From storied maisons to artists who create wearable art in the form of jewellery, the following 21 brands (in no particular order) each offer a singular point of view and aesthetic unique to its own. From the fantastical vignettes imagined by the sculptor Bibi van der Velden to designs once created only for the maharajas, this list guides you through the varied and remarkable pieces of the jewellery world, as well as the perfected versions of those classic and timeless pieces you’ve been searching for.
Photo: Franco Gobbi
This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US.
Irene Neuwirth’s whimsical and free-spirited designs capture a beautiful balance between luxury and playfulness. Combining a diamond tennis necklace with precious stone charms carved like fruit, Neuwirth reminds us that jewelry is fun while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship and quality. Some of my favorites are her opal candy beaded necklace and her gumball rings.
Pictured: Opal, Diamond & 18-Karat Gold Necklace, Irene Neuwirth
Animals and nature are common themes throughout Bibi van der Velden’s intricate designs. Trained in sculpting, van der Velden hand-carves each piece with unusual materials like the tusk from a 60,000-year-old mammoth or wings from a scarab, and is adept at engineering movement as in her Galaxy Spinning Pearl Ring.
Pictured: Crocodile-Motif Hanging Earrings, Bibi van der Velden
Using geometric form and severe angles to design the base of each piece while adding elements of extreme femininity either through the cut of the diamond or curve of the negative space, Gaia Repossi creates jewelry for the strong, modern woman unfettered with traditional notions of jewelry. Each piece resembles a work of art through its innovative aesthetic and refined quality.
Pictured: Antifer 18-Karat Rose Gold and White Gold Bracelet with Diamonds, Repossi
David Webb’s world of baubles is not for those with a tame heart. Original, and often dramatic, designs of animals and grand cocktail rings are Webb’s signature.
Pictured: 18-Karat Gold Ebony Buckle Ring, David Webb
The Kasliwal family dates back to the 16th century as the legendary jewelers to the maharajas. Combining Indian aesthetic and craftsmanship with his learnings from goldsmiths in Italy, Sanjay Kasliwal designs to bring his family’s heritage to all corners of the world.
Pictured: 22-Karat Gold Diamond Square Ring, Sanjay Kasliwal
The storied French maison remains one of the most sought-after labels when it comes to jewelry and watches. Popular for its Panthére, Love bracelets, and more, Cartier—named the Jeweler of Kings—dates back to the 19th century as the favorite among royalty.
Pictured: Diamond & Black Onyx Panthère Cuff Bracelet, Cartier
Related article: Jewellery Designer Roxanne Assoulin’s Bright Idea
Sidney Garber pieces are the essence of timeless luxury. If you are in search of the perfect chain-link necklace (which can be worn multiple ways, the Y shape being my favorite), search no more. Because time and time again, this one takes the win. Now helmed by Garber’s daughter, Brooke Garber Neidich, the company donates all profits to nonprofit organizations dedicated to children.
Pictured: Oval Link Tivoli Necklace, Sidney Garber
Fred Leighton is renowned for vintage and estate jewelry, which is remarkable and expertly curated. However, the brand also creates new pieces like these white topaz drop earrings that hang exactly at the right length from your lobes. It’s the small details that make these pieces so perfect.
Pictured: Cushion Cut White Topaz Collet Drop Earrings, Fred Leighton
Dauphin’s collection is composed of sharply engineered geometric designs and an architectural quality in each piece. Deconstructing the notion and form of what is expected in a ring or necklace, the French jewelry brand creates showstopping pieces for the contemporary jewelry buyer.
Pictured: Disruptive Pavé Diamond 18-Karat Rose Gold Two Tier Ring, Dauphin
When Spinelli Kilcollin introduced its interconnected galaxy rings, it caused a frenzy among fashion editors and stylists. From its signature black gold and use of mixing metals, the brand commercialized the idea of wearing rings across multiple fingers and brought attention back to our digits.
Pictured: Four Link Luna Rose Rings, Spinelli Kilcollin
For those seeking more of a spiritual connection with their jewelry, Foundrae offers an immense variety of mystical symbols designed on medallions and crests to layer on chain necklaces. The combinations are endless.
Pictured: True Love Mixed Medallion Belcher Necklace, Foundrae
Shihara’s unconventional designs are wearable every day. The brand’s minimal approach to three-dimensional shapes and exactly how they sit on the ears may be why it feels so timeless. Although known for its unique earrings, Shihara also offers sleek and understated rings and necklaces.
Pictured: 20mm 3-D Square Earring, Shihara
Related article: Emma Stone’s Gorgeous Engagement Ring Has A Pearl Instead Of A Diamond In The Center
Daniela Villegas creates fantastical pieces rooted in Mother Nature and the cycle of life. Often featuring species not necessarily considered beautiful, such as the centipede, Villegas seeks the unusual, which results in gorgeous creations.
Pictured: Belisama Sapphire, Peridot & Tourmaline Ring, Daniela Villegas
A Roman jeweler known for its iconic Serpenti design and combination of yellow gold with colorful precious stones, the house of Bulgari dates back to 1884 having adorned many notable stars from Elizabeth Taylor to Ingrid Bergman.
Pictured: 18-Karat Pink Gold & Diamond Serpenti Ring, Bulgari
A classic for a reason—that little blue box will always elicit excitement.
Pictured: Tiffany T Two Diamond and Black Onyx Circle Pendant in 18k Rose Gold, Tiffany & Co
A favorite of Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, Lynn Ban’s creations are bold, fun, and major in every way. Using vibrant tones against black rhodium, all of Ban’s pieces imbue a rock ‘n’ roll energy.
Pictured: Voss Lab-Sapphire & Gold Drop Earrings, Lynn Ban
Mikimoto is the ultimate purveyor of the highest-quality pearls. Credited as the first person to culture a pearl, Mikimoto Kōkichi pioneered the commercialization of the pearl jewelry industry.
Pictured: Diamond Horseshoe & Pearl Charm Bracelet, Mikimoto
Known for cable bracelets, David Yurman offers many other bracelet options to mix, stack, and collect over the years, as well as a full-range of other categories like the perfect signet ring.
Pictured: Stax 18-Karat Gold Chain Link Bracelet with Diamonds, 4mm, David Yurman
Related article: Express Your Playful Side With Chanel’s Coco Crush Collection