T
he storied history of Chantecler Capri dates back to the 1940’s and reads like a fairy tale punctuated with seminal moments and celebrity encounters. Style icons including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, and Ingrid Bergman were early and avid collectors of the brand, and the aura of their associations continues to cast its glow on the brand’s identity, inspiring pieces that reflect their unique sensibilities along with influences of the singular magic of the Isle of Capri.
Now led by Aprea’s heirs, the company maintains the adaptability and meticulous attention to detail that is distinct among Italian family businesses.
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
The brand’s founder, Pietro Capuano, was heir to a family of celebrated, Neapolitan jewelers. Nicknamed Chantecler after the eccentric and irreverent titular rooster in Edmond Rosland’s novel, his vivacious showmanship persisted throughout his life and was a driving force behind the brand’s continual success.
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
In 1944, Pietro devised to create a bespoke bronze bell for the American president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as a symbol of peace and friendship following the end of WWII.
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
Symbolic of the narrative quality that would become a consistent feature of Chantecler Capri’s prolific collections, this lucky charm was inspired by the legend of San Michele and the young shepherd who found his lost sheep thanks to the tinkling of a bell given to him by the Saint.
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
In 1947, along with his friend and master alchemist, Salvatore Aprea, Pietro launched the Chantecler Capri brand, and the shop the two opened on the island was an instant hit among the international jet set.
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
Over the years, countless actresses, princesses and aristocrats from around the globe flocked to see the latest creations of the dynamic duo, charmed by their artistry, creativity and impeccable craftsmanship.
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
Those same tenets continue to define the Chantecler Capri brand. Now led by Aprea’s heirs, the company maintains the adaptability and meticulous attention to detail that is distinct among Italian family businesses. Working alongside her brother, Gabriele, sister, Costanza and Gabriele’s wife, Theresa, Maria Elena Aprea serves as Vice President and Creative Director.
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
Years of experience working alongside her father allows her the confidence and freedom to create pieces that are astonishing in both their expressiveness and exquisite construction. With an independent vision, she pays homage to the company’s past and origins in designs crafted to suite the lifestyles of contemporary collectors.
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
“When I create a piece of jewelry, I draw inspiration from everything that makes the island of Capri unique,” Maria Elena explains. “Its originality, lush and varied natural beauty. The sea and cliffs. Its incomparable and precious colors. I try to reproduce the suggestions and images of nature and the fabulous local legacy with the precision of a couturier in her workshop, ensuring that every minute detail reflects perfection and truth.”
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
Chantecler Capri is now headquartered in Milan, with its production center in Valenza Po, an area famous for master goldsmiths and manufacturing excellence.
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
Boasting an entirely Italian supply chain, each gemstone is hand-selected, every piece lovingly shepherded through every stage of production, in vibrantly sophisticated, heirloom-quality pieces that are designed to be worn and admired today and treasured for generations to come.
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
Image courtesy of Chantecler Capri
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