Companies with a century-old history, unique works of jewelry and priceless heritage passed down from generation to generation.
Jewelry is an integral part of every person’s life, and even men in this regard have long been equal to women.
At the same time, many do not want to be content with even expensive jewelry, preferring jewelry from well-known jewelry brands. Who are they, the most famous creators of luxury jewelry?
Harry Winston
Ring with swivel center set with sapphires, diamonds and aquamarines
Hope's Famous Blue Diamond Necklace
The founder of the company (1890) was the father of the current owner, Harry Winston. And already in the middle of the last century, his jewelry “warmed” the necks and hands of many film stars. To this day, not a single passage along the red carpet is complete without an exclusive from Harry Winston.
Yes, but at one of the recent Met Gala, Jennifer Lopez shone in branded diamonds. And at any major auction, Harry Winston jewelry goes under the hammer for hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars. For example, a luxurious 9-carat ruby exhibited by Christie's in 2013 sold for $3.9 million, making it one of the 10 most expensive rubies in the world.
In addition to jewelry, the brand produces luxury wristwatches. For example, the incredibly sophisticated and feminine Cherry Blossom or Midnight Diamond Stalactites with diamond tracks on the dial.
Buccellati
Fiori necklace by Buccellati: white and yellow gold, diamonds and emeralds
Teodolinda earrings from Buccellati with sapphires and rubies in white gold
The brand was founded in Milan in 1919. The first owner of Buccellati is Mario Buccellati. Today his son, Gianmaria Buccellati, runs the business.
Buccellati jewelry is incredibly successful because it is truly unique. Among the products of the Italian brand you can find not only individual items: rings, earrings, bracelets, but also full-fledged thematic collections and lines of wedding jewelry.
Jewelry is created exclusively by hand. Jewelers' favorite materials are platinum and gold, which are generously inlaid with sapphires, green emeralds and, of course, magnificent diamonds.
It is noteworthy that the brand is experimenting with products: Buccelleti has not only classic jewelry, but even a gold smartphone case worth 200 thousand dollars.
Italian jewelry brands
4. BVLGARI
Year of foundation: 1884
A company called Bulgari was founded by the Greek Sotirios Bulgari, who eventually moved to Italy. In 1977, the Latin letter V appeared instead of U, as a symbol of the brand's roots. BVLGARI is the embodiment of flashy chic and prestige. One of the most recognizable pieces of jewelry is a wide ring with an engraved logo on the rim. A landmark collection was the Bulgari Serpenti Collection, which combines gold and platinum metal flakes.
The distinctive features of BVLGARI are the spirit of the Italian Renaissance, geometric motifs, Roman classicism, avant-garde and the use of multi-colored stones.
The influence of the Italian and Greek jewelry schools is clearly visible in the brand’s jewelry.
Read: How to wear jewelry correctly
Fashionable women's clothing spring-summer 2022
Fashionable jewelry spring-summer 2022
5. Gucci
Year of foundation: 1921
Gucci jewelry is the embodiment of elegance, luxury and at the same time casual philosophy. The first jewelry collection was released in the early 70s, and in the 90s Tom Ford gave the Gucci jewelry line a new life. The company's craftsmen play with precious stones and metals to create stylish accessories. They are expressive and original, and at the same time loved for their restraint and elegance. The iconic collections are minimalistic bamboo, stylish military and complex safari.
The products have a daring spirit, but they also perfectly complement elegant looks.
6. Bucelatti
Year of foundation: 1919
The brand was founded in Milan, and by the middle of the twentieth century it became known in America. In 2001, the company introduced jewelry watches to the world. Bucelatti was one of the first to present a series of jewelry cases for iPhone and iPad using yellow gold and diamonds. The company also produces silverware. The brand's masterpieces are recognizable due to the characteristic precious lace, the combination of geometry with smooth lines, and the characteristic metal texture reminiscent of expensive linen.
Bucelatti jewelry is recognizable thanks to metals with a special texture, similar to the surface of silk, linen or lace
7. DAMIANI
Year of foundation: 1924
All jewelry from the Valenza-based brand is created by hand, from the sketches to the polishing process. Therefore, their creations are admired not just by wealthy people, but by members of royal families. Damiani jewelry most often features classic round-cut diamonds. A new technique for cutting diamonds - lunette, which enhances radiance, was also credited. Damiani engagement jewelry has become a successful duet of classics and avant-garde, and Queen is the signature ring of the jewelry house. Prices for the brand's silver creations start from €400, and the cost of masterpieces from the exclusive Masterpieces
starts from €10 thousand euros.
The company received 18 awards at the Diamonds International Awards
Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels brooch from the Seven Seas collection: sapphires, spinel, onyx, diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Ballerina brooch with sapphires and diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels couldn't help but be included in the list of the most famous jewelry brands. The year the brand was founded is 1896. The imagination of the brand’s designers is simply amazing. Unique jewelry collections are imbued with motifs from nature: be it a marine theme (as in the Seven Seas collection) or a floral theme (as in the absolutely unique Maki watch with a hidden dial).
Of course, we cannot fail to mention the famous precious ballerinas created by the jewelers Van Cleef & Arpels. In the Peau d'Âne collection, inspired by Charles Perot's fairy tale "Donkey's Skin", they are especially beautiful.
The brand's jewelry is the brightest products made of platinum and noble white gold with generous inlay with precious stones. Dazzling examples include the luxurious winter range Diamond Breeze. However, the company's watches are not inferior in beauty: from the feminine Lady Jour des Fleurs to the truly fantastic Carpe Koï bracelet watch - Van Cleef & Arpels are meticulous about every precious stone in their creations.
However, classic jewelry and high jewelry are not the only strengths of the French brand. It is enough to look at the amazing automaton with the most tender fairy undine and a lotus flower to appreciate the full scale of the creative thought and abilities of local craftsmen.
Examples of jewelry company logos
The Turbologo service offers users ready-made logo templates for various topics. Below are examples of designs for a jewelry brand logo.
Ilya Lavrov
Product and graphic designer with over 10 years of experience. I write about branding, logo design and business.
Graff
Graff tiara with yellow and colorless diamonds
Ring with yellow and brownish-orange teardrop-shaped diamonds
Although the Graff jewelry brand appeared relatively recently, in 1960, this does not prevent it from enjoying enormous success around the world. And the fact that the company’s owner, Lawrence Graff, ranks 4th among the richest people who made a fortune in diamonds is an excellent confirmation of this. The brand's motto is “luxury, exclusivity and chic.”
Graff's favorite stone is a large, perfectly cut diamond. Therefore, it is quite expected that within the walls of his workshops some of the highest quality, largest and most expensive diamonds in the world were born:
- the largest emerald-cut diamond is the 302-carat Lesedi La Rona, derived from a 1,109-carat diamond valued at US$51 million;
- the world's largest heart-shaped diamond, the Venus, weighing nearly 119 carats;
- 132 carat yellow diamond “The Golden Empress” or The Golden Empress
All Graff jewelry is handcrafted by the finest artisans in jewelry making.
Authenticity and samples
The main indicator of the authenticity of the material from which the jewelry is made is the sample, the imprint of which can most often be found on the inside of the product, in an inconspicuous place. There are 3 main classification systems, of which only two are used in the modern world:
- Metric. The numbers show the amount of gold as a percentage. In the USSR and Russia, 6 types of hallmarks existed and still operate: 375, 500, 585, 750, 958, 999 (bank gold)
- Carat. This system is followed by Europe and the USA. Shows the proportion of pure material in the product in carats, with a carat being equal to 1/24 of the mass. The most common markings are 9, 10, 14, 18 and 24 carats.
- Zolotnikovaya (found in antique jewelry, manufactured before 1927). To convert it to metric, you need to divide the original figure by 0.096.
In addition to the sample print, there are several other simple ways to check the product:
- Examine the jewelry with a magnifying glass, check that the recesses (if any) completely match the size of the stones.
- Pay attention to the inside, the better it is processed, the better the product.
- Drop the jewelry - upon contact with the surface, a clear “crystal” sound should be heard.
- When choosing a chain, try winding it around your fingers (if the flexibility of the weave allows it). It should unwind easily and without getting tangled in the links.
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany Diamond Wedding and Engagement Ring
Silver caf bracelet from Tiffany
Tiffany is a jewelry brand that perhaps everyone knows. Its history began in 1837. At the same time, the world became acquainted with Tiffany’s favorite colors: all jewelry was placed in gift boxes of an unusual shade of turquoise and soft blue. The company does not change its traditions, and today it is these colors that make the brand incredibly recognizable.
Jewelry from Tiffany is platinum, gold and silver with precious stones - ideally combining impeccable recognizable style and laconicism in each collection.
In addition to the main regularly released lines, the brand annually releases a number of high jewelry items to replenish the Blue Book collection.
And, of course, Tiffany jewelry is a regular participant in the main events of the year: the Oscars, the Golden Globes, and the Met Gala.
Piaget
Diamond earrings from Piaget
Piaget Altiplano 900P watch
Georges Edouard Piaget opened his company in 1874 in the Swiss canton of Jura. Specializing in the creation of watches of the highest quality, the Piaget brand quickly became known throughout Europe. Over time, the family-owned company expanded its offerings to include jewelry inspired by Old World charm, a theme that continues to inform Piaget's signature style to this day.
The jewelry brand often uses natural and plant motifs in its jewelry: in particular, the rose has become the central element of many of Piaget's popular products. Among the most striking collection of the Swiss company, it is worth highlighting Sunny Side of Life (whose face was Jessica Chastain), as well as the multifaceted Secrets & Lights - A Mythical Journey, filled with oriental motifs.
Despite the fact that the company respects traditions and classical patterns, each of their products is an example of modern style and design. Just like other prominent representatives of the jewelry market, Piaget often flashes among world-class stars shining on the red carpet.
Cartier
White gold panther ring with diamonds, emeralds and onyx from Cartier
Rose gold bracelet with diamonds from the LOVE collection by Cartier
The brand appeared in 1847 in France. Cartier jewelry delighted Napoleon's sister. In 1902, the brand's jewelers received an order to create a crown for the enthronement of King Edward VII. A little later, Cartier became the personal supplier of jewelry to the royal family.
One of the most famous and popular jewelry of the fashionable French brand is the round LOVE bracelet, which was first released back in the 60s. He became a favorite not only of the ordinary wealthy public, but of world celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie.
Cartier is known for luxurious jewelry and exceptional gemstones that sell for millions of dollars year after year. Thus, 4 of the 10 most expensive rubies in the world sold at auction belonged to them: the price of each ranged from 6.08 to 30.3 million US dollars.
In addition to designer jewelry, Cartier has lines for the production of perfumes, glasses, bags, pens, watches and silk scarves.
Top 10 best jewelry houses in the world
To get into the ranking of the best jewelry houses in the world, you need to set trends. Those who follow the ideas and trends created by others have no chance of getting into the top list. The number of fans is also taken into account. Precisely fans, and not owners of jewelry of this or that brand. Not everyone can afford luxurious products, but this does not mean that they are not willing to afford it. So, who won the hearts of the inhabitants of the planet with their rings, earrings and other precious delights?
Tiffany & Co
The first Tiffany store opened in 1837 on Broadway. Tiffany is the surname of one of the founders of the brand, Charles Lewis. He took jeweler John Young as a partner. But the company’s first income came not from rings and brooches, but from pens and souvenirs. It was the sale of stationery, postcards and figurines that allowed men to earn initial capital to begin making jewelry.
Tiffany's calling card was her Neil Lane engagement ring. For the first time in history, craftsmen placed not a round, but a square diamond in it. This innovation placed the brand several notches above its competitors. The popularity of the jewelry house was also promoted by the release of the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The events of the film take place in the company's boutique on Fifth Avenue. Today the brand is represented in two hundred stores around the world. The Tiffany brand produces bags, perfumes, and crystal products. But the brand's signature product is still exquisite engagement rings.
Cartier
The silver rating went to the French. Louis Francois Cartier bought a jewelry shop from a master who taught him the intricacies of working with precious metals. This happened in 1847. Cartier was not vain. The man expected to take individual orders and never dreamed of transforming his business into a jewelry empire. The era helped. Napoleon, a great lover of balls and social receptions, came to power. She could not have known that she would appear at them without expensive jewelry. So a crowd of famous clients poured into the Cartier salon.
Heads of countries and royal houses still buy products from Cartier today. No wonder, since none other than Louis Francois has been creating crowns for ruling persons since the beginning of the last century. A jeweler from France became the first to make jewelry in the Art Deco style. Before this concept, abstraction and strict line geometry were not applicable to precious items.
Bvlgari
Sotiro Bulgari was born in Greece, but in 1879 he moved to live in Italy, where he became famous as a jeweler. First, the master rented a corner in a merchant’s shop. The jewelry exhibited there sold well, so after 5 years Bulgari opened his own salon. Its location in Rome was fortunate. Celebrities, actors, and guests of the capital often visited the master. The key to success is a non-standard combination of Greek and Italian traditions in products. The symbol of the jewelry house is a wide ring engraved with the brand name. By the way, Bulgari himself decided to write his name with the letter v instead of u. His descendants, who took over the company, kept the logo.
Herry Winston
This American is the author of the drop-shaped pendant. Today, Hollywood stars Charlize Theron, Jessica Alba, and Jennifel Lopez are wearing jewelry from Herry Winston. Stars show off, but do not always own brand products. For example, the necklace from the jewelry house that Jessica Alba wore at the Golden Globe Awards costs $6 million. The actress was given jewelry for the duration of the ceremony. For a brand - advertising, for a girl - an opportunity to wear a chic product.
Boucheron
Queen Elizabeth of Britain entrusted Frédéric Boucheron with making the tiara for herself. Prince Yusupov, by the way, our compatriot, also purchased the master’s jewelry. At the beginning of the Frenchman's career (1958), there was no artificial lighting. Boucheron located his store on the sunny side of the city square. The diamonds that the jeweler worked with sparkled so much in the daylight that there was no end to clients.
Naturally, insight alone is not enough for a successful career as a jeweler. Frederick was not just a master, but a creator. He was the only one in France who began to create jewelry in the style of the East. Boucheron's favorite symbol is the snake. The white gold bracelet in the shape of this reptile has become the hallmark of the brand. It is studded with diamonds.
G raff
This jewelry house, founded in 1960, occupied the empty niche of processing rare diamonds, unusual shapes, colors, and sizes. The Englishman Lawrenson Graff came up with the idea of putting the logo of his company on diamonds. The inscription is visible only under multiple magnification. If Graff were Russian, he would probably be a horseshoe, not Lefty. Rings, earrings, and necklaces from Craff are worn by: - the daughters of the King of Spain, the Queen of England, the Princess and Prince of Kent. The product design is minimalistic. Metal is just a frame for the world's most famous stones. The jewelry house's jewelry features diamonds of one hundred carats or more.
Van Cleef & Arpels
Charles Arpelsom and Alfred Van Cleef came up with the so-called “mystery framing” of stones. Jewelers have learned to install diamonds in products so that the fastenings are not noticeable. The man made the discovery in the 1890s. The French brand also has another innovation - a necklace made from a chain of quatrefoils. The craftsmen also placed precious crystals in the center of the flowers.
Mikimoto
Mikimoto Kokichi introduced the fashion for pearls of non-standard colors, in particular, black beads. There are few of these in nature, so the master was the first in the world to artificially grow pearls. Moreover, the Japanese developed a technology for producing beads in the shape of hemispheres, as well as oval shapes. This immediately made Kokichi famous throughout the world. The brand is already more than 120 years old.
Mauboussin
The brand became famous only 100 years after its founding. The brand was made famous by the descendants of Monsieur Mauboussant, who opened the first store in Paris in 1827. The jeweler's grandchildren began making jewelry in the Art Deco style. Having bet on unusual geometric shapes, the French did not lose. The masters hit the jackpot in the form of such clients as: - Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo. Since 2000, perfumes have also been produced under the Mauboussin brand. Starting the production of perfume was the idea of the great-great-great-great-grandson of Monsieur Mauboussant.
Buccellati
The top parade of the 10 most famous jewelry houses in the world is completed by the brainchild of Mario Buccellatti, who opened a store in Milan in 1919. Now one of his sons, Gianmaria, is at the helm of the brand. The brand's jewelers work with gold and platinum, but they are rarely seen under the “carpet” of diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Craftsmen literally strew the baroque style with gems.
Chopard
Happy Sport watch with moving diamonds from Chopard
Imperiale earrings with amethysts and diamonds from Chopard
This famous brand has almost a century and a half history behind it, and its triumphant march began with the release of wristwatches.
Over the entire period of its existence, the company has produced more than 450 watch models. One of the most famous lines was Chopard Happy Diamonds (including men's versions), where small sapphires and diamonds move freely under the glass dial.
Chopard jewelry often sparkles on Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet and many other celebrities during each Cannes Film Festival, of which the jewelry brand has been a partner for more than 60 years. The brand annually releases a themed collection of high jewelry for an upcoming event.
The company regularly produces a variety of spectacular and vibrant jewelry collections, the faces of which are famous models and artists. For example, the Magical Setting line was represented by Adriana Lima, and the extensive Rihanna♡Сhopard collection, as you might guess, was represented by Rihanna.
There is another iconic creation of the Swiss brand that cannot be ignored. This is a collection of incomparable “Queen of the Kalahari” diamonds cut from the eponymous 342-carat flawless diamond. 23 magnificent stones, 5 of which weigh more than 20 carats each, have been transformed into luxurious jewelry that will take your breath away.
Swiss jewelry brands
12. Chopard
Year of foundation: 1860
The company was originally engaged in the production of watches. But during the existence of the brand, the masters have made collections in almost all possible styles: from retro to ultra-modern motifs, from minimalism to shocking animalistic images. This is the main trump card and advantage of Chopard, which is loved for its diversity. Happy Diamonds is one of the most successful recent collections, where precious stones move freely under glass.
The company has tried its hand in all possible styles
13. de Grisogono
Year of foundation: 1993
The founder of one of the most shocking companies in the jewelry world, Fawaz Gruosi, has a passion for colored stones, and in particular for black diamonds. Interestingly, Gruosi spent his childhood in Florence, where he received his jewelry education. He was a representative for Harry Winston and Bvlgary, and by the age of 40 he decided to create his own company.
You can recognize the jewelry by cocktail motifs in rings with large gems, avant-garde shapes, pomp and futuristic ideas. In de Grisogono, maximalism and luxury are glorified. The accessories include dozens of carats, clusters of precious stones and a lot of color. They are created for women who “are not afraid to take risks, not afraid to wear what no one else is wearing, not afraid to be the first.”
Fawaz Gruosi was one of the first to rely on black diamonds in jewelry
Bvlgari
Serpenti gold bracelet with diamonds from Bvlgari
Necklace and ring from the Diva collection from Bvlgari
The Bvlgari brand was created in 1884 by Sotirio Bulgari, a jeweler from an old Greek family. The company name is spelled BVLGARI because the traditional Latin alphabet uses V instead of U.
The fifties of the last century made Bvlgari incredibly popular. Designer jewelry that used unexpected combinations - blue sapphires and diamonds, green emerald and pink spinel - made the brand incredibly recognizable.
The jewelry company's favorite metals have always been platinum and yellow gold. And Serpenti watches and jewelry in the form of a snake gained particular popularity and recognition. Some of them were sold for a million dollars in 2015.
In addition to impressive status jewels, Bulgari also has bright and charming Wild Pop jewelry in the style of the 80s, as well as the “sweet” Roman Sorbet.
Bvlgari's fans include members of the royal families and the entire aristocracy of Europe, including Gina Lollobrigida. Today Bulgari is part of the LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group.
Types of gold
Pure gold as a chemical element is an extremely soft material, does not have a pronounced color and is not at all wear-resistant. Therefore, the jewelry industry uses metal alloys containing gold in various percentages.
It is the percentage of pure material in the final product that is determined by the sample number - an imprint on the jewelry that confirms its authenticity. The number of different additives also determines the color of the alloy. There are 3 main types of gold by shade:
- Yellow (traditional - with the addition of silver and copper)
- White (alloy of gold, silver, palladium and platinum)
- Red (color saturation depends on the amount of copper)
There are also several additional colors, but jewelry made from them is extremely rare and expensive:
- Pale shades of green (an alloy of gold with silver and cadmium)
- Gray and blue gold (alloy with steel)
- Bright shades of green and blue (synthesis with rubidium and indium) - at the development stage, earlier experiments were successfully carried out in South Africa, but mass production was not launched due to economic inexpediency
- Violet (combination of gold and galium)
- Purple (aluminum included)
- Black (adding cobalt and chromium)
The last five types are not an alloy in the full sense of the word, since the procedure for their creation is based on intermetallic compounds.
Mikimoto
White gold necklace with pearls and diamonds from Mikimoto
Regalia Gold earrings with gold pearls and diamonds from Mikimoto
Our list of the most famous jewelry brands is completed by the Japanese company Mikimoto. Kokichi Mikimoto was the first to patent a unique method of growing real pearls in artificial conditions in 1896. This year can be considered the starting point in the history of the brand. Just a few years later, Mikimoto pearls gained worldwide fame.
It was the company's jewelers who were able to harmoniously combine pearls and diamonds in one piece of jewelry, and even encrusted a precious stone into a pearl.
Among the interesting collaborations we can note the collaboration with the world famous Hello Kitty: the creative union created a collection of twenty jewelry - necklaces, earrings and bracelets made of silver, gold, diamonds, rubies and, of course, pearls. The central piece of the collection was a unique tiara worth 970 thousand dollars.
Of course, today more and more worthy and luxurious jewelry brands are appearing, but we tried to list names that have been on our lips for decades and even hundreds of years - companies that have earned the admiration and love of millions of people from all over the world.
