Dazzling Reflections

When the day is done, what treasures does the jeweler keep at arm's reach? Here, a trio of vanities offers an intimate glimpse at the personal style of three exceptional designers.

- 

Lucrecia Buccellati Vildenstein

"The pearl is my favorite," confides Lucrezia Buccellati Wildenstein. She's speaking of the Ombelicali, Buccellati's gemstone-and-gold necklaces designed by her great-grandfather Mario. Known as the Prince of Goldsmiths, the Milan maison founder created the piece (named for its navel-brushing plunge) in the 1930s for poet Gabriele d'Annunzio to grace his numerous lovers' decolletages. Now, to accompany a lush Assouline volume commemorating Buccellati's centenary, the Ombelicali returns, updated by Wildenstein's co-creative director and father, Andrea. "The necklaces dive into the past to create present-day jewels true to Buccellati's DNA," she says. “Each is a piece of art." And a rich reminder of a great-granddaughter's romantic heritage.