Wristwatches and jewelry are two different things, but they go hand in hand when people wear them.
In the west, watchmaking achieves a balance of function and style, with some brands having an extensive range of contemporary pieces, including jewelry.
Here’s a look at some of those brands that have diversified from making signature watches to fine jewelry through the years.
Chopard
Founded by Louis-Ulysse Chopard in 1860, the Geneva-based brand uses high-quality materials such as real stones and 18K gold for every piece.
Chopard, known for high standards of quality and precision, has a line that consists of the most sought-after luxury pieces, such as the Happy Diamonds collection and the Immortal Peacock earrings.
Bulgari
For the past 133 years, Bulgari has been been making fine Italian watches, perfumes, luxury goods and even launched a hotel brand.
It has been known to incorporate Greek and Roman artistry into its designs. One of Bulgari’s prized pieces, the Serpenti, is a 16-carat, pink gold-paved diamond necklace.
Piaget
Piaget, founded in 1874 by George Piaget, is a Swiss brand of luxury watches and jewelry.
Piaget’s style epitomizes Old World glamour with its proprietary Rose designs and the Limelight Embroidery Motif ring, a classic piece of 18k white gold, set with one brilliant-cut blue topaz, four pear-cut purple sapphires and 273 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Tiffany’s
The film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” helped popularize the American luxury jewelry and specialty retailer Tiffany & Company as an international brand.
Since its founding in 1837 as “stationery and fancy goods emporium,” Tiffany’s has become a go-to store for diamond jewelry. Its elegant, feminine designs are garnished with only the rarest, most precious gems and diamonds.
Some of its best pieces feature exceptional stones, like a vivid 45.44-carat, cushion-cut center green tourmaline, vibrant sapphires, tsavorites and diamonds.
Van Cleef & Arpels
French jewelry, watch and perfume brand Van Cleef & Arpels is most notable for its floral and aviary themes. Its gem-setting style, known as Mystery Setting, is also a favorite of its high-profile clientele.
Classic details, such as the undulating lines and abstract motifs, are best embodied in its Lune d’eau Between the Finger ring.
Cartier
Cartier is arguably the world’s most famous jewelry house due to its affiliation with the royal family. It caters to the wealthiest and most prestigious clientele.
The French brand, founded by Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847, since then, has produced some of history’s most iconic pieces, such as a 6.5-inch diamond bracelet, which was sold for over $7 million.
Harry Winston Inc.
Harry Winston Inc. is an American luxury jeweler and producer of Swiss watches.
Founded in 1932, the brand’s pieces showcase a unique and elaborate design that speaks of durability and elegance.
It has also used historical gemstones, like the Jonker, the Lesotho, the Taylor-Burton, and the legendary Hope Diamond. Its ruby and diamond necklace has 31 rubies and 186 pear-shaped brilliant diamonds, set in platinum and 18K yellow gold.
