In 1919, Mario Buccellati (1891–1965) launched his eponymous jewelry house with the opening of his first shop in Milan and quickly built a reputation for his richly embellished traforato, or finely pierced goldwork. The Ancona, Italy–born jeweler’s workmanship was in a class of its own. His pieces were exquisite, yet the gemstones themselves were never too flashy, elevated instead by the designs’ intricate metalsmithing.
A love of tradition set Mario and his fine jewelry house apart in the competitive Italian market and remains a point of pride for the family, which is still closely tied to the business even as it is now owned by Richemont, a luxury conglomerate that also counts Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels among its subsidiaries.
A young Mario Buccellati apprenticed with famed goldsmith Beltrami e Besnati in the early 1900s, although many of the goldsmithing techniques synonymous with Buccellati go as far back as the Italian Renaissance. The family lineage is also said to include 18th-century jeweler Contardo Buccellati.
Owing to the founder’s advanced metalworking skills, the brand is known for designs that feature metal with the delicacy of lace and draw on the wonders of the natural world. The house’s work is typified by intricate gemstone settings that emphasize their natural color and dense engraving techniques that transform the texture of gold.
One of the time-honored engraving techniques that has come to characterize Buccellati’s work — techniques that require apprenticeships and training in the fine jeweler’s workshops — is called rigato. It involves the engraving of a precious metal with a series of parallel lines to achieve a fabric-like effect.
Rigato is on luminous display in the house’s Macri collection of earrings, cuff bracelets and other accessories. A painstaking attention to detail is pronounced in the celebrated Macri, Bartolomeo and Unica collections — witness the striking honeycomb motif, a house signature, that characterizes the Unica collection’s Caterina bracelet, for example.
The Macri collection was the work of Mario’s son, Gianmaria Buccellati, an award-winning jeweler and internationally renowned silversmith who worked to bring the brand to the global stage by overseeing the opening of boutiques in Tokyo, Paris, California and elsewhere.
In 1951, Mario opened his first store in New York City; today the company operates boutiques worldwide. In 2019, the company celebrated its centennial with a new flagship in Paris and the Vintage collection, which features some of its most enduring designs.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Buccellati jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, rings and other accessories.
Solid Silver Turtle Figurine Vintage 1970s Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Solid silver turtle very good vintage condition. Dimensions: Height 14 mm / 0.511 inches - Length 29 mm / 1.141inches - Weight 10 grams. It is stamped with the Silver Italian Mark 8...
Silver
Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Tortoise Inkwell (1903)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive, large and rare antique Edwardian English cast sterling silver tortoise ink stand; part of our diverse collection of antique inkwells. This magnif...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Turtle Pill or Snuff Box with Ruby Eyes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sterling silver Turtle Pill box. The box is hand crafted and in the shape of a Turtle with small stunning Ruby eyes. Small enough to fit into a pants pocket un-noticed or stash...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Thomas Johnson II Sterling Silver Tortoise Vesta Box
By Thomas Johnson II
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique Victorian English sterling silver vesta box modelled in the form of a tortoise; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional antique Victorian cast sterling silver vesta box has been realistically modelled in the form of a tortoise. The plain oval body of this Victorian vesta box is embellished with cast and applied components replicating the details of the tortoise's legs and head. The anterior surface of this rare box features an applied oval serrated panel / match striker. The hinged tortoiseshell cover opens to reveal the original gilt interior. The underside of the body bears the contemporary engraved inscription 'July 1883'. Condition This antique Victorian vesta box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. There are some blemishes and wear to the original gilding, in keeping with age. Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the body are very clear. Dimensions length 8.4cm/3.3" width 5.5cm/2.2" height 3.2cm/1.3" Weight 2.4 troy ounces/73.9g (including tortoiseshell cover) Maker: Thomas Johnson II Date: 1882 Origin: London, England Video: A video of this fine piece is available upon request. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this antique vesta box...
Sterling Silver
Miniature silver turtle with reliefs
Located in Porto, PT
Descrição: Miniatura de tartaruga em prata com relevos. Metal: Prata. Origem: Europeia. Marca: Descconhecida. Peso: 9.66 gramas. Dimensões: 3.4cmx1.3cm. Teor: 925/1000. Marca Contras...
Silver
Sterling Silver Turtle Ring Carol Felley 1990
By Carol Felley
Located in Wallkill, NY
This is adorable Sterling Silver Turtle Ring Carol Felley (Matching choker necklace, bracelet are the last photos **SEPARATE Listing ) We also have the Earrings, Choker and Bracelet...
Sterling Silver
Japanese Little Bronze Turtle Jewerly Box 1980s
Located in Paris, FR
This is an objet of turtle which you can use as a jewelry holder. This is made with bronze and it was made in Japan around 1980s. The thing that written on the bottom of the turtle i...
Bronze
Abalone shell & alpaca silver turtle box, Mexico, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb turtle-shaped jewelry box designed and produced in Mexico during the 1970's. This artisanal set with abalone mother-of-pearl and alpaca, is a true work of art. More than a box...
Silver
Large Metal Silver Plated Turtle Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Metal Silver Plated Turtle Box.
Silver
Regency turtle ashtray in bronze, Spain, 1980's
By Regency
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful regency turtle ashtray designed and manufactured in Spain in the 1980s. Great work of bronze. More than an ashtray, this object is a sculpture on its own. Playful design o...
Bronze
Tiffany & Co. Enamel 925 Sterling Silver Pill Box Case
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Tiffany & Co. Enamel 925 Sterling Silver Pill Box Case is a charming yet practical piece that combines Tiffany’s iconic craftsmanship with a touch of playful elegance. Crafted fr...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Bulgari B.Zero 925 Sterling Silver Leather Cord Pill Box Case
By Bulgari
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Bulgari B. Zero 925 Sterling Silver Pill Box Case with Leather Cord is a luxurious, modern accessory that reflects Bulgari’s signature bold and sophisticated style. Crafted from ...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Leather Baby Toy Round Picture Frame
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Leather Baby Toy Round Picture Frame is an enchanting keepsake designed to celebrate the joy of a new life. This round fram...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Gene Moore Sterling Silver Enamel Circus Elephant
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Step into the whimsical world of Gene Moore with this enchanting sterling silver and enamel Circus Elephant, a rare collectible from Tiffany & Co. Crafted with meticulous attention t...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier Le Baiser Du Dragon Falcon's Eye 18k White Gold Men's Ring Size 56 7.5
By Cartier
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Bold and enigmatic, the Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Falcon’s Eye Ring reinterprets masculine elegance through the lens of Cartier’s iconic symbolism. Crafted in luminous 18k white go...
Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Diamond and Platinum Bubbles Band Ring Size 5.25
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Elevating the concept of timeless elegance to new heights, the Tiffany & Co. Diamond and Platinum Bubbles Band Ring is a dazzling testament to sophistication and refinement. Crafted ...
Diamond, Platinum
Benchmark of Palm Beach weighs in on the "Prince of Goldsmiths."
A deluxe new book explores the celebrated fifth-generation Italian jeweler’s heritage and inimitable style.
