Garrard to Boucheron: 10 oldest jewellery brands in the world that have stood the test of time

We live in a world where true luxury is fleeting because of moving trends. But some labels have gained the term ‘heritage’ because they have survived strongly among fast-forward chains and are known for their uniqueness, quality, and timeless value. Long before diamonds became red-carpet staples, some labels started with royalty and aristocracy, setting the golden standard for fine jewellery, and are still going strong today. Let’s take a look at some of them.

This is the oldest jewellery company in the world, founded in 1613 in France. Owned by an Italian family, the brand was used by the Russian aristocracy, Queen Elizabeth II, and even Marie Antoinette. In 2023, renowned French ballet dancer Hugi Marchand was carefully chosen as the ambassador for Mellerio Dist., which have the oldest jewellery stores across the globe. Meller sits in Paris.

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Known as Garrard & Co. Limited, it is one of the most renowned luxury jewellery brands across the globe. It was earlier known as Asprey & Garrard Limited and was founded in 1735 in London by George Wicks. Known for its one-of-a-kind designing and manufacturing, it has its headquarters in Mayfair, London.

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Founded in 1780, Chaumet is one of the oldest standing high jewellery labels across the globe. It was established by Marie-Étienne Nitot, who was Napoleon Bonaparte’s personal jewellery designer, and had a name for only functioning for the elite class for more than two centuries. Known for its unique craftsmanship, designs, and pieces, Chaumet is a preferred brand of European royalty and high society, who mostly engage in making engagement rings, necklaces, and tiaras.
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Founded in 1842 in St Petersburg, Russia, Fabergé is a jewellery and luxury objects brand popular for its exquisite craftsmanship and reached its peak under Peter Carl Fabergé, who became the official jeweller to the Russian Imperial Court. After facing difficulties during the Russian Revolution and changes in ownership, it revived its power around the 2000s and continued to deliver excellent pieces.

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Tiffany & Company began as a retailer of luxury jewellery in New York City and soon became a historical part of America’s legacy. Thanks to several events, the United States brought in diamonds from the European aristocracy in 1848 and gave the world a jewellery house that is everyone’s favourite across the globe. The establishment of the 925 standard of purity for sterling silver gave rise to the concept of engagement rings, which was introduced by Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1886.

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Known as Société Cartier, this French jewellery and luxury goods conglomerate is known for its high-end luxury accessories and is one of the most successful brands in fine jewellery across the globe. Established in 1847 in France, it is a family dynasty firm built by the Cartier brothers and is still running strong today.

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Founded in 1858 by Frédéric Boucheron in Paris, it is one of the oldest high jewellery houses across the world but is no longer owned by its original owners. The brand became popular for being the first jewellery label to establish on Place Vendôme in 1893, which has been the headquarters of the label to date. The house is known for its iconic creations, such as the Serpent Bohème collection and for all the Art Deco pieces released in the 1920s.

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Chopard was established in 1860 in Sonvilier, Switzerland, by Louis-Ulysse Chopard, who loved creating women’s watches and pocket watches. The brand suffered a decline until 1963, when Karl Scheufele bought it, but soon saw a rise after a decade. It stands as one of the most important Swiss jewellery houses across the world.

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Bulgari is another renowned jewellery brand that also retails perfumes, handbags, watches, accessories, and fine jewellery in the luxury segment. Its trade name is BVLGARI, founded in 1884 by the Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari. It quickly became a renowned house in Italy and soon across the globe.

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Piaget began its journey in 1874 and was founded by Georges-Édouard Piaget, who set up a small workshop on his farm in Switzerland. Known for its luxury watches and fine jewellery, it became the largest supplier of watch components across the world. But, in 1943, the brand began manufacturing its own line of luxury watches, whereas earlier it was only known for its stunning jewellery selection.