1874-1914 - Piccadilly (Westminster)
Jeweller Pasquale Novissimo was born in 1844 in Naples. He originally designed stage jewellery for an Italian opera company while travelling with his brother, Giovanni, who was a member of the company. It is not known when he arrived in London, but from 1874 onwards he was employed by the outstanding jewellery manufacturer Carlo Giuliano at his new branch at no.115 Piccadilly. He was naturalised a British citizen on 7 December 1877. The archaeological discoveries of the nineteenth century led to a greater understanding of ancient jewellery. For the first time, experts could study and publish works on these intricate gold pieces. A fashion developed for archaeological-style jewellery from around 1860 until at least the 1880s. Novissimo was influenced by objects excavated at Pompeii. He died in London in 1914.
