If there is one thing to say about Warren Buffet, it's that he knows business like he knows money, which seem to be going hand in hand for him lately when it comes to the jewelry industry. It was just announced that Richline International, part of Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway, recently acquired Italian jewelry brand, Carniani.

Carniani, which creates gold and silver jewelry, is now one of five jewelry brands that Richline has acquired in the past year. Many of the brands were small, boutique brands that were hit hard by the poor economy and in need of a lifeline to stay afloat. Regardless of industry, we've been seeing a lot of acquisitions across the board since the recession hit (which is not only US focused.)

What do you think of large companies scooping up small brands? Is it the end of the mom and pop type feel of knowing a designer and the beginning of turning it into a corporate, faceless entity? Tweet us your thoughts @PierceMattiePR.