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
Large Metal Silver Plated Turtle Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Metal Silver Plated Turtle Box.
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
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
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
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
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
Abalone shell & alpaca silver turtle box, Mexico, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful turtle-shaped pill 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
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
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
Hermès Paris Sterling Silver Bolide Bag Pill Box Charm Pendant
By Hermès
Located in New York City, NY
Fine sterling silver pill box in the likeness of an Hermes Bolide bag, by Hermes. The box can be used in a multitude of ways: as a standard pillbox, a pendant, or as a charm. Almost 2 inches wide and approx. 30 grams in weight. This Hermes pill box is a unique and luxurious accessory that pays homage to the iconic Hermes Bolide bag. Shaped like a miniature version of the famous Hermes Bolide bag, which is celebrated for its structured silhouette and distinctive closure. Hermes itself is a renowned French luxury brand known for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless designs. This particular piece, designed primarily as a pill box, can be used as a charm or pendant as well. It is crafted from sterling silver, which is highly prized for its durability and lustrous appearance. The sterling silver material provides a sleek and elegant backdrop for the intricate details of the Bolide bag pill box charm...
Sterling Silver
Russian Art Nouveau Gold Enamel Pill Box
Located in New York City, NY
Rare and unusual Art Nouveau 14K two tone gold and enamel pill box. It features an enamel top with grape leaves motif around it; also features an intri...
18k Gold
Buccellati Sterling Silver Dominoes Set
By Buccellati
Located in New York City, NY
Elevate game night with this exquisite vintage Buccellati sterling silver dominoes set. Crafted with the renowned Italian jeweler's signatur...
Sterling Silver
Boucheron Paris Sapphire Diamond Gold Compact Case
By Boucheron
Located in New York City, NY
Ornate and unusual 18K yellow gold, diamond and sapphire compact case by Boucheron Paris, circa 1940s. It features an inside door and a large mirror o...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Diamond and Platinum Swirl Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York City, NY
A Timeless Whirl: Tiffany & Co. Diamond and Platinum Swirl Brooch by Angela Cummings This captivating Tiffany & Co. swirl brooch, designed by the legendary Angela Cummings in the 19...
Diamond, Platinum
Oscar Heyman Art Deco Diamond Platinum Bracelet
Located in New York City, NY
Very fine diamond and platinum bracelet, by Oscar Heyman, circa 1930s. It features high grade emerald cut diamonds, baguette cut diamonds, and round cut diamonds, of approx. 16.0cts ...
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.
