Plus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
Buccellati Acquired by Chinese Conglomerate
Italian private equity firm Clessidra and the Buccellati family will retain a 15 percent minority stake in the Italian jewelry house.

Milan--Italian private equity firm Clessidra has sold its 85 percent majority stake in Buccellati, the Italian heritage jewelry house, to Chinese conglomerate Gangtai Group.
According to a statement from the Italian firm, Clessidra, along with the Buccellati family, will retain a 15 percent stake in the company.
Clessidra’s Managing Director Marco Carotenuto said, “We are particularly satisfied with the agreement reached with Gangtai Group. We have strongly supported Buccellati in the last three years, achieving a 60 percent growth in revenues since acquisition. We believe that the company is now ready for a new growth cycle that Gangtai Group will support, considering also its experience in the jewelry market and its strong presence in China.”
Buccellati was founded in Milan in 1919, and was entirely family owned until 2013, when Clessidra purchased a 67 percent share of the company, with the Buccellati family retaining 33 percent.
Since then, the jewelry house has expanded its international distribution, opening a new flagship in New York, while strengthening its image, products and management structure.
In 2014, in an effort to connect with millennials, the company named then-25-year-old Lucrezia Buccellati as its first female designer, with her father Andrea Buccellati taking on the role of president, creative director and, later, chairman.
He commented, “Our family founded this company almost 100 years ago and will continue to be fully involved to support its development, the creative mastery and production craftsmanship that enabled the establishment of a unique and recognizable style in jewelry and silverware. We welcome the commitment of Gangtai Group to invest significant resources to further develop the Buccellati brand and platform.”
Andrea Buccellati will remain creative director and honorary chairman of the company, with the rest of the Buccellati family, including Lucrezia, also retaining their roles. CEO Gianluca Brozzetti will also maintain his position.
The deal is subject to Chinese government approval and is expected to go through in the second quarter of 2017.
Gangtai Group is a private conglomerate listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with a hand in consumer, culture, finance and health industries. Its subsidiary, Gangsu Gangtai Holding Group Co. Ltd., deals mainly in gold and gold jewelry.
EFinancialNews.com reported a source as saying that the deal “valued the company (Buccellati) at 230 million euros,” or roughly $239 million.
The Latest

The flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.

Costume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

The jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.


From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.

The historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.

The model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.

Fresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.

The “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.

Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.

The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.

The Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.

Natalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.

Béatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.

The store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.

The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.

Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.

The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.




















