Richemont Acquires Italian Jewelry Brand Vhernier

Richemont said Tuesday that it has reached an agreement to acquire 100% of Italian jewelry brand, Vhernier. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

When the deal is finalized, Vhernier will become the 29th brand in Richemont’s luxury goods portfolio. It also will join fellow Milan-based jewelry brand, Buccellati, which was acquired by the Swiss luxury goods holding company in 2019.

Richemont in its statement said Vhernier will be placed under the Jewelry Maisons business unit, which in addition to Buccellati, includes French brands, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Vhernier was co-founded by Angela Camurati in 1984, in the Italian jewelry manufacturing center of Valenza, Italy, and headquartered in Milan. Camurati set the creative direction of the company specializing in contemporary Italian design with rounded sculptural shapes inspired by the curves of the human body and the essential forms of modern sculpture. Vhernier jewels combine unusual combinations of traditional precious metals, big bold colored gems and diamond pavé with unconventional materials such as titanium, bronze and ebony. The pieces are handmade in Valenza using both traditional Italian craftsmanship and Italian jewelry-making technology. Despite its unique aesthetic, Vhernier’s jewels are unmistakably Italian.

The brand was purchased in 2001 by Carlo Traglio, who serves as chairman and president, while Camurati remains as production director. The two have maintained the creative integrity of the firm while expanding its business to 16 boutiques worldwide and a robust wholesale network centered on the U.S. and Europe.

The brand’s most recognized collection is Calla, a seemingly simplistic cone-shape motif with a concealed clasp that is often repeated and reinterpreted using different materials. Another well-known collection is Palloncino, which uses colorful gems in the shape and appearance of a balloon. It is also known for its bejeweled animals.

All Vhernier jewels are handcrafted in Valenza, recognized for its jewelry manufacturing excellence.

Vhernier also operates De Vecchi Milano 1935, an Italian heritage silverware home decor brand, “recognized for its timeless contemporary design, with whom it shares the same passion for design, quality and ‘Made in Italy’ craftsmanship,” Richemont said in the brief statement.

“Maison Vhernier brings a distinguished and distinctive design that beautifully blends modern, sleek and elegant shapes with unconventional materials, magnified by exceptional craftsmanship, Johann Rupert, Richemont chairman said in. a statement. “This unique aesthetic perfectly complements our existing collection of renowned jewelry Maisons.”

Rupert added, “We are delighted to welcome Vhernier’s talented team into the Richemont family. We very much look forward to working together to realize the full potential of this exceptional Maison within the thriving branded jewelry market.”

“We are pleased for Maison Vhernier to join Richemont, the undisputed leader in design jewelry,” Carlo Traglio and Maurizio Traglio, CEO of Vhernier, said in a joint statement. “We firmly believe that our distinctive jewelry Maison will flourish under Richemont’s stewardship, expertise and careful nurturing.”

In the statement, Richemont said the transaction will have no material financial impact on Richemont’s consolidated net assets or operating result for the fiscal year ending March 31. Completion of the acquisition remains subject to certain customary conditions and regulatory approvals.