For a century, the Cassetti family has been part of Florence’s history. What began in 1926 as a small goldsmith’s shop near the Ponte Vecchio has grown, over four generations, into a renowned name in high-end Florentine jewelry. It is a story of craftsmanship, vision, determination, and, above all, family—a story built on the belief that tradition and innovation can coexist.
In 2026, Cassetti will celebrate 100 years of history. To mark this extraordinary milestone, the family has published a book that chronicles a century of work, people, places, and memories. Its pages also feature another important chapter in the Cassetti family’s history: Le Filigare, the historic Wine & Country Relais in the heart of Chianti.
A century of craftsmanship and family tradition
The history of the Cassetti family began with Renzo Cassetti, who opened his own goldsmith’s workshop in Florence in 1926. Having spent his youth frequenting the artisan workshops that brought the Ponte Vecchio to life, he set up his own business, quickly earning the trust and respect of the goldsmiths of the Ponte Vecchio.
From that first workshop, the family business has grown and evolved in step with the changing times, whilst remaining deeply rooted in the tradition of Florentine craftsmanship.
For four generations, they have helped to shape this journey. In the book marking the centenary, the story is told as that of a simple family, driven by a strong desire to grow and make a name for themselves: a story of passion, hard work and the dedication of the people who have supported the family over the years. Among those who have played a particularly important role in this journey is Maria Grazia Cassetti.
Maria Grazia Cassetti: vision, creativity and determination
Maria Grazia embodies an important part of the Cassetti family’s innovative spirit.
As early as the 1950s, she helped to introduce unconventional combinations of materials such as silver, crystal and porcelain, challenging the more traditional concepts of Florentine goldsmithing. She subsequently became a key figure in the development of Cassetti’s fine jewellery, travelling in search of rare gemstones and creating unique pieces for an international clientele.
Her determination is also recognised in the book marking the centenary, in which her brother Andrea describes her tenacity as one of the key factors that contributed to the family’s success, alongside the creativity, commitment and dedication of subsequent generations.
It is precisely this entrepreneurial spirit that, over the years, has taken the Cassetti family beyond Florence, out into the Tuscan countryside.
The Cassetti family arrives at Le Filigare
In the 1980s, the family acquired a farm in Chianti: Le Filigare.
It was initially Carlo Burchi, Maria Grazia’s husband, who took on the task of bottling wine and oil. Later, their son Alessandro also joined the management of the business, helping to shape its future.
The transition from the world of Florentine fine jewellery to the vineyards and olive groves of Chianti may, at first glance, seem like a change of direction. Yet at the heart of both lies a deeply similar philosophy.
Both worlds are characterised by craftsmanship, attention to detail, respect for tradition and a desire to create something that will stand the test of time.
In Le Filigare, the family has found a place where they can cultivate another aspect of their Tuscan heritage: one linked to the land, wine, hospitality and the rhythms of rural life.
A place steeped in centuries of history
Long before the Cassetti family arrived, Le Filigare already had an extraordinary history behind it.
The estate is situated in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, between Florence and Siena, on a hill where the historic village dates back to the 17th century and was known as Fiaccole di Sopra. The name is linked to the ancient tradition of lighting up the village with torches during the celebrations in honour of the patron saint.
The link with the history of Chianti wine goes back even further. In 1716, when the Grand Duke of Tuscany first established the boundaries of the area recognised for the production of ‘genuine’ Chianti wine, Le Filigare was included within those historic boundaries.
The estate had, moreover, already welcomed distinguished guests long before it became a destination for today’s travellers. In 1876, Pope Pius IX visited Le Filigare, having been invited by the Archduke of Tuscany to sample the local wines and cuisine.
These layers of history are still an integral part of Le Filigare’s identity today: it is not simply an enchanting spot in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, but a place where generations of stories have left their mark.
From a farm to a Wine & Country Relais
Under the leadership of Alessandro Cassetti Burchi, Le Filigare has undergone a profound transformation, which continues today with the involvement of the family’s fourth generation. His son Lorenzo has joined the business, lending his name to the estate’s Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione, whilst Pietro, also part of the fourth generation, contributes to the Cassetti family’s activities and is involved in the development of the watchmaking brands. This new generation also includes Maria Vittoria, whose name is associated with one of the estate’s wines, alongside Pietro’s; together, they embody the family’s identity, tradition and continuity at Le Filigare.
The main building and the neighbouring farmhouses were renovated, whilst a modern winery was built, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and barrique barrels for ageing. The vineyards were expanded with the introduction of new varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah alongside the traditional Sangiovese, thanks in part to the vision of the grandfather, Carlo Burchi, who introduced these grapes to the estate. Over time, a key part of Le Filigare’s journey has been the move towards organic farming: the estate has embarked on a process of organic cultivation of its vineyards and olive groves, placing respect for the land, sustainability and the quality of its produce at the heart of its approach. The distribution network was also reorganised in line with a philosophy strongly focused on quality.
The other farmhouses were converted into a farmhouse holiday resort with a swimming pool. Over the years, Le Filigare has thus evolved into the current Wine & Country Relais: a place where wine, hospitality, history and the Tuscan countryside come together.
Today, the estate welcomes guests for stays, wine tastings, celebrations and unforgettable weddings. At the heart of the village stands the family’s private chapel, whilst the winery continues to produce wines that are appreciated all over the world, thanks in part to its collaboration with the renowned oenologist Alberto Antonini.
Two stories, a single Tuscan legacy
The Cassetti family’s centenary provides an opportunity to look back not only on a century of fine jewellery, but also on the places, people and passions that have helped shape this history.
From the artisan workshop founded in Florence in 1926 to the Chianti vineyards acquired in the 1980s, the family’s journey has always been more than just a business venture. It is a story of family, creativity, perseverance and a deep connection with Tuscany.
For Maria Grazia Cassetti, Le Filigare has become yet another expression of this legacy.
Here, the family’s commitment to craftsmanship takes on a different form: in the care of the vineyards, in the organic production of wine and olive oil, in the restoration of historic buildings, in the hospitality shown to guests, and in the desire to preserve a place that has been part of the Chianti landscape for centuries. Organic farming is a fundamental part of Le Filigare’s identity: a practical choice that reaffirms, day after day, the family’s connection to the land and their commitment to producing in a way that respects the environment.
Today, as the Cassetti family celebrates its 100th anniversary, Le Filigare continues to write its own chapter in this story.
A century of Cassetti’s history meets centuries of Tuscan history, in a place where tradition is not merely remembered, but lived out every day.
