Selling a Buccellati piece at auction
A Buccellati evening case brought to auction by the firm was hammered at €53,340 at Drouot.
Written under the expert’s direction · The firm’s method
Published results
Evening case, c. 1960
€53,340
Mario Buccellati cuff, 78 diamonds
estimated at €25,000 to 28,000
Learn more
The house’s history
Mario Buccellati (1895-1965) apprenticed with the Milanese jewelers Beltrani and Besnati, whose firm he took over in 1919. His designs quickly stood out for their originality and elegance, in the great Italian artistic tradition.
His signature: gold worked like a textile (chasing that evokes Burano lace, tulle or linen) giving the house’s jewels and silver an instantly recognizable texture.
Carried on by his sons, Gianmaria among them, the house extended its repertoire from jewels to precious objects and silverware. Early pieces, entirely hand-chased, are sought after in the saleroom.
Recognising a Buccellati piece
Buccellati chasing is recognized by eye. Attribution is verified by the marks.
The signature
The engraved signature: “M. Buccellati”, “Buccellati” or “Gianmaria Buccellati” depending on the period.
The hallmarks
Hand chasing of fabric-like regularity: the characteristic lace, tulle or linen effects.
The workmanship
Italian fineness hallmarks and maker’s marks.
The documents
Original cases and pouches, frequent with the house’s pieces.
The results in detail
Evening case, platinum and engine-turned yellow gold, circa 1960
Leaf-shaped clasp entirely pavé-set with diamonds, hammered at €53,340 at Drouot (Art Richelieu and Castor Hara), a piece saluted by the specialist press.
Mario Buccellati cuff bracelet, yellow and gray gold
Openworked and entirely chased with lace and scroll motifs, set with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds, presented at Drouot (Baron Ribeyre & Associés), estimated at €25,000–28,000.
How do I sell a Buccellati jewel at auction?
Open a file through Cabinet Annabelle Cukierman’s “Sell a piece or a collection” process: photographs of your Buccellati piece, the signature if visible, the original case or pouch if you have it. You will hear from us within two business days with a first opinion and the next steps.
How do I recognize a Buccellati piece?
By its hand chasing, of fabric-like regularity (lace, tulle, linen), and by its engraved signature, “M. Buccellati”, “Buccellati” or “Gianmaria Buccellati” depending on the period. Italian hallmarks complete the body of evidence.
Does Buccellati silver sell at auction?
Yes: Buccellati silverware, entirely hand-chased, has a market of its own. The firm covers jewellery as well as silver and objets de vitrine.
Selling a Buccellati piece at auction
Jewel, precious object or silver: we describe it, document it and present it in the right sale.
Reply within two business days. Strict confidentiality.