The fashion industry isn’t limited to clothing only. Accessories play a huge part in one’s appearance, and jewelry is undoubtedly the most luxurious and striking. It adds a personal touch to any look.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the global jewelry market could reach $480.5 billion by 2025.
As with any other industry, there are many jewelry brands to choose from, and these are the top five most famous jewelry brands in the world.
Harry Winston – the King of Diamonds
Harry was a philanthropist, gemologist, and businessman. He founded Harry Winston Inc. in 1932 in New York City.
In 1935, he purchased his first important diamond, called the Jonker, and split it into 12 stones, with the largest one weighing 125.32-carats. The Jonker made headlines worldwide.
During the 1940s, Harry discovered how to maximize each stone’s brilliance, creating the iconic Winston Cluster design.
In 1944, Winston became the “Jeweler to the Stars” because he lent diamonds to Jennifer Jones, who wore them at the Academy Awards. The rest is history.
Even though Harry Winston died in 1978, his company continued to grow. The Harry Winston brand kept on launching collections and acquiring diamonds. Today it’s one of the most famous brands in the world.
Cartier – Over 170 Years of Jewelry
When you think of Cartier, you might think of jewelry, but that’s not how the brand started out. Louis-Francois Cartier was a watchmaker’s apprentice.
In 1847, he purchased his employer’s shop, hoping to transform the business. Even though he wanted to continue with watchmaking, he aspired to become a quality jewelry dealer.
Louis-Francois was lucky to survive the 1848 Revolution and kept on expanding the business. His son Alfred started working with him, and they used their earnings to buy better jewelry.
Cartier continued to be a family business until 1964 when it became a Richemont Group subsidiary.
Tiffany & Co. – Iconic Heritage
The first Tiffany & Co. store opened in New York in 1837. About a decade later, Charles Lewis Tiffany purchased gemstones from European aristocrats, allowing US residents to buy jewelry.
In 1851, the brand established the .925 silver standard.
In 1866, Tiffany created America’s first stopwatch, and in 1868, the company started manufacturing gold jewelry.
In 1885, Tiffany redesigned the Great Seal of the United States. A year later, the brand introduced the Tiffany Setting engagement ring.
Tiffany was also the first retailer that had a gemologist on staff. In 1961, the company had a cinematic debut in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and in 1968, it introduced tanzanite.
In 1969, the Return to Tiffany key ring debuted. In 1979, John Loring became the design director and continued designing for Tiffany for 30 years. Today, Tiffany & Co. work on becoming a more sustainable brand.
Bvlgari – More Than Jewelry
The brand was founded in Rome in 1884 by a Greek silversmith named Sotirio Bulgari.
English tourists who visited Rome loved his jewelry, and the business thrived. Sotirio opened multiple stores with his sons, and they focused on creating high-end jewelry.
By the mid-1950s, Bvlgari dared to introduce new combinations of chromatic looks combined with precious stones.
In the 70s, the brand expanded all over Europe and the US. The Bvlgari watch became a statement piece of jewelry for men and women.
During the 80s and 90s, the brand kept on innovating and introducing modular jewelry and beautiful pieces for all occasions. Today, Bvlgari is a synonym for luxury. It offers other accessories aside from jewelry.
Van Cleef & Arpels
Alfred Van Cleef and his wife Estelle Arpels decided to start a jewelry business in Paris in 1906.
In the 1920s, their designs adopted a geometric form under the influence of the Art Deco movement. Later on, the Egyptian, Japanese, and Chinese culture affected Van Cleef & Arpels designs.
In 1925, the brand was awarded the Grand Prize for its Roses bracelet sets with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. The couple’s daughter became the Artistic Director in the following year.
Together with her parents, she created the brand’s recognizable style.
The brand continued innovating through the decades and introduced the minaudiere, passe-partout, various watches, zip necklaces, crowns, and other breathtaking items.
Final Thoughts
The fashion industry goes hand in hand with the jewelry industry. Bracelets, earrings, and rings have always played a huge role in people’s lives.
Aside from being a perfect gift, jewelry symbolizes social status and is the ideal fashion statement. It helps people express their individuality.
The jewelry industry is continuously expanding, but these five luxury jewelry brands are here to stay.
While some brands like Bvlgari offer accessories such as handbags, others added fragrances and wristwatches to their portfolios to promote variety. Today, these brands have the most recognizable designs.
