Carolina Bucci Debuts First US Shop-in-Shop

Carmel, Calif.– Fourtané has announced the opening of a new flagship store in Carmel exclusively for jewelry.

The jewelry and watch retailer has been in the area for more than 70 years.

The new two-story, 3,600 square-foot space will feature Fourtané’s own collection of vintage and estate jewelry along with jewels from brand partners including Roberto Coin, Mikimoto, Simon G., Robert Procop, and Geoffrey Good, as well as debut showcases from Messika and Carolina Bucci.   

The brand has partnered with Carolina Bucci to feature the fourth-generation Florentine designer’s first dedicated shop-in-shop in the U.S. 

Fourtané called the alignment “a considered strategic decision,” noting that both brands’ bespoke approach to relaxed-yet-personalized luxury was a commonality the Bucci team said would allow for “full immersion” into the brand. 

“We are thrilled to bring an extraordinary jewelry shopping experience to Carmel with the opening of our second location in [Carmel-by-the-Sea,] California and are even more excited that Carolina Bucci is embarking on this journey with us,” said Fourtané owner Kris Bonifas.

“With the opening of our new jewelry flagship boutique, we strive to give our customers the opportunity to experience exceptional jewelry in a luxurious, understated environment. As our boutique is anchored by newsworthy brand partners such as Carolina, we aim to bolster our appeal and awareness on a national level.” 

Carolina Bucci has also created a special “Carmel” version of her signature “Forte” bead bracelet, as well as a “Lucky Fourtané” bracelet, and both will be available exclusively at Fourtané. 

 
Outside of the brand’s London and Florence boutiques, the Carolina Bucci shop-in-shop in Carmel will be the only place customers can customize a “Forte” bead bracelet in person. 

“I could not be happier to be launching our first dedicated Carolina Bucci space in the U.S. with Fourtané,” Carolina Bucci said. 

“In building this brand, I have always looked for the right next step for the long term, and I have been patient about those opportunities. This new partnership is the product of a more-than-six-year conversation. It is based on the beauty of Carmel and the surrounding area, of course, but much more importantly, it is based on the mutual trust and values that I share with the Bonifas family. I am positive they will bring the Carolina Bucci Florentine spirit alive for their clients in their beautiful new location.”  

The new store was designed in partnership with Switzerland-based architecture firm Studio Tonic.

It features neutral colors, Calacatta marble, white-oak herringbone flooring, contemporary art, and modern architecture details, all of which offer a residential and welcoming feel for shoppers, Fourtané said.

The vision for the flagship store’s design was a merging of “effortless Californian elegance” and the old-world luxury of a Paris apartment to link Fourtané’s curated estate jewelry with the contemporary brands entering the new space.

The Carolina Bucci shop-in-shop is located on the first floor of the new flagship store, directly next to the hospitality bar. Dark wood shelves in the main gallery feature colors from the designer’s “Forte” bead jars and marble balls. 

Upstairs, another gallery features a “state-of-the-art” jewelers workshop with an in-house master jeweler who offers bespoke designs and a VIP lounge with a glass wall inviting views of Carmel. 

The opening of the new boutique marks another milestone in Fourtané’s overall U.S. expansion strategy, the brand said.  

Fourtané also operates a Rolex boutique it opened in San Diego in 2018. Currently, the company is remodeling it and doubling the size of the showroom, planning to open the store by January 2024.