The world of jewelry is larger and more serious than the banal shine of precious stones, the alluring shine of gold and tens of thousands of dollars for “this trinket?” Jewelry brands are true mastodons in the fashion industry. The history of a good half of them goes back hundreds of years. Therefore, the unique history, aura and handwriting of the best craftsmen are guessed at the first glance at a pretentious ring or a modest pendant. Trendy-U will tell you the main and most interesting things about the first of the world's first luxury jewelry!
French jewelry brands
1. Cartier
Year of foundation: 1847
French Cartier jewelry is synonymous with luxury and chic. Consider the fact that throughout the twentieth century, their crowns were worn by representatives of royal families throughout Europe! The precious panther on accessories has turned into a real talisman and symbol of success for French craftsmen. The brand's iconic masterpieces are the 1888 women's bracelet watch and Trinity ring. In addition to the classic set of jewelry, Cartier also creates pens and lighters. Cartier is also considered the inventor of clip-on earrings without a clasp.
Rose gold in a triple ring symbolizes love, yellow – fidelity, and white – friendship
2. Boucheron
Year of foundation: 1858
The company's strength lies in its ability to turn extravagant and bold decisions into beloved classics. Recognizable symbols of Boucheron are jewelry in the form of a snake, a ring with a chameleon, and ivy branches. The brand's signature is manifested in the use of colored precious stones, Oriental motifs, flowers and wild animals, and feathers. The basis of the concept is extravagance, scope and courage in decisions. Boucheron was the first to release watches with an interchangeable strap.
In 2004, another symbol of the brand appeared - the Quatre ring made of pink, white, yellow gold and ceramics, which instantly became iconic. And decorations from the Animaux collection in the form of animals have become mascots for thousands of girls.
Ivy leaves are a favorite motif for inspiration in Boucheron creations
3. Van Cleef & Arpels
Year of foundation: 1896
The brand's calling card is motifs of flora and fauna, fairy-tale characters. Van Cleef & Arpels were pioneers in many ways. They were the first to introduce a bracelet watch with a hidden dial. Also, the world was once surprised by a zipper necklace, which, once fastened, is worn like a bracelet. And you can’t take your eyes off the shining Van Cleef & Arpels Ballerina and Fairy diamond brooches in the form of dancing ballerinas and fairies! One of the most recognizable and at the same time copied luxury jewelry in the world is the legendary Alhambra necklace with a quatrefoil.
The legendary Alhambra necklace is named after the palace of the Muslim Nasrid dynasty
What details to focus on when purchasing
What you need to check when choosing jewelry:
- First of all, the product must have a sample. The numbers embossed in the metal indicate the amount of silver in the alloy from which the jewelry is made. Products with 925 purity, which contain 92.5% pure silver, are considered the highest quality, reliable and durable. This percentage is called the sterling standard.
- In addition to the sample, the authenticity of the jewelry is confirmed by a stamp. In Russia it looks like an image of a woman wearing a kokoshnik.
- Availability of a certificate and other documentation. When purchasing jewelry in specialized stores, all documents are given to you in person. You should not take risks purchasing silver from dubious places or from hand to hand.
- The price of jewelry cannot be too low. You can focus on the price of silver according to the Central Bank. The finished product, for which the cost of manufacturing is added to the cost of the material, cannot be cheaper than this level.
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
How to determine the authenticity of silver
There are several ways to find out if you're really digging the silver jewelry. At the same time, you do not need a chemical laboratory - it is easy and simple to carry out the test right in the store:
- Silver has a high level of thermal conductivity. If you rub it in your hands or bring it to something hot, it will quickly heat up.
- Touching the surface with any sharp object should not leave any visible marks.
- With intense friction, a large amount of excess impurities will leave marks on the skin.
Checking using additional tools:
- Alcohol solution of iodine. The drop will not affect the silver item in any way; other jewelry may change color - this depends on the presence of zinc in the impurities
- Sulfuric ointment. Silver darkens when exposed to sulfur - this is how it is oxidized.
- Lapis (silver nitrate) in pencil. A low-quality product will darken under its influence.
- Chalk (calcium carbonate). If you run regular school chalk across the surface, a black line will appear on the fake decoration.
Also read The best gold jewelry - TOP Russian manufacturers →
American jewelry brands
8. Harry Winston
Year of foundation: 1932
The brand is a favorite of celebrities for the red carpets of film festivals. American jeweler Harry Winston created a company adored by the world's elite for its sophisticated designs that celebrate luxury. A recognizable feature is marquise-cut stones, round and pear-shaped diamonds, as if collected in a precious bouquet. In 1940, Winston introduced the innovative cluster setting, where diamonds are set at different levels, which enhances their brilliance. Harry Winston watches are also a significant category in the history of the brand. There are exclusive models with rich decor, and everyday options.
Harry Winston was nicknamed the “King of Diamonds” in the jewelry world for his love of exceptional gems.
9. Tiffani & Co
Year of foundation: 1837
A turquoise-colored box containing the world's most coveted engagement ring makes the hearts of girls around the world flutter with delight. The recognizable piece of jewelry with a diamond set with six prongs appeared in 1886. And after the release of the cult film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” with Audrey Hepburn, Tiffani & Co gained even greater fame.
The brand's iconic collections: Tiffani T with open accessories, Return to Tiffani with a signature heart pendant and Tiffani Keys in the form of precious keys.
It was Tiffani craftsmen who created jewelry for the film “The Great Gatsby”
Spanish jewelry brands
10. Carrera y Carrera
Year of foundation: 1885
The company's history began as a family business. Now, Carrera y Carrera accessories are recognized by their large-scale scale, eye-catching shades, pronounced symbolism of flora and fauna, exotic motifs, glorification of the beauty of soft lines and silhouettes, interest in Eastern philosophy and sculptural products. The early Las Manos (“Hands”) and the modern Jardín de Rosas (“Garden of Roses”) are collections that reflect the spirit of the brand. Carrera jewelry resembles mini-sculptures and deserves to be called high art.
The brand's jewelry is filled with expression and rich colors
11. Tous
Year of foundation: 1920
The Spanish brand began its history with watch repairs, but in 1965 Tous declared itself as a jewelry manufacturer. The brand's corporate symbol, a bear, was born in 1985. It symbolizes pleasant childhood memories. The brand's jewelry is characterized by lightness, smooth lines, and bright gems reminiscent of candy canes.
Even in cocktail rings or statement necklaces there is no pomp or excessive pretentiousness. That’s why you can read youthful enthusiasm and sparkling mood in them. The calling card of Tous is collections for family holidays, couple jewelry, talismans for lovers.
Tous love creating light and cheerful accessories
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
Graff "Tilda's Bow"
The British jewelry house Graff decided to play on the romantic moods of its clients and released a collection entirely dedicated to impeccable bows. The main character of the collection is the imaginary Tilda, who can turn silk into diamond jewelry with one touch. The entire line is a way to capture the moment when a woman finishes tying a bow on her dress or hairstyle. It is incredibly gentle, fleeting and alive.
Graff “Tilda's Bow” Each diamond for the bow is cut by hand; the bows themselves can be seen on earrings, necklaces (which seem to have emerged from the secret rooms of Marie Antoinette's palace), pendants, rings and bracelets. The collection includes both jewelry for every day and creations of high jewelry, and the complex cutting of the stones allows the light to play brighter on the diamond faces. “The image of a bow has long inspired us with femininity, sophistication and sensuality,” said Anna-Eva Gueffroy, creative director of Graff.
Graff "Tilda's Bow"
