Vintage Buccellati Jewelry Buying Guide

If you are looking to add some vintage Buccellati jewelry to your collection, you have come to the right place. Here you will learn about the history, jewelry marks, materials used, most collectible pieces, and tips on how to buy.

Brief History of Buccellati Jewelry

Contardo Buccellati was a goldsmith in Milan in the mid-18th century. It was not until the beginning of the 20^th century that the Buccellati name again became significant in the jewelry industry when Contardo’s descendant, Mario, began an apprenticeship with a prestigious jeweler while still a youngster. When he was 28 years old, he bought the business and put his name on it. His pieces were highly creative and made with the finest quality materials. He had a successful business, but he didn’t reach “superstar” status until the Madrid 1920 Exposition. A woman greatly insulted Mario by asking for a discount on a jeweled compact. He became enraged and tossed the compact out of a window. Word of the incident spread quickly. The next day, crowds flocked to his display to see the outrageous man, but stayed to buy.

Mario had been fascinated from a very young age by all types of metals and gemstones and the Renaissance period. The combination of these three inspirations led to his own distinctive style that included mixing metals and piercing techniques that recreated the look of honeycomb or lace. His jewelry was recognized for its singular textural engraving techniques:

• Rigato: parallel lines cut onto the surface for a sheen effect.
• Telato: cross-hatched lines that imitate the look of linen.
• Segrinato: engraving in all directions and overlapping textures.
• Ornato: decoration based on natural forms (animals, leaves, flowers).
• Modellato: several mini designs in three dimensions

As Mario’s five sons came of age, four entered the business: Frederico, Gianmaria, Luca, and Lorenzo. They opened new stores in Rome and Florence, and Buccellati became first Italian jewelry with a shop on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

In 1967, when Mario Buccellati died, his sons split the business. Lorenzo and Frederico looked after the flagship stores in Italy. Luca and Gianmaria assumed control of stores in the United States.

As great a jewelry artist as Mario was, it was his son, Gianmaria, who brought the company global recognition. He was an astute businessman and established the House of Buccellati in Hong Kong, Japan, Monte Carlo, London, Sydney, and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. But more than that, he was a creative genius and a connoisseur of metals and stones. His pieces remained faithful to the family traditions while appealing to contemporary tastes. 

Gianmaria’s son, Andrea, joined the firm, and the third generation was in place to continue the Buccellati legacy. Andrea’s daughter, Lucrezia, became the first female designer and brought the company into the world of high-tech by designing the most expensive and most prestigious covers for the iPhone and iPad. Lucrezia and her father work together to create new collections.

Although part of the company was sold to Clessidra SGR in 2013, the Buccellati brand is still a family affair. Andrea is Creative Director and President; Gino manages the silver segment; Maria Cristina, Gianmaria’s daughter, is responsible for marketing; and Luca works with key clients.

Jewelry Designers

Four generations of the Buccellati family are/have been designers.

• Mario, founder
• Gianmaria, Mario’s son
• Gino, Gianmaria’s son
• Andrea, Gianmaria’s son
• Lucrezia, Andrea’s daughter

Roberto Brown, a master goldsmith, was with the company for 42 years. He designed a new style of brooch created with Mississippi River pearls and blue opals.

Christian Brown, Roberto’s son, one of the new generation of Buccellati designers.

Jewelry Marks

• “15 M” (one of the oldest jewelry marks in Milan)
• “Buccellati Italy 750”
• “M. Buccellati, 800, 15MI, Made in Italy”

Materials Used

• Gold: yellow, white and rose
• Platinum
• Silver
• Diamonds, including rose-cut diamonds and rough diamonds
• Emeralds, rubies, sapphires
• Carved emeralds and rubies
• Yellow garnet (rare)
• Topaz
• Aquamarine
• Rubellite
• Tanzanite
• Yellow Mexican opals, blue opals
• Jade
• Large cabochons
• Mississippi River pearls
• Rock crystal

Most Collectible Vintage Buccellati Jewelry

Collections to Look for

Tips for Buying Vintage Buccellati Jewelry

• Check the hallmarks; they should be exact and easy to read. You will find photos of the hallmarks on the Internet. 
• Buy from a well-respected jeweler who has established an unassailable reputation.
• Online vendors should have a 14-day return policy. That shows that the vendor has confidence in the quality of his or her products.
• Once you are assured of the return policy, have the piece checked out by a disinterested third party.
• In a bracelet or necklace, links should never look pinched together.
• If the piece contains a stone, examine the setting and mounting. Only costume jewelry is glued into place rather than being properly mounted.
• Remember that real gemstones are not perfect. Fake gemstones are often created through a mixture of glass and plastic and are too smooth, too perfect.
• There are two tests that are easy for the lay person to do.
• The Magnet Test: Gold and silver are not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet to your piece of jewelry. If it sicks, the metal is fake. 
• The Fog Test: Breath hot air onto a diamond. A real diamond will not fog up.

Conclusion

Another great place to shop is on eBay. There is a large selection of vintage Buccellati jewelry there.