The Oldest Jewelry Brands in the World
Jewelry has been a part of human culture for millennia, and some of the original makers, who date back centuries, are still making timeless treasures today. When it comes to the oldest jewelry brand in the world, that honor goes to the high jewelry giant Torrini, which got its start in Florence, Italy, in 1369.
The most historic watch maker is the Swiss luxury brand Blancpain, which began selling goods in 1735. For diamonds, German brand Backes & Strauss is the longest-running; it was founded in 1789 in Germany. Many other recognizable brands also go back centuries, including Bulgari, Cartier, Piaget, and Tiffany & Co. All of them boast long, storied pasts and have created some of the most iconic pieces across time.
What You Will Learn
What Is the Oldest Jewelry Brand in the World?
As mentioned, Torrini is the world’s oldest jeweler and the oldest family-owned company specializing in fine jewelry. The company was founded in 1369 by Jacopus Turini, and while it initially got its start in goldsmithing, the scope quickly expanded. Torrini is now credited with a wide array of not only jewelry, but also art and architectural details throughout Europe and the US. For example, the St. John the Baptist statue at the top of the dome of the Baptistery of Pisa, and the gilded terracotta sculpture of Madonna and Child on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.
As of 2017, descendant Guido Torrini is the brand’s creative and artistic director, where he leads the company in combining precious stones with the family’s long-standing goldsmithing tradition.
What Is the Oldest Watch Brand in the World?
Swiss luxury brand Blancpain is the oldest, still-operating watch brand in the world. Established in 1735, it’s one of the most prestigious watch brands and has served celebrities and politicians over many lifetimes. As such, the company takes pride in its small operations and attention to detail in all of its timepieces. Eschewing quartz watches, the brand produces a relatively small number of designs per year, each crafted by only one dedicated watchmaker.
What Is the Oldest Diamond Company in the World?
While you may assume that the title goes to Graff Diamonds or De Beers, they’re not even close to being the oldest. Instead, the oldest diamond company in the world is Backes & Strauss, founded in 1789 in Germany. Today, the now-London-based company specializes primarily in timepieces, including fine watches that display a dazzling array of diamonds and other gemstones.
More of the Oldest Jewelry and Watch Brands in the World
Mellerio dits Meller
This French jewelry house is another one of Europe’s oldest, family-owned jewelry brands, second only to Torrini. The Mellerio family founded the jewelry brand in 1613, and the company has been passed down through more than a dozen generations ever since. Over the centuries, Mellerio dits Meller has served European royalty with its high-end jewelry, including crafting various royal crowns. The brand is also responsible for crafting the Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy, which is given out to the winner of the men’s singles at the French Open.
Chaumet
Founded in 1780 by Marie-Etienne Nitot, this Parisian jewelry house and watchmaker once served as a jeweler to Napoleon Bonaparte. The revolutionary figure was just the start of a long list of notable clientele, and others included the Duchesse de Berry and Queen Victoria.
Today, Chaumet is part of the LVMH conglomerate, which owns various luxury brands, including Tiffany and Bulgari.
Bulgari
While Bulgari can’t claim as long a lineage as Mellerio dits Meller, its founding in 1884 is nothing to scoff at. The Italian brand produces jewelry, watches, and a handful of other luxury products, and even has a few hotels under its umbrella. The company received contemporary mainstream attention due to Elizabeth Taylor’s highly publicized love for Bulgari jewelry throughout the mid-1900s.
Bulgari is also known as one of the most expensive jewelry brands in the world. One of its pricier items, the Bvlgari Blue, a platinum ring with a vivid blue diamond, sells for more than $15 million.
Cartier
Louis-Francois Cartier founded Cartier in 1847, about 50 years earlier than Bulgari, while his son Alfred Cartier would grow the brand internationally following his father’s death. The French company has crafted fine jewelry for royalty, including King Edward VII, Princess Grace of Monaco, and the Duchess of Windsor.
Chopard
Louis Ulysse Chopard founded the Swiss watch and jewelry brand Chopard in 1860. However, unlike some of the other brands on this list, Chopard did not remain in the family; it was acquired by the German Scheufele family in 1963.
As one of the most prestigious watch brands, Chopard’s history includes counting Tsar Nicholas II among its clientele and selling its Happy Diamond wristwatch for an impressive $1.67 million at a 2015 Christie’s auction. However, that price tag can’t hold a candle to that of the Chopard Blue Diamond Ring, which sold for just above $16 million.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin is a luxury watchmaker based in Switzerland. Founded in 1755, it is known as one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world. The brand is particularly known for its pocket watches, including a 1929 model originally owned by an Egyptian king. This watch set a record as one of the most expensive watches to sell at auction, selling for $2.7 million.
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany is one of the more well-known historic brands on this list, as most can identify the iconic shade of Tiffany blue. Additionally, Tiffany is one of the only American brands on this list and one of the more accessible, with price points that are within reach for many shoppers.
Founded in New York in 1837, Tiffany has become a favorite brand with celebrities and very well known for its classic engagement ring.
Oldest Jewelry Brands FAQs
What Are Royal Houses in Jewelry?
A royal house is a design or jewelry house that works extensively with royal families. Many of the oldest jewelry brands carry this distinction.
Why Is Fine Jewelry So Expensive?
Fine jewelry is expensive due to various factors, including, but not limited to, the expertise needed to craft it, the precious and rare metals and gemstones used to create jewelry, the rarity, such as limited series, and the specialty retailer or brand’s reputation for luxury. All these factors can drive up the cost of jewelry, with some one-of-a-kind pieces from top-tier brands valued at tens of millions of dollars.
What Is the Most Expensive Jewelry Shop?
If you’re just looking at brands with many storefronts in major cities, you’ll find that some of the most expensive include Cartier and Tiffany & Co.
What Is the Oldest Known Jewelry in the World?
One of the oldest examples of jewelry is a series of beads found in Bizmoune Cave in Morocco. The beads, made from sea snail shells, are estimated to be about 142,000 years old.
How Old Is Antique Jewelry?
Antique jewelry is generally considered any piece more than 100 years old, while vintage jewelry includes pieces between 50 and 100 years old.
Protect Your Favorite Jewelry — No Matter When Or Where You Bought It
Even if you didn’t shop with one of the high-end, luxury jewelry brands, your favorite jewelry pieces are still worth protecting.
Did you know that the average homeowners and renters insurance only covers a fraction of your jewelry’s value? And, in some cases, your policy may only give you a few thousand dollars to repair or replace it — far less than what the average engagement ring is worth.
BriteCo can help you fill the gaps. Learn more and get your free jewelry insurance quote now.
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