The jewelry landscape can be a treasure trove or a minefield, depending on your level of expertise when it comes to silver, gold, carats or karats, and the surprisingly tricky realm of ring sizes. It's a diverse and busy scene, so it helps to at least have a grasp of the jewelry brands that are sure to deliver quality materials, fine detail, and ultimately, pieces that are worth investing in.
From long-standing jewelry nobility Cartier and Tiffany & Co. to newer kids on the gold and silver block, this list of the established and the very well established jewelry brands is a good place to start to avoid dropping your dollars on a necklace, bracelet, or ring that turns out to be a little less authentic than promised.
As well as a brief introduction to these purveyors, the list also includes our choice pieces currently available from the need to know brands.
Explore these brands and shop our highlights below.
Jacob & Co
If you were a rapper in the 90s and 2000s, there are two things that you would do after inking your first major-label deal. Cop a new car, preferably Lexus or Mercedes. Then you have to stop by "Jacob The Jeweller" — a man who has created some of the most iconic and eye-catching wearables the world has seen.
Deeply entrenched in Hip Hop history, Jacob Arabo has gone on to diamond dress Jay Z, Pharrell, RZA, Notorious B.I.G, Sean "Love" Combs, and Kanye West, just to name a few. Since starting in 1986, Arabo has built a legendary following among the stars for his beautifully engineered watches and opulent jewelry. A rite of passage for many in the industry, the New York-based Jeweler has continued to build on its hip hop heritage, expanding into ready-to-wear with our Highsnobiety team.
Hatton Labs
Hatton Labs has made a strong case for sustainable jewelry. The UK-based brand utilizes recycled metal from local manufacturers to create genre-bending designs with a contemporary twist. They've helped popularize the men's pearls trend while blessing us with Pearland sterling silver bracelets, multicolor crystal necklaces, and an abundance of Cuban links.
Designs themselves pull from both British heritage and modern subcultures. These designs are made using traditional handwork techniques along with 3-D printing technologies. Hatton Labs' forward-thinking creations have attracted support from Burberry, Skepta, Vivienne Westwood, and Harry Styles — and hype around the brand continues to build with each new drop.
Ina Seifart
Soon after launching her eponymous design studio in 2002, Ina Seifart caught the industry's attention with her distinctive accessories and jewelry. Considered a pioneer, Seifart's designs are beautifully odd, functional, and slightly industrial. Yet, the designs are always clean. Pieces like the brand's wooden bead chains and keyholders have become a staple of the brand. Each collection is handcrafted in Berlin, with materials sourced directly from Germany.
Tiffany & Co.
It's only right to begin with the oldest of our jewelry brands, and it's likely one that's already known by all. Founded in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has been at the forefront of expertly crafted jewelry and innovative design for way over a century. Founder Charles Lewis Tiffany is even said to have introduced the engagement ring as we know it. Years later, and Tiffany & Co. has still got the goods.
The T Square bracelet from the famed New York jewelry store comes in 22 carat sterling silver and is the perfect indulgence piece. Browse on for more from jewelry royalty.
Cartier
The second of the long-standing jewelry heavyweights, Cartier was born in Paris in 1847 and created by jeweler Louis-François Cartier. Like its close rival above, Cartier is a brand you've most probably heard of, if not for its classic timepieces, then maybe through hip-hop's affinity to the brand. Below, Kanye West proudly shows off his mind-bending Cartier "Crash" watch, created in 1967, on Twitter.
Also seen in Kanye's post is an Ecrou de Cartier bracelet, and we've included some of the brand's hottest wrist accessories that are available right now. Be warned though, this is one of the world's finest jewelers we're talking about, so these pieces don't come cheap.
GOOD ART HLYWD
On to much younger blood than the two jewelry giants above, Good Art HLYWD opened its doors in 1990 in Los Angeles. Founder and designer Josh Warner's pieces reflect the rock 'n roll spirit of California through hand-made punchy bracelets, rings, pendants, and more, all of which are crafted from fine metals.
Two good examples of Josh's turned up to 11 jewelry aesthetic are the "Steal Your Face" pendant — a sterling silver skull piece, and a bracelet that continues the theme.
All Blues
From sunny Los Angeles to Stockholm and All Blues — a jewelry brand established in 2010 with a vision for disrupting the often wasteful nature of the scene. Crafted from locally sourced materials, the unisex pieces by the Swedish brand are all set in 925 sterling silver and 18 karat gold.
Highlights from the brand's current collection include this gold chain-link bracelet, coming in an 18 karat gold vermeil. For some more scandinavian sophistication, explore the All Blues pieces below.
Le Gramme
Le Gramme is a French brand with a penchant for precision and minimalism. Reflecting its name, each of Le Gramme's pieces is named after its weight. From the "Le 31 Grammes" sterling silver band bracelet to the "Le 25/10g Red Cord" piece, Le Gramme's accessories are minimal gems with an emphasis on metal quality.
Shop the Look
MAPLE
Established in 2014 on the east coast of Canada, MAPLE produces handcrafted accessories with exquisite detail, and at more affordable prices in comparison with some of its peers on the list. This brass bangle features hand-carved detailing and MAPLE etched branding.
Another choice piece from the Vancouver-based MAPLE included below is the peace symbol pendant. Crafted from 925 sterling silver, this is ideally worn on a simple chain to add that finishing touch to an outfit.
Peanuts and Co.
Peanuts and Co. was created by Japanese photographer Yoshiki Suzuki, whose travels across the globe have given birth to a jewelry collection visibly inspired by ancient lands and US history. Yoshiki's weird but undeniably wonderful pieces are handmade and boast insanely intricate details.
Its offbeat accessories include this pendant in the brand's signature peanut motif and the bull brass ring, with added detail via its zirconia eyes.
Tom Wood
Using her alter ego, Mona Jensen set up Norwegian lifestyle brand Tom Wood in 2014. As well as accessories, the brand also produces clothing, accessories, and homewares. Perhaps unsurprisingly given its roots, Tom Wood offers jewelry pieces that are minimal, functional, and classic.
All of the brand's accessories are handcrafted, and its rings are always particularly stand-out items in its collections. The cushion ring is a sterling silver highlight, complete with turquoise stone to really catch the eye.
Martine Ali
Martine Ali is often known in the jewelry game for its revival of the heavy chains of early 2000s hip-hop. Not only this, but Chicago-born designer has also added her unique eye for accessories to pieces for DKNY too. Inspired by the her childhood of the late 90s, of which MTV’s TRL was a regular backdrop, Martine Ali continues to drop its signature noughties-style chains and chokers for men.
Ali's Cuban link bracelet is a chunky statement piece that comes in silver-dipped brass, at a steal price of $150 too.
Chrome Hearts
Born in the late '80s, Chrome Hearts is a jewelry brand with rock 'n roll roots, having worked with everyone from the Sex Pistols to The Rolling Stones and Guns N' Roses on their looks. Alongside clothing, furniture, and eyewear, to name just a few, Richard Stark's Los Angeles-founded brand has made a name for itself through high-end silver jewelry.
Our highlight pieces include this Rolling Stone lips ring , with a stunning high-polish finish and sterling silver composition.
