Best Luxury Jewelry Brands of 2026

Luxury jewelry brands are one of the most important (and popular) ways to purchase jewelry, and for good reason. In this article, expert jewelers Benjamin Khordipour and Afshin Shaddaie, will list the top luxury designer jewelry houses for 2026.

The brands on this list are determined based on a few criteria. We look at their heritage, current importance of vintage pieces, possible investment value, ethical sourcing transparency, and recognizability of signature collections.

1. Cartier (Our Top Pick for 2026)

Cartier remains at the top of our list for 2026.

Founded in 1847, this prestigious Parisian jewelry house is one of the most important names in jewelry. Known as “the jeweler of kings,” the Maison’s prestige in 2026 is driven by the global dominance of its Panthère, Love, and Juste un Clou collections. These designs are treated by many to hold significant investment value. They usually command very high prices in the vintage and auction markets.

In the modern landscape, Cartier has successfully integrated tradition with 2026’s demands for ethical transparency. By offering robust restoration services and maintaining a strict, traceable supply chain, the brand appeals to both the classic collector and the sustainable investor.

Unlike many companies that have lost their touch due to mass-production, Cartier has managed to balance their standard for luxury craftsmanship and status.

Shop examples of vintage Cartier jewelry.

2. Van Cleef and Arpels

Holding our number two spot for 2026, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to define the “poetic” side of high jewelry.

Since opening its doors at 22 Place Vendôme in 1906, the Maison has become synonymous with technical and whimsical design. The brand’s prestige is anchored by its legendary Alhambra clover motif, which has so far maintained extraordinary value retention in the resale market. Collectors also prize the Maison for its high-jewelry innovations, such as the Mystery Set and the transformable Zip Necklace. These items frequently command record-breaking prices at elite auction houses like Sotheby’s.

Van Cleef & Arpels has remained a leader in the jewelry scene by prioritizing craftsmanship over mass appeal.

By focusing on “Metiers d’Art” and maintaining highly limited production for its most sought-after gemstone combinations, the brand has created a level of scarcity that fuels global demand.

Shop Vintage VCA jewelry.

3. Tiffany & Co.

Ranking third, Tiffany & Co. has successfully transitioned from a classic American jeweler to a global powerhouse of high-jewelry prestige.

Since its acquisition by LVMH, the brand has quadrupled its high-jewelry revenue. It has centered its identity around “The Landmark” flagship in New York and the legendary Tiffany Setting engagement ring. Its modern prestige is reinforced by the massive popularity of the Tiffany T, HardWear, and Lock collections. These have become essential symbols of “everyday luxury” for a new generation of affluent collectors.

In 2026, Tiffany continues to lead the industry as a pioneer in diamond traceability. It was the first global luxury jeweler to disclose the specific provenance of its newly sourced diamonds. This commitment to transparency, combined with the timeless appeal of the Elsa Peretti and Jean Schlumberger archival designs, has solidified Tiffany’s status as a cultural icon.

Shop Vintage Tiffany and Co. jewelry.

4. Bvlgari

Bvlgari holds the next spot on our list. And its famous as the “Master of Colored Gemstones” and the architect of bold, Roman-inspired opulence.

Founded in 1884, the brand is defined by its architectural lines and a fearless use of volume that distinguishes it from the more delicate styles of its Parisian peers. Its prestige in 2026 is anchored by the evergreen success of the Serpenti and B.zero1 collections. These have become some of the most investable designs in the luxury market. Vintage Serpenti pieces, in particular, continue to break records at auction. The rarer models completely out-beating estimates as collectors view them as wearable masterpieces.

In 2026, Bvlgari has further solidified its standing through a “Sustainable by Innovation” strategy, becoming a leader in radical transparency. By embedding unique micro-engraved codes into its pieces to document the origin of every gemstone, the Maison has removed the “ethical uncertainty” for the modern buyer.

Shop vintage Bulgari jewelry.

5. Harry Winston

Now ranking fifth place, is Harry Winston, also known as the “King of Diamonds”. It remains the ultimate name for those seeking rare, investment-grade gemstones.

Established in New York in 1932, the brand’s history is famously tied to some of the world’s most important diamonds, including the Hope Diamond. In 2026, its prestige is maintained through extreme exclusivity and the iconic Winston Cluster design, which minimizes metal to let the stones’ natural brilliance take center stage.

While other brands have focused on broader lifestyle collections, Harry Winston remains dedicated to the pinnacle of high jewelry and red-carpet glamour. Its pieces are viewed as genuine financial assets. They often start at price points that exceed the top-tier offerings of more accessible luxury brands.

Shop estate Harry Winston Jewelry.

6. Graff

Holding the sixth spot for 2026, Graff is the definitive choice for the world’s most significant and rarest diamonds.

Graff was founded in London in 1960. Although they are relatively young house compared to their French peers, they have achieved “prestige” status in record time. They’ve handled more diamonds of notable rarity than perhaps any other jeweler. In 2026, Graff’s allure is driven by its vertically integrated model, where they control every step from mining to cutting, ensuring that collections like Butterfly and Tilda’s Bow feature stones of unparalleled quality and investment value.

In the 2026 market, Graff stands out for its “extreme exclusivity,” often catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals who view jewelry as a portable asset class. While the brand has expanded its more accessible bridal and “everyday” luxury lines, it remains anchored by its High Jewelry masterpieces that regularly headline global auctions.

Shop estate Graff jewelry.

7. Boucheron

Ranking seventh, Boucheron is the avant-garde pioneer of the Place Vendôme. They were the first jeweler to establish a boutique there in 1893.

In 2026, the Maison is celebrated for its radical “Freedom to Create,” blending 168 years of heritage with high-tech materials like NASA-grade aerogel and 3D-printed sand. Its prestige is anchored by the Quatre and Serpent Bohème collections. These pieces are highly coveted in the jewelry market, with the Quatre ring specifically recognized as a “modern heirloom” that retains fantastic value.

Boucheron’s position on our list is further strengthened by its industry-leading “Precious for the Future” sustainability framework. The brand has achieved 100% traceability for its key raw materials, including gold and diamonds. This commitment to transparency, paired with its reputation for creating “wearable art” has pushed the boundaries of traditional jewelry.

Shop estate Boucheron jewelry.

8. Buccellati

The final entry on our list, Buccellati is the pinnacle of Italian “Old World” prestige. They’re renowned for their meticulous hand-engraving that transforms gold (and silver) into the texture of fine silk or lace.

Buccellati was founded in Milan in 1919. They are one of the few global houses that remains under the creative direction of its founding family. This has helped ensure that its Renaissance-inspired techniques have been preserved for over a century.

Its 2026 standing is anchored by the Macri and Tulle collections, which are famous for the “Rigato” effect (parallel lines hand-cut into the metal to create a fabric-like sheen). Collectors prize these pieces for their rarity. And because their jewelry is so labor-intensive, Buccellati produces far fewer items than other luxury giants, making them a consistent favorite for investment-focused buyers at auction.

In 2026, Buccellati has successfully scaled its presence without diluting its artisanal soul, thanks to strategic investment in training a new generation of master goldsmiths. The brand’s focus on “Metiers d’Art” and its refusal to follow fleeting fashion trends have made it a “safe-haven” brand for jewelry connoisseurs. While many competitors lean into bold, modern aesthetics, Buccellati’s commitment to intricate, sculptural goldwork and the use of rare, colorful gemstones provides a unique alternative for those seeking historical artistry.

Shop vintage Buccellati jewelry.

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