On May 7, Swiss luxury jewelry giant Richemont announced that it acquired 100% of Vhernier S.p.A. (“Vhernier”), the distinctive Italian jewelry Maison, in a private transaction.
Vernier was founded in 1984 in Valenza, Italy. The company was acquired by the Traglio family in 2001 and is now headquartered in Milan.
Vernier’s jewelry designs are inspired by the curves of the human body and the essential forms of modern sculpture, creating bold sculptural and ergonomic forms. It is distinct from the high jewelry Maisons owned by Richemont, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, is characterized by the unusual combination of traditional precious metals and gems with unconventional materials such as titanium, bronze and ebony.
All jewelry is meticulously crafted by hand in Valenza, a city known for its excellence in jewelry making, guaranteeing the highest level of craftsmanship and quality. They are sold mainly in a highly selective network of mono-brand boutiques and prestigious multi-brand stores, predominantly in Europe and the United States.
Along with jewelry, Vernier also offers De Vecchi Milano 1935, a home décor brand that focuses on traditional Italian silverware.
Johann Rupert, Chairman of Richemont, said in a statement, “We are delighted to welcome Vhernier’s talented team into the Richemont family. We very much look forward to working together to realise the full potential of this exceptional Maison within the thriving branded jewellery market.”
Carlo Traglio, Chairman, and Maurizio Traglio, CEO of Vhernier also said, “We are pleased for Maison Vhernier to join Richemont, the undisputed leader in design jewellery. We firmly believe that our distinctive jewellery Maison will flourish under Richemont’s stewardship, expertise and careful nurturing.”