What Brand of Jewelry Is Most Popular?
Like most products, jewelry is manufactured by countless companies, with a handful of brand names most everyone has heard of. Even people with no interest in earrings and necklaces probably know Tiffany’s is a jewelry store. How did brands such as Cartier, Tiffany and Co., Rolex, and others make such strong names for themselves in the market? Here’s what you should know about the most popular jewelry brands.
Tiffany and Co.
Maybe you’ve seen the 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” starring classic actress Audrey Hepburn, or maybe you’ve had the song “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something from the mid-90s stuck in your head a few times. Either way, you’ve probably at least heard of the fine jewelry designer Tiffany and Co. The company’s signature blue boxes are enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat as they open a gift. So how did Tiffany’s gain such fame?
The company dates back to its original owner, Charles Lewis Tiffany, and the small New York City fine goods shop he opened in 1837. Located on Broadway, the shop had a great location and quickly established itself as the go-to place for high-end style and jewelry. If you wanted to secure your place in the upper crust of society, you shopped at Tiffany’s. In 1878, Tiffany and Co. acquired a stunning 287.42-carat yellow diamond from Africa that was cut, polished, and set into a necklace later worn by Hepburn in the photos from her 1961 film.
Today, Tiffany and Co. is known for diamonds and romantic pieces perfect for anniversaries, engagements, and a very special someone. The popular Tiffany T designs offer a simple, classic look with a nod to the brand that jewelry lovers will notice. Other popular pieces include the lock wrap bracelets and the Victoria line with elegant diamond leaf designs.
Cartier
Louis-François Cartier started his career in fine jewelry and watchmaking as a young apprentice and took over his employer’s shop in Paris in 1847. After surviving the French Revolution of 1848, the shop stood strong and continued to make a name for itself. During the Paris Commune uprising of 1870, Cartier began acquiring some of his most valuable pieces due to the desperation of the Parisian aristocrats. The Cartier brand came under the ownership of the founder’s three sons and expanded to London and then New York City in the early 1900s.
Cartier famously owned and then quickly sold the cursed Hope Diamond to Mrs. McLean, cementing the company’s name in history. Some of the original pieces that made the brand famous are still popular today. Such pieces include the Tutti Frutti line of fine jewelry decked out in colorful gems and Panthère de Cartier watches.
Rolex
When you think of fine watches, you probably think of the Rolex brand. Started in 1905 London by Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex began as a brand that sought to create elegant timepieces that were also reliable and highly capable. The Rolex Oyster was the first waterproof wristwatch ever made and was worn by the famous Mercedes Gleitze as she swam the English Channel in 1927. After more than 10 hours in the freezing cold water, her Oyster watch was still ticking perfectly.
Rolex continues to be the most iconic watch brand in the world as it also continues to innovate. Today, buyers can find luxury watches made of fine materials and precise pieces with impressive abilities. The newest version of the Oyster watch is the Oyster Perpetual, which is a chronometer waterproof wristwatch built with Rolex’s very own Caliber 3230 self-winding movement.
David Yurman
Founded in 1980, David Yurman jewelers is newer to the jewelry scene than some of the other well-known brands, but it has made a name for itself in the past few decades. The company was started by aspiring artist David Yurman, who began selling his metalwork and welding sculptures at the age of 15. After marrying an artist named Sybil, the two realized they could combine their artistic skills to create unique, beautiful pieces of jewelry.
The iconic David Yurman design is the cable bracelet. It comprises fine metal pieces woven together to create an intricate, twisted look around the cuff and finishes with precious jewels at either end. The company has worked its famed cable design into rings, necklaces, earrings, and more unique bracelets. Other popular David Yurman pieces include stunning diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, and stacked jewelry.
Mikimoto
A Japanese jeweler founded in 1893, Mikimoto was the first jewelry company in the world to create a cultured pearl. For more than 120 years, Mikimoto has been innovating the use of pearls in jewelry. Kokichi Mikimoto, also known as The Pearl King, is the company’s original owner. He built up the organization’s success by sending his craftworkers to Europe to learn art deco and art nouveau styles.
The combination of European style with Japanese culture and innovation allowed Mikimoto to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces. In 1921, Mikimoto fought in court to have his pearls recognized as gems in the world market and gained international recognition.
Mikimoto’s pearls and fine jewelry designs are now sold in the United States in stores in New York City, Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, and Costa Mesa. Classic pieces include pearl drop necklaces, pearl stud earrings with gold or platinum rods, and full pearl bracelets with an alternating diamond design. Mikimoto also creates colorful designs using black pearls and gemstones. The Jardin Mystérieux collection features white pearls surrounded by intricate constructions using emeralds, garnets, sapphires, and diamonds.
Buy or Sell Jewelry in Las Vegas
If you’re interested in seeing some of these brands and their timeless pieces for yourself, check out Las Vegas Jewelry and Coin Buyers. Our collection of designer, diamond, and gold jewelry and watches and coins will have your eyes sparkling. We love being in the fine jewelry business and enjoy meeting and working with new customers.
Contact Las Vegas Jewelry & Coin
Whether you’re looking for an appraisal, shopping for a gift for someone special, or simply treating yourself, we can help. Give us a call at 1-702-986-0153 to schedule your visit, or come into our store at 1405 W. Sunset Rd in Henderson.
Tags: Jewelry
