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
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 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
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
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
$378Sale 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
$2,087
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
$1,800
H 0.5 in W 1.88 in L 2.5 in
Antique Gilt American Coin Silver Snuff Box attributed to Benjamin Tappin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique gilt silver snuff box. With engraved decorations to the top & monograms to both the top & bottom. Struck with what appears to be...
Silver, Gilt Metal
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
$7,884Sale 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
$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
$2,702Sale 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
$3,584Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.55 in W 0.53 in Dm 0.53 in L 5.32 in
Vintage Black Colored Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ball Pen Sandalwood Box Set
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Experience the luxury of writing with this vintage black colored diamond 18K yellow gold ball pen. Crafted from 18K yellow gold, the pen boasts a substantial weight of 22.50 grams, making it a truly valuable and timeless addition to your collection. The centerband of the pen is adorned with five round diamonds, totaling 0.08 carats, adding a touch of sparkle and luxury to the already opulent writing instrument. The pen's sleek and sophisticated design, with a black color under the gold casing that creates a dramatic contrast, is perfect for signing important documents or simply jotting down notes. The pen comes in a stylish sandalwood box...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
Sold
H 3.5 in W 3.5 in D 0.75 in Dm 3.5 in L 3.5 in
Vintage Mario Buccellati Sterling Silver Matte Textured Case
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Vintage M. Buccellati Sterling Silver Case Good, undamaged condition Matte textured exterior Bright shiny interior Clean interior Hinge in good working condition No monogram or inscr...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Buccellati 1925-1930 Box
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Buccellati box in silver and yellow gold set with synthetic pink sapphires. Amazing engravings and work of silver and gold. Made circa 1925 - 1930. En...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Mario Buccellati Sterling Silver Gold Rose Flower Pill Box
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold And Sterling Silver Rose Flower Pill Box by Mario Buccellati. Details: Measurements: 3" x 3/4" Weight: 37.9 grams ...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver