Top 5 Luxury Jewellery Designer Brands Worth Knowing

Cartier The Récif Necklace, image courtesy of Tatler Asia

Introduction

In the world of haute couture and opulence, luxury jewellery designer brands hold a special place. These brands are are works of art, meticulously crafted to perfection. In this dazzling realm of creativity and sophistication, certain names stand out, their creations coveted by connoisseurs and fashion enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will explore the top five designer brands that have redefined the art of adornment, setting unparalleled standards of quality and style.
Each brand on this list possesses a unique story, a distinct design ethos, and a commitment to creating pieces that transcend trends, making them worth knowing for anyone who appreciates the exquisite world of high-end jewellery.

1. Cartier

Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, Cartier has become synonymous with elegance and luxury. Its rich history includes serving royalty and celebrities worldwide.
Importance: Cartier's importance lies in its innovation and pioneering designs. It introduced the first wristwatch, the Santos, in 1904. The brand's craftsmanship and attention to detail have set industry standards.

Best-Made Jewellery: Cartier's iconic pieces include the Cartier Love Bracelet, designed to be locked with a screwdriver, symbolizing everlasting love. The Panthère de Cartier collection, featuring the iconic panther motif, showcases the brand's expertise in bringing jewellery to life with intricate detailing and precious gemstones.

Panthère de Cartier ring and Love bracelet , courtesy of the images belongs to Mozeris Fine Antiques and Cartier

2. Boucheron

Established by Frédéric Boucheron in 1858, Boucheron is the oldest jewellery Maison on the Place Vendôme in Paris. Its legacy includes creating jewellery for the Russian Imperial family.

Importance: Boucheron is known for its unique designs, often inspired by nature and animals. The brand's use of innovative techniques and unconventional materials makes its creations stand out in the world of luxury jewelry.

Best-Made Jewellery: The Boucheron Serpent Bohème collection, featuring the serpent motif, is a testament to the brand's creativity. The Quatre collection, known for its distinctive graphic bands, represents modern elegance. Boucheron's Reflet Watch, with customizable straps and dials, showcases the brand's versatility and craftsmanship.

Boucheron Serpent Bohème collection and The Quatre collection ring, courtesy of the images belongs to Harrods

3. Van Cleef & Arpels

Founded by Alfred Van Cleef and his uncle Salomon Arpels in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels is celebrated for its enchanting and poetic jewellery designs.

Van Cleef & Arpels, Perlée collection, image courtesy of Luxou

Importance: Van Cleef & Arpels is renowned for its exceptional gemstones and imaginative storytelling through jewelry. The brand's craftsmanship, coupled with its artistic approach, results in timeless pieces that capture the essence of beauty and sophistication.

Best-Made Jewellery: The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection, characterized by clover-shaped motifs, represents luck, health, fortune, and love. The Perlée collection, adorned with delicate golden beads, showcases the brand's attention to detail. The Zip Necklace, a masterpiece of engineering, seamlessly transforms from a necklace into a bracelet, exemplifying the brand's creativity and technical prowess.

The Sunflower Necklace, image courtesy of Bonhams

4. Harry Winston

Founded by Harry Winston in 1932, the brand quickly gained a reputation for acquiring some of the world's most famous diamonds, including the Hope Diamond and the Jonker Diamond.

Importance: Harry Winston's importance lies in its legacy of exceptional diamonds. The brand's unique ability to showcase the beauty of diamonds in its designs has made it a favorite among collectors and connoisseurs.

Best-Made Jewellery: The Winston Cluster collection features clusters of diamonds meticulously arranged to maximize their brilliance. The Sunflower Necklace, inspired by the golden flower, exemplifies Harry Winston's artistry. The Legacy Collection, inspired by archival designs, pays homage to the brand's rich heritage while incorporating modern craftsmanship.

Harry Winston Legacy Collection necklace, image courtesy of Luxury London

5. Graff

Founded by Laurence Graff in 1960, Graff is synonymous with the most fabulous and valuable diamonds in the world.

Importance: Graff's importance lies in its expertise in sourcing, cutting, and setting extraordinary diamonds. The brand has a reputation for handling some of the largest and rarest diamonds ever discovered.

Graff Hallucination watch , a $55 million dollar timepiece set with over 110 carats of coloured diamonds, image courtesy of the Jewellery Editor

Best-Made Jewellery: The Graff Butterfly collection features intricately designed butterflies adorned with colorful diamonds and gemstones. The Lesotho Promise Ring, showcasing a 15.1-carat pink diamond, represents the pinnacle of Graff's artistry. The Hallucination Watch, valued at millions of dollars, is a testament to Graff's ability to create breath-taking, high-end jewellery pieces.

These brands not only represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and artistry but also embody the stories of passion, innovation, and dedication to the world of luxury jewellery. Each piece they create is a masterpiece, reflecting the brand's unique identity and unwavering commitment to excellence.

FAQs:

Q: Are high-end antique jewellery pieces a good investment?
Yes, high-end antique jewellery pieces from renowned brands like Cartier, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, and Graff are considered excellent investments. Their rarity, craftsmanship, and historical value often appreciate over time, making them sought-after collector's items.

Q: Can I request custom designs from these high-end brands?
Most high-end antique jewellery brands offer bespoke services, allowing clients to create custom pieces tailored to their preferences. However, availability and feasibility might vary based on the specific brand and design requirements.

Q: How do I authenticate high-end antique jewellery pieces?
Authentication of high-end antique jewellery involves examining hallmarks, provenance, and expert evaluations. Reputable dealers and brands like Cartier, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, and Graff provide detailed certificates of authenticity with their pieces.

Q: What era's designs are most popular among collectors?
Collectors often gravitate towards antique jewellery pieces from the Victorian, Art Deco, and Belle Époque eras. These periods are known for their distinct styles, and pieces from these times are highly coveted in the market.

Q: Can high-end antique jewellery pieces be worn daily?
While high-end antique jewellery pieces are durable, it's advisable to wear them on special occasions to preserve their beauty. Regular wear might expose the pieces to potential damage, especially if they are intricate or contain delicate gemstones.