How Buccellati jewellery stays timeless: heiress Maria Cristina reflects on the brand’s ability to be both modern and old

STYLE sat down with Maria Cristina Buccellati, global communications and marketing director at Buccellati, to talk about the brand’s strategy and vision.

Q. Your grandfather founded Buccellati and your father took over after him. How much impact has the family had on you?

A. They are examples that we take and follow, like a light that you see. My grandfather was the art director. He designed all the jewellery along with his daughter. My father was ‘360 degrees’ an entrepreneur and a creative man. [Sticking to our] roots is one of the most important things. What we are strong at is creativity. It’s in the family.

Q. Are there any differences between how the three generations work?

A. Absolutely. It’s interesting because each one of them has a way. First of all, you talk to the artisans. You have to explain your designs.

My grandfather used to do a sketch, maybe on a napkin. We went to an artist and he explained how to do it exactly. My father was a little bit more detailed. He spent less time on explaining to the artisans but more time going through the different stages of the creations. My brother [Andrea Buccellati] is so precise that he creates every single piece in its millimetres. Everything has to be perfect. He goes to the artisans and says this is the piece. They see the artisans and show the steps of the creation. My brother sees the skeleton of the jewels. Then he looks into modifying, grading and proportion. What is important is that it’s not just about designing but being able to interact with the artisans.

Q. How does Buccellati translate heritage into the modern world?