Brief History of Buccellati
Buccellati was founded by Mario Buccellati in 1919 and remains a family business. The first Buccellati store opened in Milan in 1919 followed by a New York store in 1951. In 1966, Gianmaria and Luca Buccellati took over the family business after their father's death. Gianmaria’s son, Andrea Buccellati, joined the family business in 2011 and is now head of the family business. He continues to implement the traditions put in place by his ancestors and proudly allows the brand to remain true to its design roots. Buccellati’s craftsmanship resolves around intricate textural details in the highest quality materials, derived from inspirations such as Venetian lace, Etruscan patterns, Italian vegetation, insects and animals. Buccellati jewelry was inspired by Milan, Italy during the 1920s when the Renaissance was influencing art, fashion, sculpture and jewelry. Buccellati was acquired by Richemont in 2019 but continues to create jewelry that remains true to its heritage.
Collecting Buccellati Jewelry
Both vintage and contemporary Buccellatti jewelry is consistently sought after by jewelry collectors. The unique fabric like textures make a Buccellati ring or Buccellati bracelet standout from other jewelry designs. The hand-engraving, open work and honeycomb techniques remain the most recognizable elements of Buccellati jewelry. The most expensive Bucellati bracelet sold at Sotheby's in 2023 was a honeycomb design bangle with diamonds in 18 karet white and yellow gold for $115,000. Bold Buccellati bracelets are popular with collectors and are often the most desired pieces from Buccellati.
Buccellati also creates High Jewelry pieces that are entirely hand-crafted. In 2015, Bucellati introduced five High jewelry pieces called "Timeless Blue". Each Bucellati jewelry piece was inspired by an impressionist or post-impressionist painting. The pieces required more than 4,000 hours over a year long period to create. The partnership between Andrea Bucellati and his daughter Lucrezia celebrated the third and fourth generations of Bucellati designers.
Where to Buy Buccellati
Sotheby's sells Buccellati jewelry at auction and Buy Now Marketplace. Buccellati is also available at a Sotheby's Salon in New York, Zurich or London. You can speak with an expert to help you source a special Buccellati piece if are looking for something specific to add to your collection. Given Sotheby's global network of sellers, we are the best secondary market to buy Buccellati jewelry.
If you would like to consign or sell Buccellati jewelry contact a Sotheby's Jewelry Specialist.
