A love of tradition set Mario Buccellati and his fine jewelry house apart in the competitive Italian market and remains a point of pride for the family.
In 1919, Mario launched Buccellati 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 rings, earrings, bracelets and other accessories were exquisite, yet the gemstones themselves were never too flashy, elevated instead by the designs’ intricate metalsmithing.
Today the Buccellati family 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 Mario Buccellati jewelry today.
Mario Buccellati Silver and Gold Compact with Rubies, Italy, 1940s
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Napoli, NA
An elegant and highly collectible powder compact by Mario Buccellati, crafted in Italy in the 1940s. Executed in solid 800 silver, the case features the maison’s iconic hand-engraved...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Mario Buccellati Life Size Silver Yorkshirre Terrier Dog
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Mario Buccellati Life Size Silver Yorkshirre Terrier Dog. A life-size silver dog crafted with a technique know as ‘lavorazione a pelo’ or ‘hair-like workmanship. This technique invo...
Silver
Mario Buccellati Silver Duck and Ducklings
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Mario Buccellati Silver Duck and Ducklings A very large silver sculptural group by Buccellati depicting a duck with three ducklings, executed in the house’s signature lavorazione a ...
Silver
$35,000
Mario Buccellati Silver Seal
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Mario Buccellati Silver Seal A large size silver seal crafted with a technique known as ‘lavorazione a pelo’ or ‘hair-like workmanship. This technique involved infinite silver filam...
Silver
18K Two Tone Gold Mario Buccellati Mid-Century Woven Cigarette Case
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Vintage Collection Metal- 18K Yellow Gold, Rose Gold .750, 212.70 Grams. Measurements- 5.1 Inches x 3.25 Inches. For collectors or smokers, for anyone who loves Mid-Century Art! Featuring an Entirely Handmade Heavy 18K Two Tone Yellow Gold and Rose Gold Diamond Cigarette Case...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
M. Buccellati Vintage Diamond Ruby Sapphire 18k Gold Compact Box
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Stand out with this vintage compact box from the known Mario Buccellati, from around the 1940s, is Italian-made and crafted completely in solid 18K yellow gold. Features a closure ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Mario Buccellati Life Size Silver Rabbit
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Mario Buccellati life size silver rabbit. A life-Size silver rabbit crafted with a technique know as ‘lavorazione a pelo’ or ‘hair-like workmanship. This technique involved infinite ...
Silver
Mario Buccellati Vintage Diamond Gold Compact Box
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
This Mario Buccellati vintage diamond 18K yellow gold compact box from 1940's features a diamond accent closure in 18K white gold with rose-cut diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
A Large Buccellati Silver Model of a Realistic Caribbean Spiny Lobster
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Large Buccellati Italian Silver Model of a Realistic Caribbean Spiny Lobster Expertly crafted to capture the essence of the real lobster, this mo...
Silver
Buccellati Vintage No Heat Blue Sapphire 18k Gold Floral Square Brooch Pin
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
This Extraordinary rectangular Vintage Buccellati Diamond and Sapphire Brooch. This piece was crafted in Luxurious 18K yellow gold. Measuring approx. 33 mm x 25 mm, this brooch ...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Mario Buccellati Large Size Silver Parrot
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Mario Buccellati Large Size Silver Parrot A life-size silver parrot crafted with a technique known as ‘lavorazione a pelo’ or ‘hair-like workmanship. This technique involved infini...
Silver
Mario Buccellati Silver Squirrel
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Mario Buccellati Silver Squirrel, silver texted fur with glass eyes, enamel nose and gilt acorns. Signed on one leaf Mario Buccellati, 925, and 15-MI M...
Silver
Mario Buccellati, a Rare and Exceptional Italian Silver Goat
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mario Buccellati, A Rare and Exceptional Italian Silver Goat circa 1940. Made in Milan Italy. Very fine quality and workmanship and very large in size. Measures: 12" high x 14" w...
Silver
Mario Buccellati Large Size Silver Pelican
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Mario Buccellati Large Size Silver Pelican A a very large size silver pelican crafted with a technique known as ‘lavorazione a pelo’ or ‘hair-like workmanship. This technique involv...
Silver
$50,000 / set
Mario Buccellati Large Size Pair of Silver Herons
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Mario Buccellati Large Size Pair of Silver Herons A set of life-size silver herons crafted with a technique known as ‘lavorazione a pelo’ or ‘hair-like workmanship. This technique i...
Silver
Antique 833 Silver Engraved Floral Compact #25011
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique 833 Silver Engraved Floral Compact A silver compact crafted in 833 fine silver featuring a beautifully etched floral and scroll design. Empty cartouche ready for a personali...
Silver
Southeast Asian Silver Dresser Box or Cigarette Case
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver dresser box. In .900 silver. We believe it's likely Chinese or Thai in origin. With repousse animal decoration and geometric patterns to both sides. One side...
Silver
Fabergé Julius Rappoport Silver Bulldog with Ruby Eyes and Gold Collar
By Fabergé
Located in Chesterland, OH
Allow us to present yet another treasure from our collection—an antique figurine from the era of the Russian Empire, crafted in the workshop of the illustrious Carl Fabergé. This exq...
Jade, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Cartier Vintage 18K Case Box, Unisex Collectors Item
By Cartier
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A collectors item. Signature: Cartier Paris, French assay marks Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Dimensions: 4.0cm x 2.7cm x 0.8cm Gross weight: 19.4g
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$592Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.35 in W 2.76 in D 0.44 in
Rare Solid Silver Meiji Period Dragon Embossed Cigarette Case and Gold Gilding
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely solid silver Meiji period circa 1870 dragon embossed cigarette case with gold gilt internals If y...
Silver
$377Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.15 in W 2.66 in D 0.4 in
Stunning Solid Sterling Silver 1927 Gold Gilt Inside Cigarette Case Ng & Co
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Solid Sterling Silver The Northern Goldsmiths Newcastle upon tyne 1927 engine turned cigarette cas...
Sterling Silver
$650 / set
Sterling Silver Jungle Animals
Located in Darnestown, MD
Five sterling silver jungle animals to include: an elephant; a lion; a rhinoceros; a jungle cat and a wading bird with a fish in its mouth. The pieces ...
Sterling Silver
$2,103
H 0.44 in W 1.89 in D 2.01 in
Antique Silver Powder Box Compact box Enamel Painting Genre Scene Silver Gilt
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This exceptional quality powder compact was imported by H C Freedman Ltd of Birmingham in 1914. The box is impressed on the inside with the makers mark, the date letter for 1914, 92...
Silver, Enamel
Vintage Silver Hand Chased Dragon Cigarette Case
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous silver cigarette case features a hand chased/engraved dragon and an area for a monogram. The inside is gilt with gold. Measurements: 3 1/8 by 6 3/4 inches Weight: 196....
Silver
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.65 in W 0.53 in Dm 0.53 in L 5.44 in
Vintage Deep Green .4 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ball Pen Sandalwood Box Set
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Indulge in luxury and add a touch of vintage elegance to your desk with this stunning Vintage Deep Green .4 Carat Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ball Pen Sandalwood Box...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,957Sale Price|20% Off
W 2.17 in D 0.4 in L 2.17 in
18Kt Gold Rare Compact Powder Box with Chain - Made in Italy 1970 circa
Located in Bergamo, BG
To make this collector's item now, with top-notch Italian craftsmanship, would cost about €11,000 This gold powder box embodies sophisticated elegance...
18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,699Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.95 in W 3.15 in D 2.37 in
Rare circa 1900 Sterling Silver Diamond and Enamel Powder Compact with Lipstick
Located in GB
Wimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer For sale this stunning circa 1900 French or Italian Sterling silver Diamond & Enamel powder compact with lipstick...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Mario Buccellati Rare Vintage Sterling Silver Turtle Letter Opener
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Simpsonville, SC
A charming and collectible piece from the renowned designer Mario Buccellati: a sterling silver letter opener adorned with a turtle motif. Enhance your collection with this unique ...
Sterling Silver
Mario Buccellati Vintage Steling Silver Letter Opener w/ Box
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Buccellati Sterling Silver Letter Opener is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and elegant design. This refined piece is crafted from sterling silver, showcasing a beautifull...
Sterling Silver
Buccellati Silver Dragon
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Buccellati Silver Dragon Designed as a fire-breathing dragon, towering over a gilded, pillared building, perched on a hardstone and set upon a scrolled base. Engraved: "Boy I'll b...
Silver
Mario Buccellati 18K Yellow Gold Roller Ball Pen with Box
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Mario Buccellati 18K Yellow Gold Roller Ball Pen is an exquisite embodiment of refined elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Made from gleaming 18K yellow gold, the pen’s sleek...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 8 in W 14 in L 10 in
A Rare Mario Buccellati Sterling Silver Furry Mice Suite on Desert Rose Crystal
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Rare Mario Buccellati Sterling Silver Furry Mice Sculpture Suite on Desert Rose Crystal Base Experience the unparalleled artistry of Mario Buccellati with this rare and exquisite ...
Sterling Silver
A Playful Family of Four Adorable Sterling Silver Mice by Buccellati
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Playful Family of Four Adorable Sterling Silver Mice by Mario Buccellati Introducing a delightful family of four sterling silver furry mice, crafted by the renowned Italian jewele...
Sterling Silver
A Whimsical Buccellati Sterling Silver Family of Four Ducks
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Whimsical Buccellati Sterling Silver Family of Four Ducks Delight in the charm and elegance of this exquisite Buccellati sterling silver family of four ducks, crafted with whimsic...
Sterling Silver
Rare Vintage Buccellati Italian Sterling Silver Lion Belt Buckle
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Fairfield, CT
This rare vintage Buccellati Italian Sterling Silver Lion Belt Buckle is a true collector's piece. Crafted in sterling silver, the buckle features an ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mario Buccellati Frame Black Pouch Bag with Pearl
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Mario Buccellati Frame Black Pouch Bag with Pearl Rose-cut diamonds, various sizes of emeralds of approximately 2.5 carats, natural saltwater pearl (...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Buccellati Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Floral Textured Compact Gold Wallet Box
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Signed M. Buccellati, This piece is from circa the 1950s. And outstanding craftsmanship from the original Mario Buccellati. The craftsmanship of this piece is impeccable, as evide...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati Figural Artichoke .800 Silver Table Lighter
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine figural table lighter. In .800 fine silver. By Mario Buccellati. In the form of a realistic artichoke complete with leaves, petals, and stem. The lighter is detachable a...
Silver
M. Buccellati Capri "I Faraglioni" Hand Etched Sterling Silver Box
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York City, NY
Fine and unusual sterling silver box by Mario Buccellati, circa 1940s, depicting the view of the Faraglioni, the famous rock formations in Capri. The workmanship of the box showcases...
Sterling Silver