DESIGNER BIOGRAPHIES

Featured Designers

BUCCELLATI Opening in Milan in 1919 and then expanding to Rome and Florence, Mario Buccellati’s work quickly gained acclaim amongst royalty. Four of his sons entered the business and continued the legacy. In 1951, Buccellati became the first Italian jewelry designer with a location on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Producing jewelry using a wide variety of precious materials, the firm is synonymous with class, elegance and fine craftsmanship.

BVLGARI Hailing from Greece, Sotirios Bulgari traveled to Italy in 1880 carrying with him the silversmith art honed by his family since the Byzantine era. Opening in Naples and producing archaeological revival jewelry, he soon developed a large enough following to require larger premises and additional locations. During the early twentieth century, Sotirios’s sons had a major impact on the character of Bulgari’s style. From the 1920’s to the 1960’s, the inspiration stemmed mainly from the latest French designs and included jewelry made in the Edwardian, Deco and Retro styles. By the 1970’s the focus again shifted to creating a unique style all their own and it is this desire that drives their work still today.

CARTIER Founded in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, this French house has remained at the forefront of fine jewelry generation after generation. Vastly expanding the reputation and reach of the firm were Louis-Francois’ grandsons who are responsible for establishing the name as a worldwide luxury icon. Creating extravagant works for the clients ranging from the French royals to Hollywood’s elite, Cartier is responsible for producing some of the most recognizable and sought after jewels known for their feminine style and timeless elegance. HENRY DUNAY Founding his New York based studio in 1965, Henry Dunay went on to achieve fame for first producing one-of-a-kind pave diamond designs and then transitioning to his well known collection featuring precious metals in a wide variety of meticulously crafted textures. He is renowned for creating his finest works by first finding the perfect stone and then building the piece around it.

PATEK PHILIPPE

Patek Philippe has been at the forefront of innovation in the science of timekeeping since the mid 1800’s. Collected by passionate watch lovers the world over, the company has produced some of the most complicated timepieces while maintaining a classic aesthetic and superb quality.

TIFFANY & Co. The best known jeweler in the United States and perhaps the world, Tiffany & Company has, for much of its history, exhibited the best gems from around the world and work from some of the finest jewelry designers. The reputations of such luminaries as Schlumberger, Claflin, Peretti and Cummings were forged while working for this great house. Not limited to any one genre, Tiffany has produced an astounding array of jeweled art over its history and continues forward today with their global reach.

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Starting with a marriage between two families both intimately involved with the jewelry arts, this Parisian firm founded in 1898 has created a unique character all its own. Its exclusive pieces have been eagerly collected by royalty and celebrity alike. Credited with many innovations in construction and design, this master jeweler is also known for having the highest standards for their gems. Only using stones of the very best quality and rarity, a jewel by Van Cleef & Arpels is viewed first as art and then accessory. DAVID WEBB At the tender age of 16 David Webb traveled to New York City in 1941 to start his education in jewelry. Opening his own location in 1946 with business partner Nina Silberstein, he began to produce jewelry in the bold and bright style his name became synonymous with. Known predominantly for work such as the famous bracelets designed in playful animal motifs, the firm also produces classic jewels constructed with fabulous stones and delicate details.

ALETTO BROTHERS The family saga of the Aletto Brothers firm has spanned five generations and carried them far from their native Naples, Italy. However, the exquisite quality of materials and high caliber of design have remained constant. Producing innovative yet wearable jewelry from their Boca Raton, Florida location, their work continues to attract discerning collectors.

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