A Century of Timeless Beauty by Buccellati Milano

Maison Buccellati presented a book dedicated to its more than 100 years of history. The book, a real Opera Magna, is curated by Alba Cappellieri and published by Assouline with the contributions of Andrea Buccellati, Vivienne Becker and Franco Cologni. Buccellati is one of the most prestigious Italian jewellers and its creations are characterised by a highly distinctive style inspired by Italian Renaissance art combined with a Venetian influence. Every jewel is made with an accurate level of craftsmanship and special techniques such as rigato, ornato, cesellato, telato or tulle and lace (pizzo) openwork.

 

 

Buccellati was founded by Mario Buccellati in 1919 and throughout its 100 years of story has always maintained its original style.  Mario was an idealist and a dreamer but also a pragmatic man who immediately knew how to interpret the Milanese style and ésprit. He represented the soul of Italian tradition, but also of adventure and innovation. This “historical” book of the Maison retraces the most important moments of the company from Mario to Gianmaria, from Andrea to Lucrezia with many new information and pictures.

 

 

Thanks to the archival material, Buccellati presents magnificent jewels and silverware from the past that have been worn by princesses and actresses from all over the world. The curator was able to reconstruct the great cultural affinity and friendship between Mario Buccellati and the famous Italian poet and writer Gabriele d’Annunzio di Montenevoso.

 

 

The two of them developed a long-lasting relationship that was a source of inspiration for the Maison, such as the “Ombelicali” necklaces, so-called by the poet. They were long colliers that served to embellish the sinuous silhouettes of 1920’s women.

 

 

Mario had found his mentor and d’Annunzio had found his incomparable goldsmith called by him the “Prince of Goldsmiths” and “Mastro Paragon Coppella” that means the master of the caldron. D’Annunzio saw jewelry as a metaphor for the joy of life. On the occasion of the book launch, Buccellati wanted to create a new collection of “Ombelicali” necklaces, inspired by the historical ones commissioned by d’Annunzio, developing one-of-a-kind objects that will be exhibited during the events for the launch of the book in Milan, London, Paris, New York, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

 

 

The Milanese presentation was held at via Montenapoleone’s shop and the exhibition was rich of precious jewels and interesting captions.

 

Indeed, every single Buccellati jewel stimulates our senses and gives us a feeling of admiration and pleasure. The brand has already reached the four corners of the world and is coveted by the most exigent and demanding customers. In September 2019 Swiss luxury group Richemont acquired this Jewellery House but the family is still present with important roles: Andrea Buccellati is Honorary Chairman and Creative Director, Maria Cristina, Luca and Lucrezia cover key roles.

 

 

I would like to conclude with Maria Cristina Buccellati’s words: “this book is a testimony to the work of our family, the passion for culture, the love for everything that represents beauty”.

 

Enjoy even more @ Buccellati

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edit by Laura Astrologo Porché

Instagram: @journaldesbijoux