On the whole, jewellery never goes out of style. No matter the decade or the trend, the unique designs of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings have served as both statement pieces and daily accessories. Whether pearl, gold, silver, rose gold, diamond or something else entirely, a good jewellery piece can stand alone, completing your outfit and adding the right amount of elegance and sparkle.
As much as we love our day-to-day pieces, though, we’re always on the hunt for new ones to add to our collection, ones we will hopefully be able to pass on as family heirlooms. So more often than not, to acquire a piece that will outlast trends and generations, you have to invest in designer jewellery brands.
Whether it’s a renowned Cartier Love bracelet or a classic Mikimoto pearl necklace, there are so many designers elevating jewellery and creating pieces that are worth every penny. To streamline the best designer jewellery brands in the market for you, we decided to put the 15 best in this article. From brands whose clothing you already love (hi, Hermès and Chanel) to labels who’ve been perfecting their craft for so many years (looking at you, Swarovski), make sure you commit them to memory.
Another classic brand is Cartier. Get yourself one of its iconic Love bracelets or something classic such as a necklace.
Messika’s contemporary pieces have quickly become classics in their own right. With timeless style combined with innovative design, the Messika signature is instantly recognisable in each creation.
Blame it on the classic Audrey Hepburn film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but there’s something undeniably timeless about anything from this age-old jewellery designer.
David Yurman emerged on the scene in 1980, but that hasn’t stopped it from creating pieces destined to be in your jewellery box forever. If you’re buying your first piece, go for something that features the brand’s signature rope-style twist.
If you aren’t familiar with Mikimoto, it’s about to become one of your favourite designers. The Japanese jewellery brand’s founder is known as the first to create cultured pearls, which means you know that this brand will have some of the best out there.
If you’re looking for something that feels more exotic than your classic gems, Bulgari’s pieces feel like those Cleopatra might wear if she were alive today.
Could there be anything more lust-worthy than something from Harry Winston? As the brand responsible for some of the most famous diamonds to date, there’s no doubt any piece from the designer is worth the investment.
When it comes to luxury, no one does it quite like Hermès. Sure, you know the brand for its signature Birkin Bag, but it also has some amazing jewellery worthy of a spot in your collection too.
Perhaps you’ve become familiar with Chopard from its luxury watches, which feature the brand’s signature Happy Diamonds. Well, its jewellery is equally cool. Whether you opt for a piece that features the Happy Diamonds or not, it’s sure to stand out.
No matter what you get from Chanel—whether it’s a classic handbag, a ready-to-wear piece, or something else—you know it’ll be the epitome of chic. If you’re looking for something to wear every day, embrace the famous fashion house with a shiny bauble.
French luxury jewellery and watch designer Van Cleef & Arpels carries a unique, old-school touch to all of its pieces. If you aren’t sure where to start, get yourself something that showcases the brand’s classic clover motif or a simple bracelet to wear with all of your ensembles. There’s no going wrong here.
Alex Monroe is known for its nature-inspired jewellery, which continues to stand the test of time. Most fashion editors have the designer’s bee pendant in their jewellery collections, which, although delicate, has become one of the most iconic pieces in British jewellery.
Proof that fine jewellery can have a playful side, Annoushka’s pieces are colourful and glamorous but not unwearably so. Glittering plentifully with diamonds and precious gemstones, each of the brand’s pieces is handmade from the highest-quality materials.
Though Suzanne Kalan launched her jewellery line back in 1988, the pieces she creates along with her daughter feel distinctly “now.” The pair explore colour and form with their jewellery, finding beauty in uneven clusters and vivid colours.
Swarovski has always spearheaded the business of sparkle, but its latest collection just might be its best yet. With bold designs in a directional colour palette—balanced with more subdued pieces in the brand’s trademark silver hue—it serves up a jewellery feast of the finest kind.
This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.
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