292 diamonds that seem to float on a tiara. A bracelet with 9 square emeralds and 288 rose-cut diamonds. 1,693 diamonds for a total of 23,57 carats paired with 20 rubies on a collar-shaped necklace. Even just in pure volume of sparkle, this exhibition is a jewelry-lovers’ dream.
In the Museo degli Argenti, Treasures of the Fondazione Buccellati is an exhibit that celebrates family business, workmanship and—let’s face it—luxury and wealth. Through the rooms of the silver museum dedicated to contemporary and modern works—themselves over the top with illusionistic frescoes—we learn the history of this name in international jewelry. Mario Buccellati (1891–1965) established some of the technique and style that Buccellati became known for as a brand, including delicate tulle-like constructions. Friend of Gabriele D’Annunzio and Eleonora Duse, he ornamented both ladies and men with jewels of all sorts, including cigarette cases, pillboxes and evening bags.
His son Gianmaria (born 1929) inherited his father’s skill and, eventually, business. Present at the press conference, he broke down with the emotion of showing his life’s work at Palazzo Pitti, where, in 1968, he had visited and had been inspired to create a series he calls Oggetti Preziosi (precious objects). These pietre dure items enhanced with goldwork and precious stones are inspired by items in the Medici collections and were works that he made simply for himself, for his personal collection.
As much as one can admire the delicate hand and precise technique that has gone into creating these 32 masterpieces by the Milanese father and son, one cannot help but wonder about the contexts in which these beauties were used, not to mention their price tag. On the matter of cost, the Fondazione Buccellati says that ‘their value is equal to the emotion they produce.’ On use, we can only use our imaginations and dream of a glamorous lifestyle that would permit us to sip champagne and glide gracefully over a ballroom floor, with 1,693 diamonds around our neck.
Visitor Info
Treasures of the Fondazione Buccellati. From Mario to Gianmaria, 100 years of the history of goldsmithing Museo degli Argenti, Palazzo Pitti
Until February 22, 2015
