Italian jeweler Mario Masenza
Triton and mermaid brooch (can be worn separately). Yellow gold, coral, emeralds and diamonds. Designed by Afro Libio Basaldella (1912 – 1976) in 1950s. Italian jeweler Mario Masenza (1913-1985)
Italian jeweler Mario Masenza (1913-1985)
Born into a family of renowned Roman jewelers, Mario Masenza was a third generation jeweler involved in the family business since childhood. He helped his parents run their Masenza jewelry store, founded in 1924. Notably, the young jeweler, who was himself an art collector, founded the “School of Rome” and collaborated with his favorite artists. In fact, he was the first to invite artists to his workshop, breathing new life into jewelry design.
Artists, most of whom worked in the field of expressionism and abstractionism, created designs, and the house of Mario Masenza carried out their projects. According to Masenza, such jewelry belonged to “intellectual fashion”. Masenza collaborated with more than thirty artists such as Franco Cannilla (1911 – 1985), L.Guerrini, N. Franchina, Mirko and Afro Libio Basaldella (1912 – 1976). Most artists collaborated with the Masenza workshop until the late 1960s.
For thirty years of his work, Mario Masenza made a great contribution to the Italian jewelry business.
In October 1949, the “Jewellery by Masenza” exhibition opened in Milan, where he presented special pieces created by artists and sculptors for this groundbreaking show. With Masenza’s approach to jewelry making, his work revolutionized Italian jewelry for the next century.
Masenza jewelry boutique opened in 1924
Italian jeweler Mario Masenza
Gold and diamonds bracelet designed by Cannilla
Movie star Britt Ekland wearing Franco Cannilla jewelry
18 K gold bracelet. Franco Cannilla.1965
18k yellow gold collar of a ‘calligraphic’ design, 1960s. Designed by Afro Libio Basaldella (1912–1976) aka ‘Afro,’ Italian abstract painter and sculptor
18k yellow gold collar with ‘calligraphic’ design, 1960s. Designed by Afro
Abstract fish brooch with charms. Gold, coral, aquamarine, tourmaline, citrine, amethyst, emeralds, diamonds, signed. Designer Afro
Dandelion compact. Gold, sapphires, emeralds, rubies and diamonds. Designer L.Guerrini
Diamonds and sapphire bangle bracelet by Uncini for Masenza
Emerald inset brooch by N. Franchina
Female face brooch. Gold, sapphires and diamonds. Designer Franco Cannilla
Mythological motif bracelet with detachable central part for brooch. Opal, diamond, metal, emeralds, sapphires, rubies. Afro for Masenza. 1950s
Pendant and neck wire retailed by Mario Masenza, Italy. 18 K gold, emeralds
Ruby yellow gold bangle bracelet by Uncini for Masenza
Sapphire, diamonds and emeralds brooch by Uncini for Masenza
Stylized Medusa heads bracelet. Gold, amethysts, diamonds. 1950s. Designer Franco Cannilla
Yellow gold bracelet and necklace
Maker’s mark
