Jeweler Anton Michelsen underwent extensive training in Odense and Copenhagen, where he passed the relevant exams. After this, in 1836, he went on a foreign train to the best workshops in Europe, in particular to Germany, and especially to Paris, where he spent most of the time. Returning to Copenhagen in 1841, he opened his own workshop on Gothersgade street – in the city center. The workshop received interest from the royal family; King Christian VIII of Denmark appointed the workshop as a supplier to the royal court. Since 1848, the company has the Royal title, namely “Court Jeweler and Order Supplier”.
In 1855, the Michelsen company took part in the first World Exhibition in Paris, where it received high praise. After that, the company was a regular participant in international exhibitions and fairs of the highest level.
After the death of company founder Anton Michelsen in 1877, his son Carl Michelsen (1853 – 1921) took over the business. He brought a number of wonderful designers and craftsmen into the company, significantly expanding his father’s business. Among them are Arnold Krog, Harald Slott-Moller, Hans Tegner, Martin Nyrop and Thorvald Bindesboll. After his death, his son, Paul Ulrich Michelsen, took over the business. In total, the company was continuously managed by four generations of the same family. After that, she joined Georg Jensen.
Since 1841, the company’s jewelers, and in particular Anton Michelsen, have been the designers and craftsmen who have produced the Dannenborg Order, Denmark’s second highest order of knighthood. In addition, the company directly produced orders for the royal court, both special items and dishes for everyday use. Many exhibits are in museums in Denmark and around the world.
