Part of: Sell your Buccellati jewellery
Buccellati Rigato: A Collector Guide
Rigato, Italian for "lined", is the Buccellati engraving of fine parallel lines cut by hand across gold, so the surface glows softly like brushed silk. It is the base of many Buccellati bands, cuffs, earrings and pendants, and is often combined with other house techniques. This guide shows how to recognise rigato, check a genuine piece and judge its value.
Thinking of selling Buccellati rigato?
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
- Read our Google reviews (opens Google)
- Free, no obligation
- A reply within one working day
- Paid the same day after inspection
Lines cut by hand
The engraver cuts close, even, parallel lines with a burin, all in one direction. The gold loses its mirror shine and takes on a soft, silky sheen that changes as it moves. Small irregularities in spacing show the work was done by hand.
- 1Rigato lines enlarged,
- 2Polished surface for contrast
Where you find it
- Band rings. Narrow to wide.
- Cuffs and bangles. Often with rigato bands framing other work.
- Earrings and pendants. Small engraved forms.
- Mixed techniques. Rigato beside segrinato, telato or pierced work.
- Golds. Yellow and white, sometimes with diamonds.
Check yours: the signature and lines
For every house we buy, see how we check designer jewellery.
- 1Signature
- 2Marks
- 3Beside the rigato surface
0 of 4 checked
1The signature
The signature "Buccellati", cleanly engraved.
2The marks
The marks 750 and the Italian maker’s star mark.
3The lines
Fine, close and parallel, crisp to the edges.
4The finish
No blurred or shallow patches.
Checked the lines? Send a close-up of the engraving and the signature for a free, honest check.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
Red flags
- Lines that are machine-perfect, shallow or blurred.
- No signature or Italian marks.
- Engraving that stops short of the edges.
- Plating wearing through.
Hand-cut
Machine
What is my rigato piece worth?
Whether a rigato piece holds its value comes down to the piece and its width, the quality and condition of the engraving, any diamonds, the gold colour, whether it is modern or vintage, and whether you have the box and certificate. No box or certificate? We still buy it. We never publish figures.
Free, no obligation, and returned at our cost if you decline.
Read our Google reviews (opens Google)
- Piece
- Width
- Engraving
- Diamonds
- Period
- Papers
How selling works
- 1
Send photographs
of the piece, a close-up of the engraving, the signature and marks, and any box or certificate.
- 2
Free value inspection
We reply within one working day with an estimate, subject to inspection. If our offer differs, you can decline and we return it at our cost.
- 3
Paid the same day after inspection
by bank transfer or in cash, in Mayfair, at our Braintree office, by post or by free collection.
Insured up to £10,000 per parcel when you send to us.
Questions people ask
What is Buccellati rigato?
Rigato is a Buccellati hand-engraving technique: fine parallel lines cut into the gold with a burin, giving a soft, silky sheen. It is used on band rings, cuffs, earrings and pendants, often beside the house’s other engraving techniques. If you have one, send photographs and we will tell you more, free.
Is my Buccellati rigato genuine?
Look for a clean "Buccellati" signature with 750 and the Italian maker’s star mark. The lines should be fine, close and parallel, crisp right to the edges, with the slight variation of hand work. No single detail proves it. Send a close-up of the engraving and the signature, and we will check them, free.
How much is Buccellati rigato worth?
It depends on the piece and its width, the quality and condition of the engraving, any diamonds, the gold colour, the period and whether you have the box and certificate, together with current demand. We do not publish prices. Send photographs for a free value inspection.
How is rigato different from segrinato?
Rigato lines all run one way, giving a brushed look. Segrinato lines cross in many directions, giving a softer, frosted sheen. Our Buccellati tulle guide explains the house’s other techniques. We can look at yours from photographs, with no obligation at all.
Can worn engraving be sold?
Yes. Rigato on a ring worn every day can soften, and we buy pieces with wear. Please do not have it polished elsewhere first, because polishing removes engraving that cannot be put back. Send close-ups in good light. A short message with two or three photographs is all it takes to start.
Where can I sell Buccellati?
To a buyer who checks the signature and engraving in person before paying. We buy Buccellati directly: a free value inspection from photographs, then an appointment in Mayfair or at our Braintree office, post or free collection. You are paid the same day after inspection, by bank transfer or in cash.
Related guides
Selling Buccellati rigato?
Send a close-up of the engraving and the signature for a free value inspection, with no obligation.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.