Buccellati to Open "Prince of Goldsmiths" Exhibition

Milan—Italian jewelry house Buccellati has announced the upcoming opening of an exhibition in Venice, Italy, dedicated to its history.

Titled "The Prince of Goldsmiths, Rediscovering the Classics," it is a retrospective exhibition that rediscovers Buccellati's heritage through a display of jewelry, silverware creations, and significant events that have shaped the history of the maison over its three generations of family ownership.

The storied jeweler was acquired by Richemont in 2019, but the Buccellati family still has a presence in the company's management.

The exhibition was created and produced by Milan-based Balich Wonder Studio, with the jewelry and silverware selection curated by Italian scholar, author, and fashion professor Alba Cappellieri.

Part of its title is a nod to a designation given in 1936 to founder Mario Buccellati by his friend, the 20th century poet Gabriele d'Annunzio — "The Prince of Goldsmiths," attesting to his mastery in creating timeless masterpieces.

The showcase pairs mastery with a rediscovery of the "classics," defined by Buccellati as "objects which are capable, in every moment, to transmit universal feelings of closeness, astonishment, wonder and passion."

To the maison, "classic" is a taste that transcends temporal boundaries, "conquering eternity through beauty and craftsmanship."

"The classics offer the pleasure of rediscovery, evoking worlds of beauty, elegance, art, and nature beyond time. Reinterpreting them means reinterpreting millennial traditions, materials, and forms with an always up-to-date look," said Buccellati's creative director, Andrea Buccellati.

"This is the aim of the exhibition, which becomes for us an even more precious moment as it is hosted in the evocative setting of Venice. The classics are a bridge thrown between the past and the future and are also evidence of an original style to be perpetuated in times to come."

Since its founding in 1919, Buccellati's products have been distinguished by their ability to unite the past, present and future through creations that showcase "the best traditional goldsmithing techniques with an elegance that is always contemporary," the company said.

The exhibition is divided into four themes.

The first is the "Generations" of the Buccellati family, who have taken turns over the years guiding the artistic direction of the brand today.

The second theme is centered elegance, showcasing precious accessories in silver and gold that have "embodied the sense of elegance over time," said Buccellati.

The third theme focuses on its silver masterpieces. Emblematic of the Buccellati style, the brand's silver creations are known for displaying the mastery required to provide the perfect shapes and proportions using ancient techniques of embossing and chiseling.

Finally, the icons of Buccellati jewelry are displayed in the fourth theme of authentic works of art, "creating an evocative parallel with classical myths," the brand said.

The showcases will focus on the craftsmanship of the company's most famous pieces.?

It will explore the evolution of the "Macri" collection bracelet from Mario Buccellati’s original design to its current version by Andrea Buccellati, which features characteristic engraving. It will also showcase the "Tulle" pendant from the latest "Mosaico" high jewelry collection, as well as silver objects inspired by nature and organic shapes.

The exhibition will be hosted at Oficine 800 on the Giudecca Canal in Venice from April 18 to June 18.

Buccellati said Venice was chosen because of its history as a celebrated symbol of gold and jewelry tradition and its aptitude for celebrating preciousness in multiple forms.

The event will coincide with the opening of the annual international cultural exhibition, Venice Art Biennale.