1. Harry Winston
Harry Winston’s diamond store on New York’s prestigious Fifth Avenue is one of the most luxurious addresses for jewelry and ornaments. You may not have heard of him but Marilyn Monroe cited Winston in her song ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’.
Harry Winston’s expertise in the precious stones field (the Winston house uses only the most valuable stones on earth) gives the brand an untouchable cachet. Again and again Winston has distinguished himself with his spectacular jewelry, e.g. creating for well known royalty such as Queen Elizabeth II and the Shah of Persia. Winston has worked on many world famous diamonds, the Blue Hope for example and the diamond drops which Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor. Even though Cartier sold these to Burton, Winston cut them.
2. Buccellati
Buccellati is an exclusive luxury jewelry brand. The firm is known for their engraved brushed-gold and platinum jewelry embedded with fine gemstones including rubies, emeralds, diamonds and sapphires.
3. Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels have always celebrated the ultimate in luxury. Whether the luxury refers to the sumptuous interior design of their worldwide stores, where frescoes, wooden paneling and chandeliers are the norm or the unusual creations of their jewelry designer.
With their ‘mystery-settings’ technique, Van Cleef & Arpels have been displaying their ability since the last century. The ‘mystery-settings’ technique is a technique in which the prongs are concealed beneath the gems they hold, so that the effect is that of a shimmering field of jewels. The technique can be seen to great effect in the popular page-shaped brooch, which is still produced. Also very popular are brooches shaped like figures: a ballet dancer turning a pirouette or adorable little animals.
4. Graff
In Maastricht in March 2008, Laurence Graff was once again responsible for causing quite a stir at the Tefaf Arts & Antiques Fair.
The Geneva-dwelling jeweler sold a 70,12 carat yellow diamond for 11,000,000 USD to a European buyer.
The ‘fancy intense yellow’ diamond was set in a platinum ring, along with two white 1,8 carat diamonds. Graff is a synonym for the highest quality stones in the world. Only the best and rarest of diamonds are sent to his workshop in London to be set in to the most exquisite jewelry, such as outstanding earrings and unique rings and necklaces.
5. Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany is a legend and that’s not just since Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly tripped through its doors in the 1961 film ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’.
Charles Lewis Tiffany founded his business in 1837 with his partner John B. Young. The pair teamed up with the then most renowned silversmith in New York, John C. Moore, laying the cornerstone for the continuing success of Tiffany’s silver design. Tiffany was the first jeweler in America to adopt the English silver standard 925/1000, which was later adopted as the American silver standard. Today, the company has stores worldwide. Alongside the big white gold and stellar pieces, more affordable classics like the silver charm-bracelet with heart shaped charms can be found for around 200 Euros. Or the famous ‘Celebrations’ ring in different varieties. Both are bestsellers.
6. Piaget
As more and more Americans and Europeans buy diamond watches, Piaget is seeing more and more growth. Traditionally known for their diamond watches, Piaget creates diamond jewelry with their diamond studded Hearts & Charms collection and their Limelight collection which features gemstones like purple and pink sapphires.
7. Cartier
Louis Cartier is responsible for maintaining the historically high standard of La Maison Cartier, which has been part of the Vendome Luxury Group since 1993.
The fashion, which he prefers designing to jewelry, never loses its style and Cartier has become the world-renowned master of his Metiers! His famous wild cats are cast in platinum and white gold, the glossy coat in diamond and black onyx, their eyes glimmering emeralds. The Duchess of Windsor was delighted by them in 1948, and this royal endorsement started a real boom that has never stopped. The panther is still the symbol of the Parisian goldsmith. On necklaces, bracelets and earrings their timeless charm is unmistakable.
8. Chopard
Chopard has traditionally banked its growth and sales on one-of-a-kind jewelry that sells for millions. They opened their 100th store at 709 Madison Avenue in Manhattan measuring 3,000-square-feet. “This global creation of wealth is affecting us,” said Marc Hruschka, Chopard’s U.S. president and CEO, “It’s a mixture of our traditional shoppers and a new growing-wealth class in the U.S. and globally. Our challenge is to communicate that we’re not only a watch brand…People are looking at diamonds as art.” Leading ladies of Hollywood like Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, Hilary Swank and Charlize Theron have showcased Chopard jewelry.
9. Bulgari
One of the biggest names of our time is undoubtedly Sortirio Bulgari. The trained silversmith opened his first business in 1884.
Inspired by Greek and Roman art, Bulgari’s necklaces and bracelets are typically gold. Studded with large, colorful jewels, they have their own inimitable style. Handcrafted from only the most valuable materials, Bulgari’s jewelry is particularly expensive. One absolute classic is the B zero 1 ring – 18 carat gold. Every year there is a new collection, which can be admired and bought at approximately 236 stores around the world. New for 2008, is the colorful and particularly feminine necklace from the Elisia collection, which fuses contemporary creativity with traditional motifs.
10. Mikimoto
While many luxury jewelry houses are specializing in diamonds, Mikimoto has always focused on pearl jewelry. One respondent said, “If you like pearls, this is the best quality.” Another respondent said, “The brand pays meticulous attention to detail – I am extremely fond of the Mikimoto pieces I have purchased.” Last year, Mikimoto teamed up with Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto to create an exclusive jewelry collection. This joint venture jewelry collection consists of 3 groups with about 20 pieces each.
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