Top 10 Best Jewellers In The World

BY LYRA CAM · DECEMBER 31, 2013

Jewellers don’t just shape stones, build clasps and shape links that will stay strong. They are artists whose creations can be stunningly beautiful and last for generations.

All the names on this list have an amazing history, often with a family lineage, and in the industry they are legendary.

10. Bulgari

Sotirio Bulgari, son of Greek Silversmiths, founded the business before moving to Italy and opening the first Bulgari store in Rome in 1884. Sotirio’s sons continued the growth of the business and today it is still operated by Sotirio’s descendants. The bold Greco-Roman style of Bulgari gained popularity among celebrities in the 1970’s and is today considered a classic and enduring design statement.

9. Van Cleef & Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels is a luxury French jeweller that was founded by Alfred Van Cleef and his brother-in-law Salomon Arpels in 1896. Now a global brand with a presence in countries around the globe, Van Cleef are particularly well known for pieces that depict animals or flowers with designs that are colourful, intricate and often playful. Joyous jewellery.

8. Mikimoto

Mikimoto Kokichi was a Japanese innovator who is said to have produced the first cultured pearl, the first pearl ever grown by man. These perfectly spherical balls hold an allure that is not dissimilar to that of a diamond or any other fine gem. Today Mikimoto will take only the very best cultured pearls for their jewellery. They have retail outlets across the globe.

7. Graff

Lawrence Graff founded Graff Diamonds Ltd in 1960 in London and quickly expanded the business so that now it has retail stores around the globe. Graff Diamonds have been involved in many record diamond sales and Graffs creations are regularly seen in luxury jewellery circles across Europe, the US and Asia. Graff involve themselves in all aspects of the jewellery business from sourcing through to cutting, polishing and designing the final piece.

6. Chopard

Louis-Ulysse Chopard established a workshop in the Swiss village of Sonvilier in 1860. Like Piaget a decade later, Chopard quickly established a reputation for the quality of his watch movements. Today, Chopard jewellery reflects the businesses commitment to the highest levels of quality and design. The Chopard High Jewellery collection shows just what is possible when creativity and design excellence meet.

5. Piaget

Georges Édouard Piaget designed his first watch in 1874 and the Piaget brand quickly became famous for its precision and design. Over the decades this Swiss business developed ultra thin watch movements that were innovative and unique. In the 1960’s the company expanded its production capabilities by purchasing several goldsmiths in Geneva and introduced bold new designs to complement the watches. Today the Piaget Rose and other designs have become iconic landmarks in the world of luxury jewelry

4. Harry Winston

Harry Winston Inc. is an American luxury jeweler with a particular focus on diamonds. Harry Winston started the business in 1932 and quickly gained attention for his skill as a jeweler providing pieces to royalty and celebrities around the globe. In 1949 Harry Winston purchased the Hope Diamond, one of the most famous jewels ever known. Today Harry Winston has retail outlets across Europe, America and Asia. The business was recently bought by the Swiss Swatch Group.

3. Tiffany’s

Charles Tiffany and John Young opened their first shop in New York in 1837. In 1853 Tiffany took control of the business, renamed it Tiffany & Co., and focused its operations totally on jewellery. Over the decades Tiffany designs and collaborations with artists, actors, business people and celebrities has ensured its iconic status as a luxury jeweller of distinction. The famous Blue Box and ribbon remains one of the most anticipated gifts in the world.

2. Buccellati

Buccellati is an Italian jewellery firm known for their beautiful designs, intricate engraving and bespoke handmade jewellery including rings, pendants, necklaces and watches. The business was started by Mario Buccellati in Milan in 1919 and his descendants continue to run the operations of what is now a global fashion brand.

1. Cartier

Cartier is a French fashion house and jeweller to Royalty around the world. Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the company stayed in family hands until the 1970’s. Today it is owned by the Swiss luxury goods company Richemont. Cartier has historically provided jewellery to many of Europe’s Kings and Queens and maintains a high profile throughout the ranks of the worlds rich and famous. Cartier manage to combine classical lines with new and innovative design to create truly inspiring jewellery.