19 Luxury Jewelry Brands You Should Know

Best Use of Pearls

Jeweler Matthew Harris is all about creating modern fine jewelry that’s actually affordable—but each Mateo creation is the stuff of your dreams. Like the brand’s now-signature Initials ring that’s a unique take on the signet concept; it appears to be a pavé letter of your choice, suspended behind a clear pane of quartz. Yeah, drool. Mateo’s calling card is unique silhouettes you won’t find elsewhere, including pearl earrings that look nothing like the classic studs you know and love.

Best for Cable Bracelets

Yup, the purveyor of the classic cable bracelet is still going strong. Founded by sculptor David Yurman and his wife Sybil in 1980, this New York brand is a total family business; the couple’s son Evan even designs baubles for the company. And while you can certainly shop the aforementioned cable detail in every iteration imaginable (from petite pavéd rings to initial pendants), there are some edgier pieces in the mix, including a few drop earrings that combine black onyx with diamonds. The latter is surely the creation of the youngest Yurman.

Best Use of Symbolism

Per the Foundrae site: “The collection is founded on a lexicon of archetypal mythological and classical symbols with the intention of inspiring the wearer to take the wisdom passed down through generations and apply that to one’s own life.” That looks like an 18 karat gold and enamel cigar band that reads “fuerza” (which is strength in Spanish) and a medallion pendant necklace with an infinity symbol that reminds us all about karma. All that might sound heavily laden with significance but, trust, these are stunning everyday pieces that feel ebullient in execution.

Best for Collectors

Here’s another classic big jewelry house that’s been around forever. Since 1860, to be exact. Still, Chopard’s designs feel fresh and down-to-earth, with cute motifs such as fresh blooms, enamel hearts and nestled circles that create a spiral effect. While these are the kind of pieces you’d think of as heirlooms, they’re not quite the items worn by your grandmother back in the day. So yes, they’ll make a sound investment to wear now and forever.

Best Boho Vibe

No one does boho luxe quite like Jacquie Aiche. A fave of celebs including Rihanna and Gigi Hadid, this jeweler’s signature is chunky gemstones, Native American relics, with a touch of hammered gold, all finished off with a not-so-casual spray of diamonds. Not to be missed are her opal inlay designs, which bring stunning sunsets and other ‘70s-inspired vistas to life via unreal stones.

Best for Chains

Handcrafted in Bali since 1975, John Hardy jewelry mixes organic influences with a hint of glam, resulting in stunning pieces that are not intended to be saved for special occasions. As in, everything looks equally good with a white T-shirt and jeans as it does with your most formal work garb. You can’t go wrong with the brand’s Classic Chain (either as a necklace or a bracelet) but if you want to be daring with a dragon motif or unexpected with a bamboo detail and black sapphires, you can have that, too.

Best For Diamonds

If it’s diamonds you’re in search of—and high-quality ones, at that—De Beers is a great starting point. The brand has been known as “the home of diamonds” since 1888 and it helped the Gemological Institute of America create the first universal diamond grading system (which you probably know as the 4Cs). So whether you’re on the hunt for a unique diamond bracelet, an eternity band or a simple solitaire pendant, De Beers is all about creating the sparkle you can trust. In addition, they’re known for crafting the kind of majorly over-the-top pieces that boast over 100 carats of stones and would only be at home on the Oscars red carpet.

Best Modern Aesthetic

Sleek, clean lines and a minimal aesthetic is the Repossi vibe. Where other brands might rely on solitaire diamonds, this Parisian company is all about the pear-shaped stone, while their take on the stacking band is thin, angular and purposely off-kilter. And their lineup has always been known for a healthy selection of ear cuffs. While Repossi jewelry is certainly modern, it’s not too trendy that you’ll have to worry about it feeling stale in a few year’s time.

Best Range of Styles

You know and love Tiffany & Co.’s blue boxes. But this timeless jewelry house has undergone a cool reinvention over the past few years, not to mention, it’s now owned by top French luxury conglomerate, LVMH. That said, it’s not just the place to go for the sterling silver Return to Tiffany necklaces you used to lust over as a teen (though those are still on offer). Instead, let us direct you to Tiffany HardWear, where the aesthetic is minimal, crisp and—yes—definitely cool. Or even the Tiffany T range, that’s all about sharp angles and clean lines.

Best Stacked Rings

You’ve probably seen a stack of interconnected rings from this Los Angeles-based jewelry company. Known as the Galaxy ring, it’s become a hero product from the husband-wife designer duo behind Spinelli Kilcollin. What sets it apart from other stacks out there? Each stack is connected by a series of tiny connector rings, allowing it to be worn on multiple fingers at once—and making it so you’ll never lose a band from the set. Studded with pearls, featuring a mix of metals or a few different colored diamonds, there’s truly a stack for everyone. (FYI, it’s not all rings; Spinelli Kilcollin also makes some great hoop earrings and chain necklaces that don’t need charms to stand out.)

Best Status Symbol Pieces

From the Love bracelet that has to be screwed on your wrist (and removed in the same manner) to the Juste un Clou range that has turned the humble nail into a luxe must-have, Cartier has certainly cemented its status as a trendy but timeless jewelry house. Not to mention, their timepieces have become an undeniable status symbol, too.

Best One-of-a-Kind Pieces

Yes, those are, indeed, pebbles with gemstones set into their natural face. And that’s what CVC Stones is all about. Founder (and former financier) Charlie de Viel Castel started the company after his grandmother passed away and left him a loose diamond. He had the stone embedded in a rock and the rest, as they say, is history. With earthy undertones but still rather glam, these handcrafted necklaces and rings—which can feature a squiggle of sparkle or a simple three-stone motif—are all truly one-of-a-kind. You know, since no two pebbles are exactly the same.

Best Sculptural Silhouettes

Is it a chandelier earring? Or is it a work of art? These are often the questions we have to ask of ourselves when looking at Fernando Jorge designs. Because they’re that sculptural and have an innate fluidity to them. The eponymous designer works closely with craftsmen in his native São Paulo on pieces that range from everyday rings that pack a colorful punch to a starburst cuff that’s begging to be paired with a black tie gown.

Best Bangles

Meet the Instagram queen of jewelry and rainbows. Seriously, if you haven’t given @Stephaniegottlieb a follow, you’re really missing out. While Gottlieb is definitely an expert when it comes to all things diamonds, as her bridal offering includes an extensive selection of bands and engagement rings, there are a few other fun styles from the brand that you’ll want to see. Like the SG Fine slider bangles, that can be personalized in any way you want.

Most Colorful Gems

Feminine and colorful but never twee or too delicate, Irene Neuwirth’s gems always boast a shock of color that’s surprisingly wearable. We’re talking about hand carved aquamarine studs that are far from basic, chunky green chrysoprase beads that could dress up even a grey sweatshirt and a chain necklace that features hearts instead of links (aw!). If you have the chance, seeing Neuwrith’s stones in person is definitely worth the trip...just be warned that you probably won’t be able to hold back from the watermelon tourmaline drop earrings.