Mario Buccellati – Solid Silver And Agate Jewelry Box, Circa 1955–1965

Mario Buccellati – Solid Silver and Agate Case, circa 1955–1965

A superb solid silver and agate box crafted by the prestigious Buccellati house, circa 1955–1965, during the lifetime of its founder, Mario Buccellati (1891–1965).

Rectangular in shape and exceptionally elegant, this box is a beautiful example of Buccellati’s historic craftsmanship, combining the richness of silverwork with the natural beauty of a large semi-precious stone.

The setting is made entirely of 925 sterling silver. The exterior surfaces feature remarkable brushed and finely striated work, giving the metal a matte, silky, and almost textile-like appearance. This exploration of the surface of precious metals is one of the defining characteristics of the aesthetic language developed by Mario Buccellati.

The lid is adorned with a spectacular polished agate inlay that covers nearly its entire surface. The stone features a particularly rich natural pattern, composed of shades of honey, amber, reddish brown, gray, and translucent white. Its irregular bands and branching patterns form a true abstract landscape, whose colors and depth are fully revealed when light passes through them.

The agate is simply set in a delicate silver frame, deliberately allowing the stone’s natural pattern to take center stage.

The front features a small vermeil opening tab, whose golden hue provides a subtle contrast to the brushed silver of the box.

The interior, also crafted with great care, features a large polished surface that acts as a mirror. The underside of the lid allows one to appreciate the agate’s translucency and the richness of its hues.

The case bears the old engraved Buccellati signature with the inscriptions “Milano,” “Firenze,” “Roma,” and “New York,” characteristic of the period when the house was expanding internationally. This historic signature, combined with a date of approximately 1955–1965, places the piece in the final decade of Mario Buccellati’s career, prior to his passing in 1965.

Founded in Milan in 1919, the Buccellati house, under the leadership of Mario Buccellati, became one of the most original and prestigious names in 20th-century Italian jewelry and goldsmithing. Mario Buccellati developed an instantly recognizable style, based in particular on extremely sophisticated work on metal surfaces: striations, engravings, satin finishes, and textures transformed gold and silver into truly decorative materials.

The combination of these worked metals with semi-precious stones chosen for their natural patterns—notably agate—also constitutes one of the most characteristic and appealing aspects of the house’s historical production.

This type of antique piece, created during the Mario Buccellati period and bearing the house’s engraved signature, stands out from Buccellati’s more recent works due to its historical character and its direct connection to the brand’s founding era.

This case is all the more remarkable for having survived in perfect condition. The large agate panel is intact, with no chips or damage, while the silver surfaces beautifully retain their brushed finish. The small vermeil clasp is also perfectly preserved.

With its harmonious proportions, it can be used as a jewelry box, a presentation box, or simply as a precious decorative object. The simplicity of its form, the refinement of the textured silver, and the spectacular nature of its agate give it a particularly timeless aesthetic.

Characteristics

Brand: Buccellati
Designer / Period: Mario Buccellati (1891–1965)
Origin: Italy
Date: circa 1955–1965
Period: During Mario Buccellati’s lifetime
Signature: Old engraved “Buccellati” signature with the inscriptions “Milano – Firenze – Roma – New York”
Materials: 925 sterling silver and natural agate
Decoration: brushed and finely striated silver; large polished agate plaque
Closure: vermeil
Length: 16 cm
Width: 8.5 cm
Height: 3 cm
Gross weight: 408 g
Condition: in perfect condition; agate inlay intact, with no chips or damage; the brushed silver and vermeil clasp are superbly preserved