7 Oldest Jewellery Houses in the World
Ancient craft
Love jewellery? Then you’ve got to know your history. Jewellery making is an art form that has existed since the pre-historic period. While marvellous bijoux isn’t hard to find, what’s important to note is that there are brands that have successfully withstood harsh competition and the test of time. If you’re an avid jewellery collector, here’s a question for you: Do you know which are the longest-standing masters of the craft? If you have your answers in mind, scroll down to see if they’re right! Behold—the longest-living jewellery brands in the world.
BVLGARI
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Before launching itself to the pinnacle of Italian elegance, Bvlgari had a relatively humble beginning, which was rooted in silversmithing. Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari established his namesake brand in Rome circa 1884, and it quickly garnered the attention of the masses. But it wasn’t until his sons Giorgio and Costantino joined the business that the brand flourished as a household name. In their hands, Bvlgari gradually became the authority in high jewellery.
The design evolution at the luxury house was traceable by the decades. From the Art Déco designs in the 1920s to the Serpenti sinuosity in the 1940s and the colour-infused creations in the 1950s, Bvlgari laid the foundations for many of its iconic collections today. As the brand garnered the attention of movie stars and socialites—its Via Condotti store was a popular rendezvous for the in-crowd—Bvlgari extended its reach to Europe and the United States in the 1970s.
Cartier
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The Cartier name is not foreign when it comes to exquisite jewellery. Founded in 1847, Louis-François Cartier established the brand when he took over his master, Adolphe Picard’s workshop. The brand thrived despite being in a time of uncertainty and unrest during the French Revolution, building its reputation as a creator of fine jewellery and watches. The first Cartier boutique opened in 1859 and the business was rapidly grown under the reign of Louis -Francois’ son, Alfred Cartier.
The brand was even given the title of ‘Jeweller of Kings, King of Jewellers’ from King Edward VII when Alfred was actively introducing Cartier to the Royal houses in Europe. The Maison has also served as the crown jeweller for 19 royal houses and is now renowned for its signed wristwatches, excellently crafted jewellery and the iconic Cartier LOVE bracelets.
CHAUMET
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Nobody name-drops quite like Chaumet. Founder Marie-Étienne Nitot, before paving his own way to prominence in 1780, was an employee of Ange-Joseph Aubert, whose clients included Marie Antoinette. Having no trouble standing on his own two feet, he managed to bag some top-tier patrons on his own. His sublime work in crafting Napoleon’s coronation sword landed him the position as the jeweller to the Imperial court and personal jeweller to the Empress Joséphine.
Chaumet’s other claims to fame are equally impressive. The brand, for instance, was the first business to move into the Place Vendôme when Nitot’s son François-Regnault succeeded him in 1812. From there, the house continued to be on an upward trajectory and eventually landed on its name when its director, Joseph Chaumet, took the reins in 1885. His creativity led to aigrettes and tiaras—widely regarded as status symbols—becoming key Chaumet specialities.
Chopard
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Chopard was created by Louis-Ulysse Chopard in 1860 in Sonvillier, Switzerland. This esteemed brand first started out being known for creating ladies’ watches and pocket watches. Later on, the brand established itself as a master of high quality Swiss watches and jewellery, with royal clients like Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Today, the brand releases a wide range of pieces from luxury timepiecs and jewellery to magnificent jewellery watches that constantly reinforces its place as one of the top jewellers in the industry.
Garrard
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Garrard was founded by English silversmith George Wickles in 1735 in London. Its first headquarters was located at Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London. This prestigious brand is the first and the oldest crown jeweller in the Royal family, creating precious jewellery for the kings and queens of Great Britain up till 2007.
The brand is known for its great achievements of dealing with numerous famous jewels like the Cullinan diamonds, as well as the trusted creator of crowns for the Imperial Crown of India and the crown for Queen Elizabeth in 1937.
Piaget
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Georges-Édouard Piaget created his legacy at the age of nineteen, starting Chopard in 1874. He set up his first workshop in his family farm, devoting time, energy, and all his attention to creating components and high precision movements. He has a motto of “Always do better than necessary”, a reflection of his ambitious and boundary-breaking nature.
Soon enough, Piaget’s great reputation spreaded beyond La Côte-aux-Fées and he would become the component supplier of the most prestigious watch brands in Switzerland. Till today, the Maison is known for its incredible expertise in gold and jewellery craftsmanship as well as their bold creations that merge both jewels and timepieces.
Tiffany & Co.
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You might recognise the brand for its well-crafted diamonds, silverware, and famous ambassadors, but behind its modern silhouettes is a long-standing history of excellence in craftsmanship. Tiffany & Co. is an American luxury jewellery and specialty retailer founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany and J.B Young in 1838 in New York.
The brand first gained popularity when Charles Lewis Tiffany introduced the first major gemstones to the country, and they gained a swift success with their identity as ‘The Diamond Kings’. Continuing the hit streak is the Tiffany Setting engagement ring in 1886 that became an emblem for those who want to mark their true love.
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