Contributed by Info Guru Paul Seaburn
As every man who wants to make a woman happy knows, you never go wrong with jewelry.
Unfortunately, the “power tool” strategy of buying the biggest doesn’t work in the jewelry store. Jewelers and women agree that you can’t go wrong if you get her something from a popular designer. Before you embarrass yourself at the jewelry store or worse, in front of your wife or girlfriend, here are ten of the top popular jewelry designers.
10. Scott Kay
Scott Kay is world renowned for his platinum designs, particularly in bridal jewelry. An American designer, Scott Kay is seen often on television with his bridal designs.
9. Chopard
Founded in 1860 by Louis-Ulysse Chopard, this Swiss company is known for its precision luxury watches with movements that are designed and manufactured in-house. Chopard also designs fine jewelry.
8. Van Cleef & Arpels
The French designer Van Cleef & Arpels is known for jewelry set with precious stones, particularly using their proprietary mounting technique knows as the Mystery Setting, where the stones are mounted with no visible prongs.
7. Rueckheim
Not as well known as these other jewelry designers, Frederick William Rueckheim nonetheless became the word’s leading provider of wedding rings when in 1893 he invented Cracker Jack, the popcorn, molasses and peanut snack with the prize inside the box, most often a plastic ring pressed into service by love-struck men who couldn’t afford a diamond one.
6. Bulgari
Founded by Greek jeweler Sotirios Voulgaris in 1884, Bulgari is now an Italian designer owned by a French firm offering to the world its signature gold necklaces and bracelets, often adorned with large precious stones.
5. Piaget
Founded in Switzerland in 1874 by Georges Piaget to build pocket watches, today Piaget continues to design beautiful diamond watches, as well as jewelry made from the finest sapphires and emeralds.
4. Mikimoto
Mikimoto is known for pearl jewelry designs using the best quality pearls in the world. Mikimoto created the world’s first spherical cultured pearl in 1905 and today turns pearls into creations far beyond the simple earring.
3. David Yurman
A relative newcomer to jewelry design, David Yurman and his wife Sybil started the company in 1979 and today provide his signature “cable” pieces, made from twisting silver or gold ropes, to celebrities and socialites.
2. Tiffany & Co.
The movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” didn’t hurt, but Tiffany & Co. has been a top jewelry designer since 1837, starting in New York City creating elegant pieces for America’s richest families. Even the empty boxes are popular!
1. Cartier
Founded in Paris in 1847 by the French jeweler Louis-François Cartier, the designer continues to provide exquisite diamond jewelry and watches to the rich and famous worldwide.