Buccellati: A Family Affair How one Italian family retains its legacy of creating some of
the world’s finest jewels

Family isn’t just important, it’s everything – and such unique bonds are what make some of the best businesses family-run. This is perhaps especially true for creative companies; not only is keeping it in the clan good for business, it is also essential for keeping heritage and tradition alive through the passing years.

One such brand is jewellery house Buccellati. Founded in 1919 by Mario Buccellati in Milan, the house is still helmed by key members of the family today. In the 99 years since being unveiled to the world, Buccellati has seen plenty of milestones: the opening of flagships in Milan, Paris, New York and other major cities; the co-founding of the Italian Gemological Institute (IGI) by Gianmaria Buccellati in 1973 (which he presided over for 25 years); the inauguration of the exhibition ‘Buccellati, Timeless Art’ at The State Museum of Moscow Kremlin - the first ever exhibition from the museum dedicated to a still living jeweller; and of course, the brand’s exquisite and hand-crafted jewels being worn by the world’s most glamorous (and fortunate) individuals.

The jewellery house has placed at its core the preservation of heritage craft and artisanal passion, with technical skills being passed down from father to son throughout the years. To this day, every piece is still hand-made in Milan. One look at the label’s signature rigato engraving technique – when intricate etchings are applied to the metal to mimic the natural flow of silk – and the value of preserving these unique skills is apparent.

While more corporate companies may only think about hitting goals this quarter, family firms think of the years, and sometimes decades, ahead. In design, to think ahead is to be constantly aware of the balance between keeping up with the times yet remaining timeless, and Lucrezia Buccellati, the latest family member to join the house and its first ever female designer, is poised to help to take Buccellati into its next chapter.

Lucrezia has been co-designing with her father Andrea since 2014, and her dedication to the family brand is tempered by a keen understanding of what today’s modern woman looks for in jewellery – this isn’t just about beauty, it’s about diversity, freedom and intelligent living. Buccellati’s father-daughter design duo will continue the brand’s journey in creating some of the world’s most sought-after heirloom jewellery – created by one family, to be passed down in another.

Join us for the Buccellati trunk show from December 1- January 1 in Lane Crawford ifc mall.