The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
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 “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

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

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”


Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

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

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.




























