Story
The Legacy of Pennisi: A Story of Passion and Excellence in Antique Jewelry
Pennisi is not just the story of an Italian family; it is the tale of a passion preserved and cultivated over time—a passion for antique jewelry. Over the years, this devotion has given rise to a collection that stands as a unique testament to quality, quantity, and history.
From its earliest days, the Pennisi family has been driven by a love for beauty. For three generations, this passion has guided their journey across centuries of artistry, from 18th-century Versailles to the Grand Tour era of Italy, Victorian England, and the Belle Époque of Paris. Specializing in jewelry spanning from 1750 to 1950, Pennisi has focused particularly on 19th-century French pieces and the masterpieces of Art Deco’s greatest jewelers, while meticulously cataloging and acquiring significant private collections.
At the heart of Pennisi's philosophy lies the recognition of each jewel’s unique essence—a timeless heirloom to be cherished and passed down through generations. Antique jewelry, for the family, is more than adornment; it is a story to be told and celebrated.
A Family Tradition of Excellence
The Pennisi journey began in 1971 with Giovanni Pennisi, a diamond expert and collector with a deep love for antique art. A descendant of Catanese jewelers and goldsmiths, Giovanni carried forward his maternal family’s tradition in Milan, becoming the cornerstone of Pennisi's enduring legacy.
Giovanni’s son, Guido, joined the business alongside his sister Marina and wife Paola. Passionate and deeply knowledgeable, Guido brought expertise in Chinese and Japanese art, antique jewelry, and objets de vertu. Inspired by a formative trip with his father to London and Paris in search of antique treasures, Guido devoted his life to curating extraordinary pieces.
In 2003, the third generation—Gabriele Pennisi and Emanuele Ferreccio Pennisi, sons of Guido and Marina—joined the company, bringing entrepreneurial vision and fresh momentum to the family business.
A Legacy Recognized and Celebrated
Pennisi’s expertise has been recognized through prestigious collaborations. In 2005, the company lent works to the Annicinquanta exhibition at Milan’s Palazzo Reale. In 2015, Pennisi contributed to the catalog of the Villa Necchi exhibition Alfredo Ravasco: The Goldsmith of Princes, curated by Paola Venturelli and published by Skira. In 2018, the company participated in the Tamara de Lempicka: Queen of Art Deco exhibition in Madrid, showcasing works by Alfredo Ravasco, Demetre Chiparus, and Art Deco jewelry from its collection.
Gabriele and Emanuele also served as curators for the Vicenza Jewelry Museum, Italy’s only museum dedicated exclusively to jewelry. In 2019-2020, they curated the museum’s Icon Room, contributing exceptional pieces from the Pennisi collection and other private collections. Since 2020, they have been members of the museum’s scientific committee.
A Golden Anniversary
In December 2023, the Pennisi family celebrated 50 years in the antique jewelry industry—a half-century defined by meticulous research and a shared pursuit of beauty. To commemorate this milestone, they unveiled Pennisi Collection 1750-1950: Three Centuries of High Jewelry, a book curated by Skira and written by Alba Cappellieri. This exquisite volume takes readers on a journey through three centuries of jewelry mastery, highlighting the unparalleled craftsmanship of the Pennisi collection.
In January 2024, the Mayor of Milan honored Gioielleria Pennisi with the Bottega Storica plaque, recognizing its more than 50 years of dedication to family tradition and its enduring contribution to the city’s cultural and commercial heritage.
For five decades, Gioielleria Pennisi has been at the forefront of the antique jewelry world. With a legacy rooted in passion, artistry, and history, the family continues to celebrate the timeless beauty of their collection while inspiring generations to come.