Celebrated Jewellers of the 20th Century

We love working with vintage jewellery every day and occasionally we are lucky enough to come across a piece from one of the most famous and celebrated designers of last century. Here are some of our most revered:

Harry Winston:

Harry Winston was renowned for his exquisite diamonds and his use of unique and rare gemstones. His designs were full of intricate settings, delicate openwork, and simple yet stunning lines that captured the essence of each stone.

Van Cleef & Arpels:

Van Cleef & Arpels were known for their exquisite craftsmanship and signature designs that incorporated gems and jewels in a unique way. Among their famous creations were the Mystery Setting, which concealed the prongs in a piece of jewellery, leaving only the beauty of the stones visible.

Cartier:

Cartier was one of the most well-known names in jewellery during the 20th century. They produced stunning pieces with exceptional craftsmanship and innovative settings such as the Tutti Frutti style, which used colourful carved gems in whimsical combinations.

Coco Chanel:

Chanel's jewellery designs were elegant and timeless. She was known for her simple and refined designs that included layers of pearls, gold chains, and diamond studs. Chanel was one of the earliest designers to incorporate costume jewellery into her collections, which added a new dimension to her already luxurious appeal.

Elsa Schiaparelli:

Schiaparelli's jewellery was bold, colourful and incorporated a variety of elements such as glass, enamel, and stones. She was known for her innovative use of materials and designed iconic pieces such as a lobster brooch and a surrealist bracelet depicting an eye and a pair of lips.

René Lalique:

Lalique's jewellery was heavily influenced by his glasswork and featured elements like opalescent glass and intricate patterns that evoked natural themes such as flowers and animals.

Fulco di Verdura:

Verdura was recognised for his ornate pieces that featured elements such as gold, enamel, and pearls. He was responsible for creating distinctive designs such as his signature Maltese Cross cufflinks, which were beloved by celebrities and high-society figures.

Bulgari:

Bulgari was a well-known name in the jewellery industry, and their designs were often colourful and playful. They used vivid stones such as emeralds and sapphires in their designs, creating bold compositions that were unlike anything seen before.