Buccellati Atelier: Where Golden Dreams Come To Life

There is a place in Milan where works of art come to life: welcome to the Buccellati atelier. In the heart of the city, the Buccellati atelier is located in a building designed by Piero Portaluppi and here is where most of the creations of the Maison founded in 1919 by Mario Buccellati, are crafted with care and precision.

This is where some of the brand's most iconic collections and high jewellery come to fruition. Buccellati operates four production sites: the Milan workshop, located near the Duomo, which focuses primarily on design and high jewelry; the Valbrona (next to Como) site, specializing in twisted wire techniques; the Zola Predosa (next to Bologna) site, where silver crafting takes place; and the Chiasso (in Switzerland) workshop, responsible for producing the brand’s jeweled watches.

The atelier is divided into four main areas: polishers, who refine raw gold and precious stones; goldsmithers, who meticulously work on rings, brooches, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets; engravers, who personalize each piece with fabric-like textures and patterns signature to the Maison; and stone setters, who embellish the jewellery with gemstones.

Everything is crafted entirely by hand, and what stands out most is the sight of young, and even very young (18 years old), artisans in the Buccellati universe. This is the result of a 2022 partnership with the Scuola Orafa Ambrosiana in Milan, a renowned institution for artisan training. Through this agreement, Buccellati supports the school financially and sponsors students in a 130-hour Master’s program in Goldsmithing Arts. Every six months, six top talents are selected to participate, and Buccellati -now fully owned by Richemont- provides scholarships and job opportunities within its ateliers.

What you witness in the Buccellati workshops is truly remarkable. The artisans, both young and experienced, work hand in hand, bringing these precious pieces to life. The connection between the artisans and their craft is palpable, as they dedicate themselves to every detail, from polishing to engraving and setting. It's a relationship that enriches the Buccellati experience, giving each piece its soul.

If Buccellati could be compared to an artist, it would undoubtedly be Botticelli. Like the great master, Buccellati draws inspiration from the past but remains timeless, ensuring that each piece speaks to modern tastes while staying true to its roots. This blend of tradition and innovation is a hallmark of the brand.

Buccellati recently marked its 100th anniversary with the “Prince of Goldsmiths: Rediscovering the Classics” exhibition in Venice. As Andrea Buccellati explains, “In terms of style, 'classic' denotes something that remains unchanged over time, a signature that endures. For over a century, Buccellati has preserved its aesthetic and production principles, staying true to its unique style while adapting to modern trends.”

Therefore, generational change has been crucial for Buccellati's success. It’s not just about passing the baton of leadership, but also about transferring skills from one generation of artisans to the next one. The techniques pioneered by Mario Buccellati, carried on by Gianmaria, and further refined by Andrea. This passing of knowledge, both in ownership and craftsmanship, creates an unbroken circle of tradition and innovation, shaping the future of the brand.

What’s particularly special about this is the deep relationship that develops between the family and the artisans. “When I first began learning the goldsmith’s craft- continues Andrea Buccellati- “I would quietly observe in the workshops, and that bond with the craftsmen became an essential part of my journey. This close connection between the family and the skilled workforce has ensured that Buccellati’s craftsmanship and style have not only been preserved but adapted to meet the demands of modern times, without losing their essence.”

And from what I have seen, the Atelier is the highest expression of this spirit within the Buccellati kosmos. Long Live The Artisans!

Fore more information: www.buccellati.com ; @buccellatimilan