Top 10 Designer Jewelry Brands in the World
1. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Co.
First called Tiffany & Young, Tiffany & Co. started out as a New York-based stationery and high-end grocery store. Today, however, it is a name known to anyone who has been in business since 1837. Recognized for its craftsmanship, Tiffany Jewelers remains America’s leading silversmith. The brand showcases even more splendid and rare jewels in its annual Blue Book collection, which began in 1845.
Famous wearers: Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Reese Witherspoon
Price Range: $15,500 to $15 million
The most expensive Tiffany & Co. at auction. Artwork: A ring set with a single 3.09 carat diamond gemstone in VS1 clarity, sold for $60,000 in 2016.
2. Harry Winston Harry Winston
Harry Winston was founded in 1932 in New York with founder Harry Winston. He was soon awarded “King of Diamonds” and “Jeweler to the Stars” for his high-end creations. One of his most notable acquisitions was the 45.42 carat Hope Diamond, centered around a heart-shaped grayish-white diamond crown, delivered to King George IV of England. Today it is found in Washington, DC as part of a Smithsonian Institution exhibit.
Famous wearers: Jennifer Lopez, Madonna Madonna, Julie Andrews, Natalie Portman
Price Range: $40 to $20 million
The most expensive Harry Winston sold at auction: The Gulf Pearl Parure in 325 carat natural pearls and diamonds sold for $4,189,165 in 2006.
3. Cartier
Founded in 1847 by Louis François Cartier, Cartier is known for its fine jewelry collection. The brand has earned a reputation as “the jeweler, the king of jewelers,” pioneering the combination of platinum and diamonds.
Famous wearers: Andy Warhol, Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Zac Efron, Kate Middleton
Price Range: $1,000- $2.76 million
The most expensive Cartier ever sold at auction: a 25.6 carat Burmese ruby called the Sunrise Ruby. It is the most expensive ruby in the world, has been called a gemstone and a non-diamond gemstone, and sold for $30,335,698 in 2015.
4. Chopard
Chopard is a Swiss brand originally started by Louis-Ulysse Chopard in the 1980s, originally known for making women’s watches and pocket watches. When Chopard was sold to Karl Scheufele in 1963, the brand was known for its Art Deco-inspired watches and Happy Diamonds jewelry line.
Famous wearers: Javier Bardem, Colin Firth
Price Range: $2,000 to $16.62 million
Most expensive Chopard sold at auction: a set of emerald and diamond jewels, sold for $1,171,932.51.
5. Van Cleef & Arpels
After their marriage in 1895, Alfred van Cleef and Estelle Arpels started a line of high-end jewelry that was still in 1906. The brand has patented an innovative product called the Mystery Set, an intricate piece with clips that takes approximately 300 hours to create a skilled jeweler.
Famous wearers: Queen Marie Jose of Italy, Margot Robbie, Cameron Diaz, Mariah Carey
Price Range: $1,500 to $490,000
Most expensive Van Cleef & Arpels sold at auction: A ruby and diamond ring weighing 8.24 carats, sold for $4,226,500 in 2011.
6. Graff
Graff’s origins began in England in 1960 when Laurence Graff founded the company. The brand is known for its large diamond jewelry designs and is widely known for buying and resetting famous diamonds.
Famous wearers: Melania Trump, LMFAO (singer), late Diana B., Princess Monoco
Price Range: $13.5-46.2 million
The most expensive Graff Pink sold at auction by Graff is a rare 24.78 carat pink diamond that sold for $46 million in 2017.
7. David Yurman
This jewelry line was founded in 1980 by David and Sybil Yurman. It is known for sculpting designs reminiscent of the American Craft Movement. One of the popular designs is the signature cable bracelet in sterling silver and gold adorned with colored gems.
Famous wearers: Kate Hudson, Shakira Shakira, Brad Pitt, Jessica Simspson
Price Range: $300- $50,000
Most Expensive David Yurman Sold At Auction: 18K Gold, Diamond and Citrine Interchangeable Necklace, Sold For $7,380
8. Buccellati
Buccellati is a jewelry and watch company that designs Italian jewelry in gold, silver and platinum. The brand has grown around the world and is known for its pieces that reflect Old Hollywood designs and jewelry inspired by animals and insects.
Famous wearers: Dwayne Wade, Sheika Mozah, Celine Dion, Ian Somerhalder
Price Range: $2,000- $50,000
The most expensive Buccellati sold at auction: A Gold Buccellati bracelet sold for $72,100.
9. Bvlgari Bvlgari
Bvlgari (Bulgari) is also famous for its colored gems and diamonds. Since its founding in 1884, it has been popular with clients seeking large pieces of brightly colored jewelry and color effects. It is also because of this brand that the carochon cut, a popular jewel in the antique era, was recreated.
Famous wearers: Elizabeth Taylor, Gina Lollobrigida, Monica Vitti, Keira Knightley
Price Range: $10-12 million
The most expensive Bulgari sold at auction: the 57.72 carat Bulgari Sapphire Suitor, sold for $5,906,500 in 2011.
10. Boucheron
Boucheron is a jewelry and watch house founded by Frédéric Boucheron in Paris, France in 1858. His designs were influenced by Egyptian and Asian art, creating unfamiliar combinations of stones such as onyx and diamond. He also incorporated bronze, ivory and gold.
Famous Wearers: Queen Elizabeth, Duke of Cornwall Charlotte Le Bon, Salma Hayek
Price Range: $1,000- $285,000
Most Expensive Boucheron Sold At Auction: Diamond, Emerald, Enamel Brooch ($55,974.57)
How to tell if your Jewelry is Real:
- Get to know the brand or logo – Premier brands usually have their brand or name stamped on their jewelry.
- Find Features – Common features for gold are 18K, 14K, 10, 750, 585, 375. Platinum 950, PLATINUM, PLAT; Silver, 925, Silver, 800, Sterling
- Diamond Certificates – Authentic gemstones come with their own brand certificates or grading certificates such as GIA, EGL, IGI, etc.
- Get a Gem Appraisal – If you’re rethinking the authenticity of a gem, try it on appraisal. Many jewelers will offer appraisal services for a fee.
What Does Designer Jewelry make Valuable?
- The essential factors that influence the value of designer jewelry are:
- Brands – Luxury brands like the ones listed have been popular over the years. Their brand name is synonymous with luxury and top-notch technology. Extensive marketing has established this.
- Market – The value of luxury goods depends on market demand. If you have a timeless classic design you want to sell, this will sell faster and more than just a lesser-known design. The reason is that classic designs are always in demand.
- Conditions – signs of wear can affect the beauty of a jewel, which reduces the value of the product, as it will have to be refurbished.
- Rare – Rare items or designs increase their value.