Maria Cristina Buccellati
Maria Cristina Buccellati tells us about the qualities that have helped make this Italian company a success abroad
«Buccellati is a brand that is very tied to its traditions in terms of style and craftsmanship, and these are things that still distinguish it today as being truly unique in worldwide fine jewelry.» Maria Cristina Buccellati, the third generation of the Milanese brand who today is the Global Communication & Marketing Director, speaks with confidence, passion and pride. «Our jewels are recognized and admired throughout the world for their light, elegant manufacture and for their refinement. All of the various creative people — all members of the Buccellati family — involved in the company are what have made a difference over the years. Each of them interpreted the styles of the time in their own way, in addition to the Renaissance jewelry making techniques used by the brand’s artisans. Some of the most famous of these techniques include engraving, fretwork, and the honeycomb method». Buccellati’s roots go all the way back to 1919 when Mario Buccellati opened his first jewelry shop in Milan in Largo Santa Margherita. Before translating Renaissance era techniques into precious creations, his friend, the poet Gabriele d’Annunzio, described him as a 'most excellent goldsmith.' Buccellati was a trailblazer in this Italian success story made up of elegance, expertise, and tradition success that soon took the brand beyond the confines of Italy. «We are truly honored to represent Italian-made excellence. Our history is also well known in the United States, where we’ve been since 1952. Americans like jewels that are large and visible but that don’t end up being ostentatious, like cocktail rings and cuff bracelets, which are iconic pieces for us. They also appreciate the Hawaii and Macri lines. These are historic collections that are both precious and minimalist.» The United States loves Buccellati, and Maria Cristina Buccellati loves the United States: «I really appreciate how everything evolves in such a fast and dynamic way in the United States. It is the cradle of innovation and offers many growth opportunities for young people. Furthermore, because it is a multicultural country, it offers a lot of opportunities for exchanging ideas, and every city has different roots and styles that people can take inspiration from.
I’m definitely very happy that we are on the U.S. market, but there is always room for perfecting and improving, so we are moving toward ever more ambitious horizons.» How ambitious are these future plans: «I like to imagine that, in ten years, our unmistakable style will be found in other important countries. We are working on this quickly and with a great deal of commitment, as can be seen with our recent openings in Asia, and in the rest of the world. The values that have always distinguished us - great quality and uniqueness - will always be synonymous with our brand.»
I’m definitely very happy that we are on the U.S. market, but there is always room for perfecting and improving, so we are moving toward ever more ambitious horizons.» How ambitious are these future plans: «I like to imagine that, in ten years, our unmistakable style will be found in other important countries. We are working on this quickly and with a great deal of commitment, as can be seen with our recent openings in Asia, and in the rest of the world. The values that have always distinguished us - great quality and uniqueness - will always be synonymous with our brand.»