Monte Par Mellerio

With a history spanning more than 400 years, Mellerio dits Meller is officially the oldest jewelry house in France. Known for their timeless and exquisite bracelets, rings, objets d'art and other goods, Mellerio has counted the likes of Queen Victoria, Marie-Antoinette, Marie de' Medici and other historically important figures as clients.

Mellerio’s story began in 1613 with members of the Mellerio family — descendants of Italian immigrants — who worked as goldsmiths in Paris. During the late 18th century, Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) sold his jewelry and trinkets in town fairs and near royal residences around France. Outside of the Palace of Versailles, his finely crafted jewelry caught the eye of Marie-Antoinette, who reportedly bought a bracelet featuring seven cameos surrounded by rubies. 

Marie-Antoinette’s patronage helped broaden Mellerio’s reach as a jeweler for many French nobles and aristocrats, and, in 1796, he opened a store at 20 Rue Vivienne in Paris. In 1800, the business relocated to the Rue du Coq St. Honoré near the Tuileries Palace and, in 1832, moved again to 9 Rue de la Paix.  

Today, Mellerio is owned and operated by the 15th generation of the Mellerio family. From their workshop above their historic boutique at 9 Rue de la Paix, they specialize in creating jewelry in styles such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco that is set with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and more. 

Among Mellerio’s most coveted pieces are its decorative boxes and cases, gold and silver-gilt figurines and sculptures, dazzling bands and engagement rings. Their fine jewelry collection also features an impeccable array of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and a range of watches.

Throughout Mellerio’s illustrious history, the house has participated in numerous exhibitions, including the World Exhibitions in London in 1862, Paris in 1867, Vienna in 1873 and again in Paris in 1878 and 1900. Mellerio exhibited at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in 1925, which brought Art Deco to a global stage, and the New York World’s Fair in 1939.

Mellerio dits Meller continues its long-standing legacy as one of the world’s finest jewelers, attracting royalty, celebrities and discerning collectors of luxury adornments.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Mellerio dits Meller jewelry and objets d’art and vertu.

Antique and vintage cluster rings are timeless accessories. While they might have been considered more popular in certain eras than in others, they’re versatile and belong in any jewelry box.

Featuring a diamond or other central gemstone surrounded by smaller stones, the cluster rings’ distinguished look makes them a popular choice for engagement rings or, for a fancy night out, an accent piece for jewelry lovers everywhere.

The style of cluster rings has changed over time even if the defining attributes have remained intact.

Georgian-era jewelry — named for the monarchies of the four King Georges — features cluster rings that are often characterized by a grouping of central stones into rose-like shapes. (The stones are set off by the setting’s blackened metal.) Diamonds came into fashion during the late Victorian period, and late Victorian cluster rings were most often set in yellow gold. Jewelers of the Art Deco period embraced geometric shapes, and Art Deco cluster rings feature emeralds, sapphires and other colorful stones.

Cluster rings for future brides have been in and out of the spotlight, but cluster-style engagement rings have been experiencing a consistent revival of sorts since at least 2011, when Kate Middleton began wearing Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond ring, which was made by Garrard in the 1980s. For your special day, whether you prefer vintage engagement rings or contemporary pieces, a cluster ring can deliver some sparkle if a diamond solitaire is out of your budget. (See our engagement ring buying guide for insight and expert tips to help you find the perfect ring.)

On 1stDibs, find many ruby cluster rings, gold cluster rings and an extraordinary range of other antique and vintage rings today.