From the snow-capped beauty of the Swiss Alps to the charming tree-lined streets
of Parisian style, we discover where the world’s most renowned
luxury jewellery brands reside and the heritage behind them.
Guest post: Harriette Conroy
Chopard - Switzerland
Originally known for making ladies’ watches and pocket watches the fine quality of Chopard’s timepieces is admired across the globe. Founded in 1860 by Louise-Ulysse Chopard in Sonvilier, Switzerland, the Geneva-based company is a firm favourite of Hollywood’s elite and a regular on the red carpet in Cannes having been seen on the likes of Julianne Moore, Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman in recent years.
Luxury American jewellery brand Tiffany has been the go-to jewellery of choice for many a love struck man searching out the perfect engagement ring, and where better to pick up a princess diamond cut platinum band of perfection than at their iconic granite front flagship store on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan? Whizz your bride-to-be there in style by chartering your very own luxury private jet from specialists www.volanteus.com before getting down on one knee in a romantic rooftop proposal.
Inspired by traditional Roman designs, Bvlgari blends show stopping shapes and unique styles to create pieces that are as eye-catching as they are eclectic. The company uses rare and precious stones combined with 18ct gold that's loved by luxury jewellery connoisseurs across the continent. Andy Warhol was an avid fan of the jewellery powerhouse and once said: “For me, calling at Bvlgari’s shop is like visiting the best exhibition of contemporary art.”
Cartier is often referred to as “the jeweller of kings and queens” with their collection adorning royalty from the Duchess of Cambridge to Princess Caroline of Monaco. Their famous pieces include the Panthère brooch, which was created for Wallis Simpson in the 1940s, and the Santos wristwatch from 1904.
Founded in 1960 Graff is a relative newcomer to the world of precious gems, but the brand more than makes up for its infancy with a list of discerning and prestigious clientele that is the envy of jewellers everywhere. Their distinctive and exquisite style combined with rare jewels have made them world leaders in the luxury jewellery market. It is said that
Graff has handled more diamonds of notable rarity and beauty than any other jeweller with the Star of Bombay – a 47.39ct diamond - being the first of many famous diamonds to pass through their hands.