The 5 Most Iconic Jewelry Designers

The act of creating jewelry is as much of an art as it is a skill.  Some ateliers have achieved a level of expertise that has made them icons in the world of jewelry making.  These five iconic jewelry designers create pieces that are not only beautiful but show distinctive viewpoints on luxury jewelry.

BULGARI

Bulgari was founded in Rome in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari. To honor its Roman past, Bulgari integrated the Latin V into the logo as well as by incorporating Greek and Roman motifs in their designs. The Bulgari brand has become renown for craftsmanship, avant-garde materials and colorful design. Bulgari has also become known for unusual color combinations using rubies, emeralds and sapphires of all colors.

Known for: Serpenti collection

CARTIER

Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in Paris in 1847, and in the century and half since the brand has established itself as a leading luxury jewelry house.  In his day, Cartier was the choice jeweler for Napoleon, Tsar Nicholas II, and many royals from courts of Spain, Portugal, Russia, Greece, Serbia, Belgium, Romania, Egypt, Albania and Monaco.  The Cartier brand is indelibly linked with diamonds from Grace Kelly’s engagement ring to the the 124.48ct Star of the South diamond to the Hope Diamond (which was eventually purchased by the next atelier on this list).

Known for: Love Bracelet and Panther motif

HARRY WINSTON

Some of the most famous gemstones in the world have been owned by the Harry Winston brand;  the Jonker, the Hope, Diamon and the Winston Legacy Diamonds have all had a place in their collection.  Perhaps these large gems served as the inspiration for the iconic Harry Winston engagement ring, as he was the pioneer in setting large stones in solitaire rings, instead of using them only in brooches, necklaces or tiaras.  Thus the modern engagement ring was born!

Known for: Engagement rings

TIFFANY AND CO.

In 1837, Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young opened a New York store with a $1,000 advance from Tiffany’s father.  From those humble beginnings grew a world-famous jewelry house whose iconic blue boxes are as recognizable as its jewelry.  You know that Tiffany produces well-loved jewelry designs, but did you know they also have been called up to create the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award, and the 1885 redesign of the Great Seal of the United States which now appears on the $1 bill?  Tiffany has also created the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the National Football League Super Bowl® Championship since 1967.

Known for:  Little blue box

FABERGE

Faberge has been an iconic name in jewelry since Peter Carl Fabergé became official goldsmith to the Russian Imperial Court. The house creates exquisite jewels and objects d’art, like their renown Imperial eggs.  For 32 years, Faberge created annual eggs for Russian royalty, each displaying a mastery of craftsmanship working with the most precious of materials.

Known for: Faberge eggs

These jewelry designers are masters in their field, producing some of the most elegant jewelry the world has ever seen.  If you are considering buying a piece of jewelry sure to become an heirloom, take a look at our list of timeless jewelry every woman should own.