The Founder
Francesco Mereu left Sardinia to attend the School of Arts and Crafts in Milan, where he graduated with top marks in watchmaking. He owned nothing but his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit — and with these alone, he built his path to success.
In 1959, at the age of 28, Francesco decided to strike out on his own, repairing watches and all kinds of antique objects. A small shop had just become available on Via Solferino, in the Brera district — there, he opened his first workshop.
The story of Merù Gioielli begins in Milan in 1959
“The rent for the little shop on Via Solferino was twenty thousand lire every two months,” Francesco recalls.La Palazzi Editori, publisher of the monthly magazine Bellezza, once ran a photo shoot featuring objects from the shop. In the article, they referred to Francesco as “il Merù” — a nickname born from the building’s Milanese custodian, who couldn’t pronounce the diphthong at the end of “Mereu” and would say “Merù” instead
The thing was very funny, the friends laughed. However, "Merù" was an original name; so Francesco went to the patent and trademark office to register it and put the sign outside the shop.
He had already obtained his license to sell gold, though his primary work at the time remained in precision watchmaking. But as customers began asking for gemstones, Francesco enrolled in evening gemology classes.
Little by little, his attention shifted toward gold and other precious or semi-precious materials, which he combined with humble elements to create pieces that were truly original. The shop on Via Solferino evolved too, with elegant window displays and refined showcases that highlighted the unique character of his work.
Merù gradually gained recognition and began attracting the attention of the fashion press. Its creations started to appear in magazines such as Grazia, Gioia, Anna Bella, Anna, and Amica. During the 1980s, Merù experienced a true rise to fame in Milan. “We were selling these original, even absurd things that no one else had,” Francesco recalls.
Merù became a well-known name in the city — a small brand with a strong identity. During the holiday season, a line would form outside the little shop on Via Solferino.
Today, the brilliant inventor, entrepreneur, and creative spirit Francesco is no longer with us — yet his unmistakable style and timeless creations remain. Carrying Merù forward are his children, Bartolomeo and Elisabetta, who blend new collections with a continuous rediscovery of the brand’s historical heritage.
Vintage and modern come together. The story of Merù goes on.
Bartolomeo and Elisabetta 🌷