Buccellati, the Milanese jewelry house founded in 1919 and now owned by Richemont, held a major retrospective titled “The Prince of Goldsmiths” in Shanghai. The exhibition traced the family-run enterprise’s 100-plus-year history, showcasing signature pieces such as four butterfly brooches representing successive generations of the Buccellati family—from founder Mario to great-granddaughter Lucrezia—alongside sumptuous jewelry and lesser-known home decor, including animal-inspired silverware and chrome lobster sculptures.
The retrospective matters because it highlights how a historic luxury brand balances timeless craftsmanship with contemporary evolution, exemplified by Lucrezia Buccellati’s streamlined butterfly design. By presenting both traditional pieces and modern flourishes like the “Hawaii” series, the exhibition underscores Buccellati’s ability to maintain its Milanese identity while appealing to a global audience, reinforcing the enduring relevance of family-run artisanal houses in the luxury market.