15 Most Luxurious Designer Jewelry Brands In The World – 2024

Diamonds are our best friends, and it’s one cliche we don’t have to be apologetic about. No matter what anybody says, jewelry remains a big part of our dressing and personality. While some of us dream of buying a Tiffany rock for our wedding, some of us want a set of signature earrings from Chanel. There are many nice jewelry brands around, and either way, we all have our dreams. But, when you are dreaming, dream big or nothing at all. So, today, let’s look at the top 15 most expensive and renowned designer jewelry brands. Check them out!

15 Most Popular Designer Jewelry Brands

1. Tiffany & Co

Tiffany & Co has a powerful legacy attached to its name and is the first thing that comes to our mind when we talk about designer jewelry. It first set up a store in 1837 under the name Tiffany, Young & Ellis, and later changed to Tiffany & Co. and expanded its base to London and Paris. It is famous for making world-class couture jewelry, whether it is diamonds, solitaire, or platinum and boats of superior craftsmanship. Fashion Stylist Michelle Wagman adds, “Couture jewelry refers to high-end, custom-made jewelry with the finest materials and craftsmanship. It is often designed for special occasions and can be expensive due to the level of detail and quality involved in the creation process.” Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and many big celebrities are all its loyal customers.X Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and many big celebrities are all its loyal customers.

A study examined the global net sales share of Tiffany & Co. by product segment and found that the jewelry segment accounted for over 90% of the company’s revenue. The other product segments, which include timepieces, accessories, and fragrances, accounted for less than 10% of the company’s net sales. This highlights the importance of the jewelry segment in the company’s success, with implications on its marketing and product development strategies.

In her blog post, Lindsey shares her enchanting experience after stepping into a Tiffany & Co. store, expressing, “I finally understood how Holly (Audrey Hepburn) felt when she went to Tiffany’s (i).”

Net Sales Share Of Tiffany And Co. Worldwide In 2019

The study examined the global net sales share of Tiffany & Co. by product segment and found that the jewelry segment accounted for over 90 percent of the company’s revenue. The other product segments, which include timepieces, accessories, and fragrances, accounted for less than 10 percent of the company’s net sales. This highlights the importance of the jewelry segment in the company’s success, with implications on its marketing and product development strategies.

Net Sales Share Of Tiffany And Co. Worldwide In 2019

2. Cartier

Louis Cartier, a French designer, founded Cartier in 1847 in Paris. In a few years, it gained popularity for making exquisite accessories and expanded its base to other big cities in the world. In 1947, Cartier created the legendary panther-shaped brooch with pave diamonds and the most beautiful gems. It caught the attention of the world as well as the Princess of Windsor, who was indeed mesmerized by this masterpiece. Cartier makes a different version of this ever since, which continues to be the most awaited piece every year. It is also known for auctioning the finest, most prestigious, and rare pieces of jewelry.

3. BvLgari

Bvlgari is an Italian brand that was started in the late 18th century by a Greek immigrant, Sotirios Voulgaris. Bvlgari’s signature jewelry is made of multicolored stones and diamonds that are truly exquisite and unique. Its most famous collection is ‘Serpentine,’ where jewelry like watches, necklaces, and bangles are coiled in the shape of a snake and are encrusted with diamonds and colored stones.

Did You Know?

The Voulgaris, who founded BvLgari, were a silversmithing family from Greece.

4. Harry Winston

Harry Winston started the brand in 1932 and passed away in 1978. The company retained the name and continued to make couture and designer jewelry using diamonds and gemstones. Its jewelry is highly intricate, elegant, and structural, and you will know one when you see one. Celebrities continue to choose Harry Winston on the red carpets even to this day because the designers keep the vintage aesthetic intact while designing contemporary jewelry.

5. Van Cleef & Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels is yet another French designer company from the Art Deco era. It was started by Alfred Van Cleef in collaboration with his uncle, Salmon Arpels. Its jewelry is all about old-world charm and path-breaking gemstone-making techniques to make watches, rings, earrings, and necklaces. Van Cleef is also known for its exclusivity and futuristic designs like ‘Mystery Setting,’ which is a setting that brings out the best exposure of each gemstone.

 6. Chopard

Chopard is a Swiss company that was started in 1860 by Sonviellier and was famous for making watches for women. It was sold to a German company in 1960 that retained its name and continued to make what the company was best known for – wrist and pocket watches for women. It later expanded its horizons and went on to make jewelry for women, all of which are highly sought after even to this day.

 7. David Yurman

Started by David and Sybil Yurman in 1980 in New York, this American jewelry brand came in much later than the other big brands. But hey, it is no less than the other big names in the industry. It makes jewelry to suit the many needs of women – whether it is for a red carpet event or as an everyday essential. Its signature piece is the ‘Cable Motif,’ which is all about encompassing silver, platinum, or gold wire and decking up with gemstones or left polished. Celebrities are often spotted wearing David Yurman.

8. Buccellati

Buccellati is a big name not just in Italy (where it was first started) but in all other big cities like New York, London, Paris, and Hong Kong. With a strong heritage and culture, Buccellati is known for its unparalleled quality and design in gold and silver laced diamond jewelry and stone studded insect and animal forms that are beautifully made into exquisite pieces.

Trivia

The base of Buccellati’s jewelry bears a resemblance to rich fabrics like tulle, linen, and lace. Piercing techniques are used to create the look of honeycomb, lace, webbing, and the like.

9. Boucheron

Boucheron was started in 1860 by Frédéric Boucheron, making jewelry for the elite Parisian community, and quickly became the center of luxury jewelry. In 1898, Boucheron moved to 26 Place Vendôme, which caught everyone’s attention. It was at the corner of the road and the brightest, which meant the jewels would sparkle and bring out the best. While the headquarters remains at the same place to this day, Boucheron has opened many other stores in Moscow, London, New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dubai, etc. From bespoke designer pieces that have an air of elegance to watches and bridal collections, Boucheron remains at the top of its game.

10. Hermes 

Hermès was started in Paris in 1837 by a Parisian designer, Thierry Hermès. The luxury label known for its eccentric colors and bold designs is also into making jewelry for women. It is known for making bespoke and limited edition jewelry as opposed to mass production, just like its other products. Leather is its forte, and thus it has designs that blend leather and enamel to make contemporary jewelry, along with other exclusive gold and diamond collections. Grace Kelly was one of its most loyal customers.

11. Chanel

Chanel is a French couture label that is no news to any of us. The luxury fashion house was started in 1909 by the legend herself – Gabrielle or “Coco” Chanel. Coco Chanel was known for her revolutionary designs and for believing, voicing, and making clothes that marry feminine elements with the masculine element in a way that didn’t stereotype women but brought out the best in them. Chanel is into designing fine contemporary jewelry and luxuriously sculpted diamond collections too.

12. Dior

Christian Dior is a master of its game, whether it is apparel, handbags, perfumes, or jewelry. The brand’s extension into jewelry making happened in 1950 since it was a natural progression and something that complements its existing product line. Dior is into jewelry that falls on both ends of the spectrum – from heavily encrusted multicolored gemstone watches to fine handcrafted jewelry that gravitates towards sophistication– it knows the pulse of the market and its customers.

13. Mikimoto

If you are into pearls, you must have heard of Mikimoto, a couture company designing pearl jewelry of the highest quality and design technique. It was started by a Japanese designer named Mikimoto Kokichi, who was the first to make cultured pearls. It began in Tokyo in 1899 and then spread its wings to all the big cities in the world like London, New York, Bombay, Shanghai, Paris, etc.

14. H. Stern

Stern is a Brazilian designer store that was started in 1945 by Hans Stern, who is of German origin. After his death, his son, Robert Stern, took over the company and focused on taking his father’s legacy forward while expanding the business with innovative designs. H. Stern jewelry collections are one of a kind because most of them are made with creative inspiration from a person or cultural event in history. From Hollywood celebrities to everyone else in the world, H. Stern has a strong presence and a loyal customer base.

15. Graff

Laurence Graff started his career as a designer in England when he was just 15 and went on to do an apprenticeship under a big jeweler to make it his profession. That’s how he started Graff Diamonds company – with his first store in 1962, and multiple stores soon after in London. Apart from designing exquisite diamond jewelry, he is known for buying-in famous diamonds and resetting them. His best work includes working with a 600-carat diamond, which is a testimony to his talent and his command over techniques.

Read the next section to learn why these premium brands cost a fortune.

What Makes Designer Brands So Expensive?

Designer brands usually carry high price tags due to several factors such as the quality of materials used is typically superior, contributing to durability and a luxurious feel. Secondly, the craftsmanship involved in creating each piece is meticulous and often done by highly skilled artisans. Additionally, limited production runs also drive up costs. Marketing and brand image play a significant role as luxury brands invest heavily in creating a perceived value and lifestyle associated with their products. Finally, factors like import taxes, distribution channels, and brand prestige contribute to the overall expense.

Many of these luxury brands are now emphasizing responsibly sourced materials and techniques. Adopting sustainable and eco-friendly practices is becoming an imperative part of the equation. This improves their brand reputation and also caters to eco-conscious consumers. However, such practices, are very rightfully, expensive, which, in turn, makes the jewelry costly.

When purchasing designer jewelry, it’s essential to ensure you are getting a genuine deal. You can follow these additional tips that help in identifying genuine designer jewelry.

How To Recognize Authentic Designer Jewelry

Whether you are investing in some timeless jewel or giving that special something to your loved ones, you must know authentic designer jewelry and what makes them such treasures. This guide provides tips and insight into how to spot authentic designer jewelry.

• Ensure that the hallmarks or the maker’s marks on the jewelry are clear and sharp. This will signify the brand, type of metal, and even the country of origin in some cases.
• Familiarize yourself with the hallmark designs and methods of the designer. Know the design elements, clasp styles, setting styles, or finish styles that have traditionally been distinctive to a brand.
• Note that the seller has given you the piece in its original packaging along with receipts, warranty card, or authenticity certificates.
• Compare prices across retailers and platforms to get a sense of the actual pricing. If you see a noticeable difference, it’s time to become extra cautious.
• Precious metals will have a uniform color and finish and the gemstones will be clear and well-cut.
• Purchase pieces from authorized distributors or direct from the manufacturer’s outlets. Avoid unverified internet markets.
• Inspect the signs of fine craftsmanship and detail using a magnifier.

Finding authentic designer jewelry requires more than a sharp eye. Remember that by purchasing real pieces, you are supporting expert artisans and making investments in quality and craftsmanship which lasts a lifetime. Consider these tips and you can make smart choices and take pride in the beauty and prestige of an authentic designer piece of jewelry.

Infographic: Caring For Your Luxury Jewelry

One needs to be careful with luxury jewelry, because not only is it expensive, but negligence can lead to additional expenses. Do not forget the heartbreak you would suffer at the sight of ruined precious pieces. So, check out the infographic below and learn some pointers to take care of your fine jewelry.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered high-quality jewelry?

High-quality fine jewelry is made using precious metals and gemstones. The stones are of high cuts and polish, while the metals are forged to be durable. Additionally, unless they are vintage, they will have a hallmark certifying their quality. For those exploring the best metal for piercings, the luxury brands listed above offer high-quality options that ensure both style and safety.

What jewelry is best for everyday wear?

Since fine jewelry is made to be durable and with high-end materials, it can be worn daily. However, you need to be careful while handling, storing, and cleaning it for maintenance.

What’s the difference between premium and luxury jewelry?

Premium refers to the best-quality jewelry available among competitors. Customers opt for it because they have tried it and find it to be the best they can get under the relevant category. Luxury is above and beyond the competition. The perception of its quality and brand is already high and is delegated an iconic status, and its functionality is not a factor. Customers who wish to collect and own it rather than use it, go for it.

What is the oldest luxury jewelry brand?

The oldest luxury jewelry brand that is still in operation is Chaumet, founded in 1780. However, since 1987, it has been part of the LVMH group.

What are the top trends in designer jewelry?

In recent years, brands that offer personalization and customization where customers get to create unique pieces, are part of the trend. Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds add that grace and class to many collections. The colorful gemstones and diamonds are almost never out of the trend. Lastly, making the waves are vintage and antique-inspired designs to those who appreciate timeless elegance and craftsmanship.

Check out this video to find out the top 7 jewelry brands in the world! See which brands made the list and why they are so popular.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Michelle WagmanFashion Stylist

     

Michelle Wagman is a fashion industry entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as a designer’s agent. She is also the editor-in-chief of FashionEdits, a fashion and lifestyle blog. She graduated from FIT with a degree in fashion merchandising and has worked with notable designers on 7th Avenue in NYC.

Read full bio of Michelle Wagman

Pratima AtiFashion & Lifestyle Writer

 

Pratima Ati is a postgraduate in International Business from Staffordshire University. After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, she jumped ship to pursue two things she loved – fashion and writing.

Read full bio of Pratima Ati

Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury

Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

Read full bio of Pahul Nanra