. He was apprenticed to a goldsmith before making the move to Paris, where he worked at the Maison Castellani, a jewelry firm known for its revival of ancient jewelry styles. This experience undoubtedly influenced Giuliano's own approach to design.

In the 1860s, Giuliano moved to London, where he established his own business. His work quickly caught the attention of England's high society, including Queen Victoria and her family, who became patrons of his work. His pieces were known for their exquisite enamel work, as well as their reinterpretations of Renaissance, Gothic, and Etruscan styles.

One of Giuliano's notable achievements was his work in the cloisonné and champlevé enameling techniques, which he perfected and for which he became particularly famous. This meticulous work involved soldering tiny strips of gold to a metal base to create intricate designs and then filling these compartments with colored enamels.

Giuliano's work was known for its high quality of craftsmanship, innovative design, and the use of various gemstones, including diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. He was particularly famous for his pendant-brooches, locket pendants, and long chains.

Following Giuliano's death in 1895, his two sons, Carlo Joseph and Arthur Alphonse, continued the family business under the name 'C. & A. Giuliano' until 1914. Today, pieces created by Carlo Giuliano and his sons are highly sought after by collectors and can be found in museum collections worldwide.