Artisanal Craftsmanship is Alive and Well in Italy- Buccellati

I often worry that artisanal craftsmanship in Italy is declining, as younger generations are not always keen to inherit the family business. Traditionally, artisans have handed down their intricate crafting skills from one generation to the next, but I fear this tradition is waning. However, a recent visit to the Buccellati atelier in Milan proved me wrong! I am happy to report craftsmanship is alive and well in Italy and being performed by those a few decades my junior!

WITH MY FRIEND, ELISABETTA CALLEGARI, OF ROBERTO CALLEGARI JEWELRY IN PADOVA, ONE OF TEN STORES IN ITALY WHO ARE STILL ALLOWED TO REPRESENT THE BUCCELLATI BRAND

Buccellati hosted a 2-day event consisting of a golf tournament and private parties in their palazzo on Via Montenapoleone and their atelier, which are both located in the city center of Milan.

The Atelier

Each artisan trains for years honing a skill on their specific part of the process before being able to work on these precious handmade creations. Most steps require a couple of months of tedious carving and etching, resulting in 8-12 months of work per piece. For the artisans, it's a true labor of love, as confirmed by a third-generation Buccellati goldsmith. In fact, all the friendly workers exuded a passion for the works of art they were creating.

THIS ARTISAN'S ROLE IS TO ADD A PROTECTIVE RED COATING TO THE WHITE GOLD SO IT WILL NOT TURN INTO YELLOW GOLD DURING CLEANING AND POLISHING

TIRED EYES! CAN YOU IMAGINE SETTING STONES THROUGH WHAT LOOKS LIKE A MICROSCOPE?

Buccellati offers scholarships for obtaining a Masters Degree in Goldsmith Arts at Milan's Scuola Orafa Ambrosiana. Positions at the atelier are then awarded to the top performers.

THERE IS A GREAT REVERENCE FOR THE HISTORY OF THIS FAMILY BRAND

WE WERE INVITED TO CRASH THE EMPLOYEE'S BREAK ROOM FOR LUNCH WITH 360° VIEWS OF MILAN.

The Palazzo

RECEPTIONS WERE HELD BOTH NIGHTS ON THE PIANO NOBILE, THE MAIN FLOOR, OF THE PALAZZO.

Andrea Buccellati, the atelier's creative director, and Luca Buccellati welcomed everyone to their recently acquired palazzo by talking to guests, personally in small groups. Buccellati is a family-owned company both in a business sense and in the pride and passion they have for the artisans who create their works of art. The people who work at Buccellati are a part of that family and are known by name.

We were not only invited to the beautiful neoclassical Palazzo Gavazzi for the cocktail receptions, but we also had the wonderful experience of having it to ourselves with employees who shared the nuances of the frescos and architectural features. It was only then that I truly appreciated the details from floor to ceiling. The palazzo was built in 1838 by another jeweler and silversmith, which given the details, seems appropriate. Doesn't the ceiling look like a Buccellati pendant?

Shopping

Of course, there was time for shopping! A girl can dream and have a 'wish list'!

Overall, the experience gave me a far greater appreciation for these handmade works of art. The people dedicate so much time and skill to create each and every piece was priceless to see. It was also nice to see a family operation of this scale treating those that work for them as family. I am happy to see young workers carrying on the tradition of artisanal craftsmanship.

Ciao for now,

Andrea

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