The firm of Castellani was founded by Fortunato Pio Castellani (1794-1865) circa 1816 in Rome and was continued by his two sons, Augusto (1829-1914) and Alessandro (1823-1883). Prompted by multiple discoveries in the archaeological realm, the firm established a revival of the Etruscan style in jewelry as well as that of Byzantine, Carolingian and Renaissance. They also became world famous for their simulation of the granulation technique in gold. By 1862 the firm was represented in London and Paris, allowing their innovations to have an impact on an international level.

A bracelet of similar design, by Castellani, is in the Victoria and Albert Museum collection in London.