Swiss luxury powerhouse Richemont has made a significant move in the jewellery market with the announcement of its acquisition of Vhernier S.p.A., the esteemed Italian jewellery house. In a private transaction, Richemont has acquired 100% of Vhernier, adding a unique and distinct offering to its already impressive portfolio of luxury jewellers.
Founded 40 years ago and headquartered in Milan, Vhernier has gained renown for its modern aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the curves of the human body and the forms of modern sculpture. The brand is celebrated for its bold sculptural shapes and ergonomic designs, often incorporating unconventional materials such as titanium, bronze, and ebony alongside traditional precious metals and gems.
The acquisition of Vhernier represents a departure from Richemont’s existing luxury jewellery brands, such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, offering a fresh and distinctive perspective to the conglomerate’s jewellery portfolio. All of Vhernier’s jewellery pieces are meticulously handcrafted in Valenza, the birthplace of the brand, and are distributed through a selective network of monobrand boutiques and upscale multibrand stores, primarily in Europe and the US.
In addition to its jewellery line, Vhernier brings the De Vecchi Milano 1935 home decor brand under the Richemont umbrella, further enriching its offerings with Italian heritage silverware.
Commenting on the acquisition, Richemont chairman Johann Rupert expressed enthusiasm for Vhernier’s unique design aesthetic, which seamlessly blends modern elegance with unconventional materials, and its exceptional craftsmanship. He emphasised the alignment between Vhernier’s ethos and Richemont’s existing collection of renowned jewellery Maisons, highlighting the potential for mutual growth and success in the branded jewellery market.
Carlo Traglio, Chairman, and Maurizio Traglio, CEO of Vhernier, conveyed their satisfaction with joining the Richemont family, citing the conglomerate’s leadership in design jewellery and expressing confidence in Vhernier’s future under Richemont’s stewardship.
The acquisition of Vhernier by Richemont marks a strategic move within the luxury jewellery sector, signalling the conglomerate’s commitment to diversifying its offerings and capitalising on unique design and craftsmanship in the ever-evolving luxury market.
