The recently unveiled Fourtané Jewelers features a presentation of Carolina Bucci’s bijoux.
Photo: courtesy of Fourtané Jewelers
Florentine Designer Carolina Bucci Makes U.S. Debut with Fourtané Jewelers
This fall, the family-owned jewelry store unveiled a new two-story flagship in Carmel-by-the-Sea with a dedicated presentation of Bucci's bijoux
Jewelry designer Carolina Bucci recently made her U.S. debut at Fourtané Jewelers. Photo: courtesy of Carolina Bucci
The charming city of Carmel-by-the-Sea has long lured visitors with its seaside views and storybook streets brimming with local businesses. Chief among them is Fourtané Jewelers, a family-owned and nationally recognized fine jewelry and luxury watch destination that’s been serving the California community for more than 70 years. This fall, the business entered a new chapter with the unveiling of its two-story flagship jewelry boutique, located on Ocean Avenue and Dolores Street.
The light-filled space, which was designed in partnership with Switzerland based architecture firm, Studio Tonic, is home to an array of jewelry styles, from contemporary lines such as Roberto Coin and Mikimoto, to high-end antique and one-of-a-kind estate pieces, and custom designs by master jeweler, Juan Da Silva, who works in a state-of-the-art studio upstairs. Most colorful, however, is the dedicated shop-in-shop at the back of the store, where the fourth-generation Florentine designer, Carolina Bucci, recently made her U.S. debut.
The recently unveiled Fourtané Jewelers in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Photo: courtesy of Fourtané Jewelers
“In building this brand, I have always looked for the right next step for the long term, and I’ve been patient about those opportunities,” Bucci says. “This new partnership is based on the beauty of Carmel and the surrounding area of course—but much more importantly, on the mutual trust and values I share with the Bonifas family.”
Josh Bonifas is a second-generation leader at Fourtané today, and says it was the designer’s close-knit family heritage and shared approach to relaxed, bespoke luxury that made their partnership a natural fit. “It’s two great family businesses coming together,” he explains. “We dreamed of this for over six years, and it finally happened.”
Carolina Bucci’s Tutto Per Te ring, in yellow gold. Photo: Fourtané Jewelers
Carolina Bucci’s CFF ring, in yellow gold. Photo: Fourtané Jewelers
Much like her two stores in London and Florence, Bucci’s Carmel shop is an immersive destination that celebrates her singular perspective and commitment to Italian craftsmanship. On long wooden shelves, the designer’s signature Florentine finish jewelry shines like the Tuscan sun, while on an opposite wall, her famous Forte Bead collection beckons with its precious, candy-colored stones, such as coral, amethyst, malachite, and yellow jade.
Apart from her European boutiques, Carmel-by-the-Sea is now the only other place in the world where clients can customize their own FORTE Bead jewelry. “Really, it’s about exploring and expressing yourself,” Bucci says of the nostalgic collection. “Now, you can do that at Fourtané.” Customers can also pick up several exclusive pieces at her first U.S. outpost, including a FORTE Bead bracelet inspired by the calming colors of the Carmel landscape.
The Carmel Colorfield Bracelet. Photo: FOURTANÉ JEWELERS
Interspersed among the jewelry cases are other sellable lifestyle goods, like volumes of the brand’s in-house publication, La Catena, along with personal craft collaborations Bucci has developed with like-minded businesses over the years. Murano glass vessels inspired by her favorite Florentine marbled paper glisten alongside a cluster of customizable marble spheres sourced from a family-owned marble cave in Carrara.
Meanwhile, handsome leather jewelry boxes designed by Bucci’s longtime Italian stationer, Pineider, were specially crafted to safeguard her customers’ treasures. The designer even offers fans a memento of her childhood home through a heartfelt home fragrance named in its honor. Located in the foothills of Florence, the Villa Colombo fragrance was inspired by youthful memories made in her family’s garden, playing with daisies and stringing friendship bracelets under the sun.
Soon, a large photograph of the Renaissance City will hang within the shop, further transporting all who visit to Bucci’s beloved Italy. “Even though we are far, far away from Florence, we wanted to bring the Carolina Bucci world to Carmel,” she shares with a smile. “It’s a lifestyle… and it was important to present it in our own spirit.”
Cover: The recently unveiled Fourtané Jewelers features a presentation of Carolina Bucci’s bijoux.
Photo: courtesy of Fourtané Jewelers
