Our History

The Villa Milano maison was founded in 1876 by the brilliant Benvenuto Villa. A goldsmith, sculptor and alchemist of renown, he exhibited his jewellery and sculptures at the great World Fairs of the time. In 1889, he was awarded a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition for a modular “cube” sculpture in silver that was extremely modern and avantgarde for the time.

Many prestigious awards would follow that of the Paris Exhibition, earning the Villa Milano jeweller the international fame and recognition that it still enjoys today. More than 100 years of history in which tradition and innovation have intertwined to build a unique brand that rises above the rest of the Italian jewellery sector.

Now in the hands of the fifth generation, sisters Alice and Francesca Villa, the company is experiencing a phase of transformation where enthusiasm, femininity and elegance have led to further global expansion under the banner of Villa Milano’s cardinal values: quality, refinement and innovation.

Our Origins
The Villa Milano maison was founded in 1876 by the brilliant Benvenuto Villa. A goldsmith, sculptor and alchemist of renown, he exhibited his jewellery and sculptures at the great World Fairs of the time. In 1889, he was awarded a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition for a modular “cube” sculpture in silver that was extremely modern and avantgarde for the time.
1876

The Villa Milano maison was founded in 1876 by the brilliant Benvenuto Villa. A goldsmith, sculptor and alchemist of renown, he exhibited his jewellery and sculptures at the great World Fairs of the time. In 1889, he was awarded a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition for a modular “cube” sculpture in silver that was extremely modern and avantgarde for the time.

Second Generation
Benvenuto was succeeded by his son Giuseppe (1890-1961), who worked tirelessly, first at the Via S. Maurilio workshop and later at the Via Manzoni location, to develop the goldsmith craft by perfecting the ancient technique for gold mesh. He would eventually patent the unrivalled “Villa mesh”, an adaptable weave of gold thread that moulded itself to the body like soft velvet and would be purchased by all the biggest jewellers of the era.
1910

Benvenuto was succeeded by his son Giuseppe (1890-1961), who worked tirelessly, first at the Via S. Maurilio workshop and later at the Via Manzoni location, to develop the goldsmith craft by perfecting the ancient technique for gold mesh. He would eventually patent the unrivalled “Villa mesh”, an adaptable weave of gold thread that moulded itself to the body like soft velvet and would be purchased by all the biggest jewellers of the era.

Third Generation
In 1930, Isotta (1891-1957), Giuseppe’s wife, opened the shop at the historic Hotel Continental on Via Manzoni. She was joined on this adventure by her young son Adelio (1922-1984) who had studied at the Brera Academy and showed distinct artistic inclinations. Adelio’s strong personality helped the company to definitively establish itself after the war, becoming known for its quality gemstones and original models, which were particularly popular with the well-to-do Milanese who frequented Baretto and Biffi Scala.
1930

In 1930, Isotta (1891-1957), Giuseppe’s wife, opened the shop at the historic Hotel Continental on Via Manzoni. She was joined on this adventure by her young son Adelio (1922-1984) who had studied at the Brera Academy and showed distinct artistic inclinations. Adelio’s strong personality helped the company to definitively establish itself after the war, becoming known for its quality gemstones and original models, which were particularly popular with the well-to-do Milanese who frequented Baretto and Biffi Scala.

Fourth Generation
The family tradition continued into the fourth generation in 1980 when Filippo (1957) and Marco (1961-2014) took the reins. They offered exclusive models, masterfully crafted by the city’s best artisans, in a prêt-à-porter selection for the sophisticated clientele of the time. The atelier’s couture approach was more unique and popular than ever.
1980

The family tradition continued into the fourth generation in 1980 when Filippo (1957) and Marco (1961-2014) took the reins. They offered exclusive models, masterfully crafted by the city’s best artisans, in a prêt-à-porter selection for the sophisticated clientele of the time. The atelier’s couture approach was more unique and popular than ever.

Cufflinks
In 1995, the Villa brothers decided to bring back cufflinks, which had come into use in the 18th century but had since been forgotten. Their vision went beyond classic pieces in yellow gold and diamonds to embrace new and original colours and materials. Lapis lazuli, jade, quartz, onyx, coral, mother of pearl, haematite with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires were used to create elegant combinations of precious and semi-precious stones, pearls and rare shells. The cufflinks were designed to respond to the sophisticated taste of their elegant customers who would purchase them for style, collecting or just for fun.
1995

In 1995, the Villa brothers decided to bring back cufflinks, which had come into use in the 18th century but had since been forgotten. Their vision went beyond classic pieces in yellow gold and diamonds to embrace new and original colours and materials. Lapis lazuli, jade, quartz, onyx, coral, mother of pearl, haematite with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires were used to create elegant combinations of precious and semi-precious stones, pearls and rare shells. The cufflinks were designed to respond to the sophisticated taste of their elegant customers who would purchase them for style, collecting or just for fun.

The historic jeweller takes a further step into the future in the capable hands of Alice and Francesca, the fifth generation. A new image, a new shopping experience, a new boutique and a new website. Villa speaks a modern and contemporary language, offering its customers a unique product that skilfully blends history and experience with craftsmanship and innovation. A Villa creation is a piece of Milanese history.
Today

The historic jeweller takes a further step into the future in the capable hands of Alice and Francesca, the fifth generation. A new image, a new shopping experience, a new boutique and a new website. Villa speaks a modern and contemporary language, offering its customers a unique product that skilfully blends history and experience with craftsmanship and innovation. A Villa creation is a piece of Milanese history.