Jewelry in addition to adorning the body, serves as an outlet for artistic expression. World famous jewelers have designed pieces of art that have attracted collectors globally.
Frederic Boucheron
Well known for his expertise regarding precious stones, Boucheron first opened a jewelry shop in 1858 at the Palais Royal. He also opened a shop in 1893 in the Place Vendome that still operates successfully. Boucheron branches can be found in Japan, Moscow, the Far East, and London.
Sotirio Bulgari
Bulgari opened his shop in 1879 in Via Sistina, Rome. His sons carried on his distinctive style after he died in 1932. His pieces feature patterns and colors found in mosaics. Bulgari also transformed old coins into jewels. His boutiques can be found in Hong Kong, Geneva, Milan, New York, London, Singapore, Tokyo, and Paris. In 1998 at an auction, a Bulgari brooch sold for $1,186,400.
Louis-Francois Cartier
In 1847, French watch and jewelry maker Louis-Francois Cartier opened up shop, but his grandsons Pierre, Louis, and Jacques built Cartier into an empire. The Cartier Museum began in 1983, and Cartier became a member of Vendome Luxury Group in 1993.
Joseph Chaumet
Originally founded under a different name, this firm was Napoleon’s official jeweler, and other clients included Empress Josephine and Empress Marie-Louise. After Napoleon’s fall, Jean-Baptiste Fossin and Jules, his son, took over. Joseph Chaumet took over in 1889 and changed its name. This change of ownership took Chaumet to an international level, and it served European royal houses.
Laurence Graff
Graff Diamonds, founded in 1960 in London, created jewelry using the rarest gems possible. Graff has handled a few of the most treasured gemstones in the world, such as The Begum Blue, The Idol’s Eye, and The Emperor Maximillian. Locations exist in New York City, London, Moscow, Dubai, and Monte Carlo.
Tiffany & Co
Beginning as an elegant goods store back in the 1800s, Tiffany & Co. found its niche by the 1950s in the jewelry industry. Louis Comfort Tiffany, the founder’s son, made and sold the most famous pieces. Other designers and George Frederick Kunz, famous gemologist, propelled Tiffany & Co. toward global jewelry fame. Tiffany & Co has over 100 locations globally today.
Harry Winston
Winston handled renown diamonds, such as the Vargas, the Jonker, and the Taylor-Burton. He donated The Portuguese, The Oppenheimer, and The Hope to the Smithsonian. Winston possessed almost a third of all well-known museum diamonds in his lifetime. After he died, his son Ronald continued and grew the dynasty, opening markets in Beverly Hills and Tokyo.
Whether operating locally or globally, famous jewelers contribute to a lasting legacy. Jewelers delight admirers with their art as they continue the tradition of making beautiful, memorable artwork.
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