Benvenuto Villa opened his first sculpture and jewellery atelier in 1876 in Milan. Extremely eccentric and imaginative, he was awarded three gold medals at the Universal Expositions of 1889, 1891 and 1894 in Paris.
Between the two world wars, his son Giuseppe, perfected the antique gold maille technique which led to the patent of the inimitable "tessuto Villa" a versatile gold wire weave (or woven gold twill) woven like fabric, producing very flexible and soft parures which adapted to the body like velvet.

In 1930 the Via Manzoni boutique was inaugurated and under the direction of Adelio and Alessandro the brilliant post war society admired the imaginative firm's marvels such as  ruby, sapphire and diamond "en tremblant" parures as well as the delicate and highly colourful naturalistic brooches.

In 1980, the fourth generation, Filippo and Marco, inherited the family tradition adopting the same sensibility and style that has made Villa a very special jeweller.

We, at Nigel Milne, are truly privileged to have the singular honour of being the only other outlet for their exquisite jewellery worldwide.

Internationally known for their huge and extraordinary collection of cuff links, these small and chic objects, irreverent amusing and imaginative, delight and colour the hours of both day and night. Inspired, smart and utterly original, the range of Villa cuff links comprise a colourful symphony of jade, rock crystal, lapis lazuli and rare shells decorated with ruby, emerald and sapphire cabochons, or playfully set with hardstones and pearls..  As well as the charming animal heads, we are able to produce carved hardstone cuff link portraits of your pets faithfully reproducing all their own visual characteristics from photographs. 

 

Nothing gives us more pleasure than taking on a really original commission, however outlandish, to make your cuff link purchase truly unique and memorable.