Some people collect jewels as a hobby, while some collect it for the value. However, in India, there's a tradition of simply heading to your trusted family jeweller and getting whatever your heart desires, while the rest of the world looks at jewellery differently. They prefer buying from brands that are iconic, a class apart, and with great resale value. And if we are being honest, these brands are the trendsetters that basically influence our jewellery buying tastes. From the Cartier love band that has trail-blazed sleek gold band bracelet trends, to Tiffany diamond engagement rings that are pinned on every bride-to-be's Pinterest boards, here are the top jewellery brands that continue to rule the world for always being utterly iconic.
Top 10 Jewellery Brands In The World That'll Forever Be Iconic
Cartier
She's an icon, she's a legend and she is the moment. Cartier (pronounced 'KAA' + 'TEE' + 'AY') is one of the most iconic luxury French goods brands that manufactures high-end watches and jewellery. Founded by Louis-François Cartier in 1847 in Paris, the house of Cartier was described as the ‘Jeweller of Kings and King of Jewellers,’ by King Edward VII half a century later and has been a favourite among royals since then. Their most desirable pieces that remain to be a hit among luxury jewellery collectors from around the world include the 'Juste Un Clou' bracelet which replicates a curved screw and the oh-so-trendy 'LOVE' bracelet with screw markings that also comes with a special screwdriver to open and fasten the bangle-styled bracelet.
Famous For: Just Un Clou bracelet, Love band and Panthere De cartier Watch
Tiffany & Co
Securing a blue box with a gigantic Tiffany diamond is a dream instilled in us by Hollywood rom-coms and one we are not willing to let go of anytime soon! From being Abraham Lincoln's preferred fine goods brand to becoming a pop culture symbol with 'Breakfast At Tiffany's,' to being every who's who in Hollywood's preferred jewellery house, Tiffany & Co. has seen been around for almost two centuries and continues to be the leading jewellery brand for every afluent person who has the means to shop from them. The Tiffany Lock Bangle, Return to Tiffany® heart tag pendant and Tiffany T wire ring remain the classics apart from the diamond engagement rings.
Famous For: Diamond engagement ring, Tiffany Lock Bangle and Tiffany T wire ring
Bulgari
The Bulgari (pronounced 'BU'-'GUH'- 'REE') Serpenti remains etched in our minds as one of the most desirable jewellery patterns we have seen. Founded in Rome in 1884 by the talented Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari, the brand is known for its exquisite craftsmanship and magnificent jewellery creations. What we love about them is that their jewellery and watches are more avant-garde in terms of design in comparison to other brands and how they keep experimenting with patterns to give you jewellery that's sophisticated yet modernised.
Famous For: Serpenti watches, B.zero1 Ring and Divas' Dream Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels
The Van Cleef & Arpels as a brand combines quality craftsmanship with high-value materials and quality gemstones which give it its coveted and high-value status in the jewellery market. Since 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra has been an epitome of delicate, rare and immaculate jewellery that's meant to be worn with grace and in the current world, is considered an 'old money aesthetic' possession. The four-leaf clover was launched back in the day as a global symbol for good luck and great fortune made in gold and precious gemstones, and today has become a collectible that requires you to keep building bates for (similar to Hermes Birkin Bag) buying.
Famous For: Everything Alhambra, Perlee rings and Pierre Arpels watches
Chopard
Chopard has become one of the leading names in the luxury Swiss watch and jewellery industry and particularly among celebrities. From Natalie Portman to Julia Roberts and, you will spot the most famous A-listers sporting the most whimsical looking jewelers from the house of Chopard on red carpets. What makes their aesthetic standout? Classic yet tasteful designs that are contemporary and wearable plus a splash of colour here and there.
Famous For: Ice Cube rings, happy Hearts bracelet and Happy Sport watch
Harry Winston
Harry Winston's expert gemologists select diamonds only from the top three color grades (D, E, and F). Diamonds of these grades are considered colourless, and they are the most precious and valuable. This guarantees that, without exception, every single Winston diamond is a brilliant white stone and one you will cherish for a lifetime. For those planning to buy stellar jewellery that ends up becoming an heirloom, Harry Winston is the real deal.
Famous For: HW Logo Collection, Winston With Love Collection
Buccellati
For over a century, Buccellati (pronounced 'BOOCH'-'EH'-'LATI') jewels have been the symbol of creations of unparalleled beauty and quality. They have drawn inspiration from the thousand-year heritage of craftsmanship and goldsmithing traditions that Italy has gifted the world. Most of their jewellery pieces feature typically tiny diamonds with perfect detailings and a few coloured stones. They are also famous for their watches and silverware.
Famous For: Macri Classica Bracelet, Ghirlanda Collection and the Opera Collection
Boucheron
Boucheron (pronounced 'BU'-'CHUH'-'RAWN') is French fine jewellery brand that's at the forefront of trends with their sleek, contemporary yet understated jewellery. Our favourite from the brand is their Quatre collection which represents strong, graphic looks that are steeped in Boucheron history. The grosgrain motif is an ode to Frédéric Boucheron’s family roots in fashion (since he came from a family of drapers) while the Clou de Paris is reminiscent of the cobblestone streets of Place Vendôme.
Famous For: Quatre Classique rings, Jack de Boucheron bracelets
Graff
Graff is a British jewellery brand that's known for their royalty-approved magnificent gems and jewels. Each piece is handmade with the utmost precision. Their designs are good mix of old meets new which gives you timeless jewellery pieces that can also be worn on a daily (if you don't look at the high jewellery pieces). Their solitaire engagement rings are equally stunning for which they also provide engraving, cleaning, resizing and stone upgradation services.
Famous For: Butterfly Necklace and pendants, Tilda's Bow collection, engagement rings and watches
David Yurman
Founded in 1980 by David and Sybil Yurman, the company is, in their own words, 'one long art project.' Their jewellery pieces pick loads of inspiration from art and murals which led to them establishing an entirely new category—American designer jewellery. They are especially famous for their gemstone jewellery which look like works of art and are the perfect addition to one's wardrobe if you enjoy flaunting wealth with heftily sized stones.
Famous For: The iconic cable bracelets and Petite Chatelaine pendants
