There are leaders in every industry and when looking at antique jewellery, certain names keep popping up; names such as Faberge, Cartier and Tiffany are brands that shaped trends by creating stunning works of art admired by people from all walks of life. This short article provides an in-depth look at some of the more prominent jewellery makers that shaped trends.
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Cartier
You could not have a conversation about the best antique jewellery without mentioning Cartier; this brand is synonymous with excellence. The company designs and manufactures jewellery and other items. The brand also has connections with royalty, with rulers of European countries that commissioned specific jewellery pieces. King Edward VII ordered many jewellery items from Cartier, called them the king of jewellers and issued them with a Royal Warrant in 1904. Other rulers followed King Edward VII and forged official links with Cartier and commissioned many fine pieces of jewellery over the years. Cartier is as successful today as it was way back in the early days, thanks to a succession of mergers and acquisitions. In 2012, Cartier was acquired by the Rupert family of South Africa, with involvement of the granddaughter of Pierre Cartier and the company is doing very well.
House Of Faberge
Founded in the mid-19th century, the House of Faberge made a name by creating Faberge eggs encrusted with intricate jewellery, which were commissioned by Russian Tsars. Over the years, Faberge created stunning items of jewellery; yet it is their stunning Faberge eggs that makes them so well known. If you are looking for a special engagement ring as exquisite as a Faberge creation, you can buy vintage engagement rings at Kalmar Antiques or at a reputable antique dealer near you. Kalmar’s collection are among those that are well worth viewing, and should you wish to have a private viewing, this can be arranged.
Tiffany & Co
Unofficially known as Tiffany’s, this house of jewellery is based in Manhattan, with over 300 stores worldwide. Over the decades, Tiffany created stunning pieces of jewellery for wealthy clients. The Tiffany Diamond is one of the largest yellow diamonds ever discovered and it was acquired by the company in 1879. It is believed that this diamond has only been worn by 4 people, one of whom was Audrey Hepburn in the movie ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. It was later renamed the ‘Burton-Taylor’ diamond, which was presented to Elizabeth Taylor by her fiancee Richard Burton.
Lalique
Originally, the company made decorative glass items and later moved into jewellery in the early 20th century; many would say they created the Art Nouveau style, which happened from 1910-1920. Pieces of jewellery crafted by Lalique are very much sought after, this is one company that influenced jewellery design in many ways. Superb crystal glass decorations were made by their expert glaziers and in 2010, Lalique was acquired by the company Art & Fragrance and it still makes stunning jewellery.
The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw leading jewellery makers design and create stunning pieces of jewellery that set trends rather than following them. If you are looking for genuine antique jewellery, whether to wear or as an investment, search online for a leading antique dealer, browse their website and when you find what you are looking for, you can make an online purchase.
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Antique jewellery is collected by private investors who wish to diversify their portfolio, also collected by people who love to wear fine antique jewellery with their outfits. Whatever your reason to acquire fine antique jewellery, start with a Google search and browse the website of a local antique dealer.
