What are some of the oldest jewelry brands in the world?
It is difficult to say which is the oldest jewelry boutique in the world, as the history of many jewelry boutiques is not well-documented and many have changed hands or locations over time. However, here are a few of the oldest and most prestigious jewelry houses in the world today. Rooted in history and constantly innovating, each of them has stood the test of time and created some of the most spectacular jewelry in the world.
Tiffany & Co: One of the most well-known jewelry houses in the world, Tiffany & Co was founded in 1837 in New York and is famous for its timeless design and quality craftsmanship. The brand’s iconic blue box and magical shop windows evoke luxury and elegance. Tiffany’s diamond engagement rings have been a symbol of love and commitment for generations. The six prong Tiffany Setting, which elevated the diamond and maximized its brilliance, forever changed the way engagement rings were designed and marketed. Beloved designs include the Tiffany T bracelet, the “Return to Tiffany” heart tag collection and Elsa Peretti’s Diamonds by the Yard pendant.
Fabergé: Fabergé is a Russian jewelry house founded in 1842 and perhaps best known for its legendary Easter eggs. These eggs were crafted for the Russian imperial family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries using the finest materials. They often featured intricate designs and hidden surprises. Today they are considered some of the most valuable works of art in the world. The whereabouts of some of the eggs were unknown for many years after the Russian Revolution, until they were discovered and acquired by museums and private collectors. Today, Fabergé continues to produce high-end jewelry and watches admired for their beauty and craftsmanship.
Cartier: Established in 1847 in Paris, Cartier is one of the most respected luxury jewelry and watch houses in the world. Did you know it created the first modern wristwatch in 1904? Cartier is renowned for its signature designs, such as its iconic Love bracelet which features screw motifs and can only be opened with a special screwdriver, symbolising commitment and permanence. Another one of Cartier’s most recognizable collections is the bold and sculptural Panthère collection. The house has a long history of creating magnificent jewelry and watches for royalty and celebrities, and its pieces are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Boucheron: Boucheron is a French luxury jewelry house who was the first jeweler to open a boutique on the legendary Place Vendôme in Paris in 1858. The house is applauded for its exceptional designs and use of precious gemstones. One of Boucheron's most famous collections is the Serpent Bohème collection featuring delicately carved snake-shaped pieces. Another signature collection is the Quatre collection with its distinctive design made up of four bands in yellow, white, and rose gold, as well as ceramic, representing different facets of Parisian life. Boucheron also famously designed a necklace with no clasp called the Question Mark necklace in 1858.
Chopard: Founded in Switzerland in 1860, Chopard has a reputation for excellence in both jewelry and watchmaking. The house is famous for its elegant and sophisticated jewelry as well as its watches with their precision and attention to detail. The brand’s Happy Diamonds collection features floating diamonds set in playful and colorful pieces, while the Imperiale collection is inspired by the glamour and elegance of ancient Rome. Chopard is known for its use of high-quality materials and commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. As the longstanding partner of the Cannes Film Festival, Chopard also creates the famous Palme d'Or trophy awarded to the festival's top film.
Piaget: Piaget is a Swiss luxury brand founded in 1874, celebrated for its high-end watches and jewelry. Piaget is admired for its ultra-thin watches and its use of precious materials in its jewelry designs. Piaget set a record for the world's thinnest mechanical watch in 1957, a feat it has repeated several times since. The house has collaborated with many artists, including Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol, to create vibrant and unique pieces that are true works of art. Iconic designs from Piaget include the Possession collection featuring a rotating band or circle, symbolizing the idea of taking control over one's life and the Rose collection inspired by the beauty of the flower.
Bulgari: Established in 1884 in Rome, Bulgari is an Italian jewelry house celebrated for its bold, statement-making pieces. Bulgari's innovative use of colored and unconventional gemstones, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, earned them a reputation as one of the pioneers of colored gemstone jewelry. One of Bulgari's most iconic designs is the Serpenti collection, taking its inspiration from the ancient symbol of the serpent. This covetable collection featured coiled snake designs that are both alluring and eye-catching. Another must-see is Bulgari’s B.zero1 ring, which features a distinctive spiral design that has become synonymous with the brand.
Van Cleef & Arpels: Van Cleef & Arpels is a luxury jewelry house established in Paris in 1906 and famous for its use of intricate, artisanal techniques resulting in beautiful and timeless jewelry. One of Van Cleef & Arpels' instantly recognisable collections is the Alhambra collection. Inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Spain, the Alhambra motif features four-leaf clover shapes strung together to form a mesmerizing, repeating pattern. Van Cleef & Arpels also created the first wristwatch with a concealed face in 1933, known as the Mystery Setting. It features precious stones set in a way that hides the prongs and appears as if the gems are floating in mid-air.
Buccellati: Founded in 1919 in Milan, Buccellati is a luxury jewelry and silverware house known for its exceptional craftsmanship. Buccellati’s jewelry is characterized by its use of intricate handcrafted patterns and motifs, often inspired by nature and the Renaissance period. One of Buccellati's most famous collections is the Ramage collection, featuring delicate gold branches and leaves adorned with precious stones. Another iconic collection is the Opera collection, inspired by Italy's grand opera houses. Buccellati is famous for its goldsmithing, including its unique rigato engraving technique, in which lines are etched onto gold to create a textured, three-dimensional effect.
Harry Winston: Established in 1932 in New York, Harry Winston is a luxury jewelry house synonymous with high-quality diamonds and exquisite craftsmanship. Founder Harry Winston was famously known as the "King of Diamonds" due to his love for acquiring the world's most exceptional gemstones. He owned some of the most legendary diamonds in history, including the Hope Diamond, which he acquired in 1949 and later donated to the Smithsonian Institution. Admired for its iconic designs, one of Harry Winston’s most celebrated collections is the Cluster collection, which features diamonds arranged in a clustered setting to create the illusion of a single large diamond.
Graff: Founded in 1960, Graff is a leading jewelry house revered for its diamonds and fine jewelry. Graff specialises in rare and exceptional diamonds and its creations are known for their incredible craftsmanship and unparalleled beauty. In 2017, Graff broke the world record for the most expensive polished diamond ever sold at auction, with the sale of the 163.41 carat Graff Pink diamond for $23.8 million. One of Graff's most famous collections is the Peacock collection, which features stunning diamond peacock feathers crafted with extraordinary detail. Another signature collection is the Butterfly collection, which showcases exquisite diamond butterflies.