showcase December 2016 44 www.womanthismonth.com This long-established family fine jewellery company relies on the values of tradition, skills and talent in handcrafting, creativity and the highest quality materials. BUCCELLATI PRESERVING FAMILY VALUES For more than a century Buccellati has been creating Italian-designed jewellery which preserved the brand’s stylistic identity established by reviving age-old goldsmithing traditions at the top end of the jewellery market. Founder Mario Buccellati was apprenticed with the famous jewellers and goldsmiths Beltrami & Besnati and was fascinated by the metals and stones and how the craftsmen used them. In 1919, he opened his first jewellery store in Milan and revived the use of ancient tools and traditions for his creations. He interpreted Renaissance styles and combined them with his interest and attraction for the Venetian art. Age-old engraving and chiselling techniques were incorporated into a mix of precious stones and metals for an unusual yet extraordinary combination. He quickly became one of Italy’s highly respected jewellers and goldsmiths, so much so that the famous “literary dandy” and client Gabriele d’Annunzio coined for him the name “The Prince of Goldsmiths”. Soon he started to work for various royal ramilies of Italy, Spain and Egypt, and supplied ornamental objects to The Pope and the great cardinals of Rome. By 1925 an entrepreneurial streak saw him opening stores in Rome and Florence and by 1951, he had expanded to America. When Mario Buccellati passed away, in 1965, four out of his five sons took over the family business, and among them Gianmaria was passionate in learning meticulous craftsmanship. He soon took over the management of the workshops and the creative side of the company conceiving and designing every piece coming out of his ateliers. He worked with his brother, Luca who took over the business side, sharing with him the vision of turning Buccellati into a worldwide jewellery powerhouse. In the following years the company set up shop in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Paris, becoming the first Italian brand to have a store on the Place Vendôme. Further expansion followed with Gianmaria’s son, Andrea, working alongside him. Having inherited his father’s artistic talents Andrea supervises the jewellery creation process and, since 2013, he has been the group’s president and creative director. Today, Andrea is supported by his daughter Lucrezia who offers new inspirations and trends. Buccellati has also branched out into silver jewellery and watches, all of which enjoy the same high quality craftsmanship that the brand is known for. Call 17 535-344. Bracelets and Cuffs The Opera Colour Collection
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