A common misconception about designer jewelry is that it’s unattainable, or that the designers only offer a limited range of styles. The truth is, high-end jewelry comes in a wide range of prices and designs. It’s never been easier to find luxury gifts for your loved ones.
In this blog, we’ll give you some more information on a few of today’s leading designer jewelry brands and the products they offer. At the end of each section, you’ll find a link to explore some of the designers’ work!
David Yurman Jewelry
The David Yurman brand was founded in 1980 by the husband and wife team of David and Sybil Yurman. Both David and Sybil were interested in art from a young age, and dabbled in various media before settling on jewelry design as their ultimate passion. Their son, Evan, has since joined the business.The Yurmans’ initial designs focused on beaded jewelry, utilizing pearls, lapis, garnets and other semi-precious gemstones. Since then, the Yurmans have continually expanded and improved their line of products, keeping their focus on innovative design, top quality materials, and experimentation with color and texture.
The brand features David Yurman men's and David Yurman women's jewelry. Styles range from subtle chain link bracelets to intricate gemstone drop earrings. This brand truly offers something for everyone, and many products are priced under $1,000. Others are aspirational pieces for those special, once-in-a-lifetime purchases.
They may be best known for their cable styles, which use ropelike motifs to create striking and sturdy pieces. The cable collection is extremely popular, and can often be seen on red carpets. This collection features bracelets, rings, cufflinks and more.
Explore more from David Yurman.
John Hardy Jewelry
Founded in 1975 by Canadian designer and artist John Hardy, this brand boasts both men’s and women’s collections. Hardy was inspired to form his company after visiting the Indonesian island of Bali, which is steeped in a long legacy of jewelry making. Local artisans taught Hardy their techniques, and he soon established his headquarters in Bali.The John Hardy brand is unique in its commitment to sustainability. Its production center, also located in Bali, even has an organic farm on the compound. The company carefully sources all of its materials, and uses reclaimed silver and gold in many of its designs. This John Hardy bracelet, also featuring black sapphire, displays the brand's intricate approach to jewelry design.
John Hardy is well known for its Love Knot collection, which, inspired by Balinese technique, features intricate interwoven chains. These structured pieces have a truly unique, geometric aesthetic. The brand also places emphasis on functionality and wearability, creating jewelry that’s comfortable and easy to incorporate into any outfit.
This brand’s pieces tend to focus more on precious metals than on gemstones, though some collections include diamonds and colored stones. Some collections also use leather, cord and rubber. Each piece is handcrafted with precision. While this artisanship is reflected in the brand’s prices, John Hardy offers plenty of jewelry under $1,000.
Roberto Coin Jewelry
This renowned Italian jewelry brand was founded by Roberto Coin in 1996. It’s headquartered in Vicenza, Italy, also known as Italy’s City of Gold. About one-fifth of the country’s gold and jewelry production occurs in the city, which is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. Surrounded by so much history and beauty, it's no wonder Roberto Coin seems to be endlessly inspired to create new, breathtaking designs. In fact, the brand is noteworthy for creating over 600 new products each year.Roberto Coin pieces frequently include elegant floral motifs, as well as structure links and medallions which call to mind Italy’s rich history of design in the visual arts, architecture and beyond. Roberto Coin is another brand that’s incredibly popular among celebrities and public figures, and it’s easy to see why. These Roberto Coin earrings demonstrate the designer's careful attention to structure and detail.
Each Roberto Coin piece also contains a small ruby. Often hidden upon first glance, closer inspection will reveal this beautiful gem. This signature detail is meant to symbolize a message of good wishes from the designer himself. It’s emblematic of the brand’s careful craftsmanship, and the care poured into every facet of these designs.
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Mikimoto Pearls
The Mikimoto brand has revolutionized the jewelry industry like no other. For hundreds of years, the only way to get pearls was to find them naturally. This was an extremely difficult process, as only about 1 in every 10,000 oysters possesses a pearl. Divers could spend months searching fruitlessly for the gems, and because pearls were so rare, they were exceedingly expensive.In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto changed everything by creating the world’s first cultured pearls. For over 130 years, Mikimoto has led the field of pearl jewelry through innovative design. Using only the finest gemstones, this Japanese brand has embraced its artistic niche.
Pearls have always been beloved, but lately they’ve been enjoying a renaissance. It’s now common to see pearls worn by people of all ages and genders. Mikimoto has kept up with changing trends, offering pearl jewelry for men and women across the style spectrum. Their collection features far more than pearl strands, encompassing everything from brooches to ear cuffs.
Pearls vary in cost based on size, color, and oyster species, among other things. Naturally, a strand of many pearls will cost more than a ring with a single pearl. So, it’s no surprise that Mikimoto’s products come in a wide range of prices. The brand offers many options under $1,000 and even some under $500. Its most high end pieces can be hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Explore more from Mikimoto Pearls.
Julie Vos Jewelry
Named for its founder and lead designer, Julie Vos is a brand dedicated to creating jewelry with a luxury feel at attainable prices. Established in 2006, Julie Vos uses semi-precious gemstones, crystal, fused glass and pearls to create wearable works of art. The brand keeps fine jewelry within reach by crafting pieces from high quality, yet attainably priced, materials.The prolific designer creates six to eighth new collections each year. Vos cites the vibrant city of New York, her adoration for the fine arts and architecture, and her global travels among the inspirations for her jewelry. Collections may be built around a particular motif (such as this fall's Alligator Collection), or inspired by a specific locale (such as the brand’s signature Cannes Collection).
This brand offers a huge range of products and styles. Whether you’re looking for a chunky, colorful bangle or a pair of understated gold earrings, you can find it at Julie Vos. The designer’s reasonable prices are another huge draw. Jewelry lovers will have their pick of stunning pieces under $500, and even plenty of simpler designs under $100.
Explore more from Julie Vos.