Buccellati is an Italian jewelry and timepiece company synonymous with heritage, innovation, skill, and luxury. Let’s explore deeper into the rich history of the renowned house, their signature styles, and the secondary market for Buccellati jewelry.
History of Buccellati Jewelry
Although the family-owned business was officially established during the early half of the 20th Century, the Buccellatis — a family of goldsmiths — have been in the jewelry industry since the mid-eighteenth century, when Contardo Buccellati operated a quaint shop in Milan. However, it wasn’t until 1910 that the Buccellatis began seeing a brighter future for their tradition. During this time, founder Mario Buccellati (1891-1965) accepted an apprenticeship at the acclaimed Beltrami & Beltrami in Milan. In 1919, Buccellati gained ownership of the jewelry house, changed its name to the eponymous title, and opened the doors of their first flagship store near La Scale Opera House. It didn’t take long for the house of Buccellati to acquire a cult status with loyal international and local clients, including Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, who referred to Mario as “The Prince of Goldsmiths.”
Following Marios’ passing in 1966, his heirs Luca and Gianmaria took over the family business, superintending the workshops and designs in Italy. Throughout the 1970s, Luca and Gianmaria also focused on further expanding the business in the United States and globally, opening new shops in Paris, Japan, Hong Kong, and Monaco. Gianmaria’s son, Andrea Buccellati, is currently the head of the family business alongside his daughter, Lucretzia Buccellati Wildenstein.
Today, the house of Buccellati continues to hold onto the traditions and artisanship that Mario established a century ago, while also persevering to expand the global presence of the luxury jewelry brand.
Celebrating 100 Years of Buccellati
The year 2019 marked the centennial anniversary of Buccellati. To commemorate the milestone, the family handpicked 200 pieces from their archives to form the stunning Vintage Collection. Celebrating at Sotheby’s Paris in October 2019, they had an auction and a separate exhibition featuring 16 pieces that embodied the heritage of the house. Some of the showcased pieces included the jewelry made specifically for D’Annunzio.
Popular Buccellati Designs and Techniques
The Buccellati style is distinct and easily recognizable due to its unparalleled combination of elements inspired by Italy’s glorious history, encapsulating the ancient Roman Empire to the Renaissance. Closely guarded, the family members still design the majority of the pieces. And, although the brand aspires to retain tradition, Buccellati integrates some modern elements that satisfy the 21st Century’s jewelry connoisseurs.
As one of the best designer jewelry brands in the world, Buccellati’s approach to artisanship intertwines high-quality materials and intricate designs, often featuring Italian motifs such as Etruscan patterns, Venetian lace, and Italian foliage, animals, and insects.
The following pieces and collections epitomize the signature styles of Buccellati. Keep them in mind when shopping for vintage or contemporary jewelry from the brand.
- Trafato or Tylle Creations. Buccellati is well-known for their textural gold jewelry called “traforato.” Traforato is a metalwork technique that achieves an ornate setting for gems, including large cabochons, rose-cut diamonds, and carved emeralds or rubies, which an artisan attaches with bezels. The result of this technique often bears a resemblance to a honeycomb or luxe piece of fabric like lace or tulle, with an engraving on every part of the surface. The combination of yellow gold, white gold, platinum, and silver is another common attribute that Buccellati uses to produce a more intricate, detailed effect.
- Buccellati Earrings. Typically sold as part of a matching set of jewelry, earrings available for sale on their own can be more affordable in comparison to larger pieces, although it still depends on the earrings’ size, design, and gemstones. Nonetheless, the same level of master craftsmanship and attention to detail remain imbued in each pair. Buccellati earrings always stand out due to their unique designs.
- Morgana Bracelet. Taking inspiration from the Italian Renaissance, the Morgana bracelet (also called the Morgana cuff) features the Buccellati signature of blending yellow with white gold. Jewelry makers apply the “rigato” etched finish, which involves engraving parallel lines into the metal surface. The outcome is a shiny and almost silky effect. This technique helps create a perfect decorative backdrop for the central rosette, maximizing the brilliance of each inlaid stone.
- Buccellati Compacts. From a collector’s standpoint, the compacts that Mario Buccellati created from the 1920s to the 1950s and the ones Gianmaria Buccellati made thereafter are both desirable. In most cases, a vintage Buccellati compact is less expensive than their jewelry counterparts, making them an ideal option for practical collectors. Nevertheless, each compact retains the same level of workmanship when it comes to technique.
The Bottom Line
Jewelry from Buccellati is one of a kind, timeless, and immediately recognizable, which makes them a worthy investment. Larger signature pieces, including the ornate necklaces and Morgana cuffs, command the highest prices in the secondary luxury market. Because of the high level of craftsmanship, use of premium materials, and the limited quantities created, Buccellati is home to some of the most prized pieces of jewelry for collectors.
From Earrings to Anklets, Sell Luxury Items in Phoenix, AZ
If you own something from one of Italy’s most exclusive luxury jewelry brands, Biltmore Loan is giving you the option to cash in your investment or use it as collateral for a loan in Scottsdale, AZ. Drop by our office or complete this online form to get a market appraisal today. We are interested in all of their distinctive and elaborate necklaces, rings, watches, and other luxuries.