A Look at the Top 10 Luxury Jewelry Brands

In an age of branding and celebrities, we have become accustomed to putting a lot of stock in the name of any number of products. In few markets is the brand name a determinant of value as it is in the luxury market, and specifically with luxury jewelry.

Marketers in the jewelry market fully understand the power of the brand, and they invest millions to build and maintain their exclusive images. The top companies make a number of decisions that are focused simply on protecting their name, such as choosing where their products where and won’t be sold. They also use a number of tried-and-true methods such as limited editions and celebrity marketing. Below are 10 of the top luxury brand that have earned their exclusivity the hard way.

10. Mikimoto

Say Mikimoto, and you say fine pearls with the same breath. Founded in Japan in 1893, this firm is known for handling and selling some of the world’s finest and rarest pearls. If you are looking for the high-end of the pearl market, you’ll find it with Mikimoto’s necklaces and earrings, along with Titian pearls, pink conch pearls, and the rare South Sea pearls.

9. Chopard

Founded by Louis-Ulysse Chopard in Geneva in 1860, this brand was built around some of the world’s most exquisite timepieces. Today, you will find elegant women wearing finely designed collections of gemstones and gold bearing the Chopard name.

8. Bvlgari

Rome saw the jeweler Sotirio Bulgari open his doors in 1884, and has watched his name become synonymous with a number of luxury items, including specialty jewelry, fragrances, watches and even fine products for the skin. Colorful and precious gemstones married in unique gold settings is a signature look for this brand.

7. Graff

Go big or go home might be the tagline for this renowned British firm, a relative newcomer with a lineage only back to 1960. Known for its trade in large and distinctive diamonds, Graff is the look many seek to achieve when they want to stand apart.

6. Piaget

Another Swiss firm with roots in the 1800s and fine watchmaking, Piaget has successfully carved out its niche with fine and sophisticated pieces of jewelry. Known as a keeper of the flame for Old World glitz and glamour, Piaget also remains a maker of highly coveted watches with sleek contours.

5. Tiffany

This is a brand with the rare talent of bespoke luxury with a well-known name among average consumers. Tiffany has cultivated exclusive clients with unique pieces since its founding in 1837.

4. Buccellati

Unlike Tiffany, few “commoners” dream of owning a piece of Buccellati. Unique creations of intricate gold and gemstones make this Roman brand easily identifiable when worn among the world’s richest and most glamorous.

3. Cartier

Most connoisseurs consider the difference between the number 2 and 3 positions to be minimal. If you are a fan of this brand, you might argue it should be higher on the list because of its long history and royal connections. Anyone seeing the signature Cartier panther knows they are looking at truly luxury piece.

2. Van Cleef & Arpels

With a firm fitting in Old World elegance and modern styling, this firm represents its French heritage in fine style. Jewelry with a narrative is what this firm is known best for, and you’ll find any number of unique stylings of birds, flowers and animals.

Not yet celebrating its century mark, this brand tops the list because of its success in making it the indisputable champion of fine diamonds and elaborate diamond-based masterpieces. If you wear a Harry Winston creation, you are wearing a piece that defines luxury jewelry.