There are just some jewelry collections that are tremendously recognizable no matter how long they’ve been around. Tiffany & Co. knows this all too well, which is why so many of their collections still stand strong and sell in their stores and online to this day. But there are many popular, big-named jewelry houses that make beautiful (albeit, lesser known) pieces besides the collections that go mainstream. Here are my favorite under0celebrated collections from four of the most recognizable names in jewelry.
Known for their responsible jewelry practices and ethically-sourced diamonds and gemstones, Chopard is probably most recognized for their Happy Diamonds series, which spans the realms of both jewelry and watches. And while pieces in the collection can range from surprisingly affordable to a “HOLY SMOKES!” price tag, there are indeed other amazing collections that Chopard offers that don’t get nearly the attention they deserve. One of my favorite collections by the Maison is called La Strada.
Named after a 1954 Federico Fellini film (meaning, “The Road”), La Strada is a collection that pays homage to literal and figurative curves: curves of a woman, curves in the road, and curves of life. The collection consists of beautifully feminine lines and smooth, soft designs that flow while intermixing with the diamonds Chopard is known for.
The iconic Italian luxury brand has become nearly synonymous with the jewelry and watch collection that has made it the most popular in terms of mainstream availability and recognition: Serpenti. Originally created in the 1940s as a watch, the collection has not only stood the test of time (which is fitting considering the reputation and mythological connection to the serpent), but the brand and its designers have found ways to reinvent the collection while still staying true to its design roots.
However, a collection that is not as popular but still beloved (or at least, should be, in my opinion) is the Bulgari Parentisi. Deriving from the word, “parenthesis”, the Parentisi collection of jewelry for both men and women fittingly represents the perfectly patterned stones aligning Rome’s ancient paved roads and uses precious metals and diamonds to accentuate the geometric beauty of its design.
David Yurman’s Starburst Collection
I’m not sure if I know many women who don’t own at least one piece of jewelry by designer David Yurman, and in most cases, it’s a piece from David Yurman’s popular signature Cable collection. The simple, elegant bracelets that made him a name in the jewelry world are still as sought after today as they were when David first introduced them.
A slightly lesser known collection by David Yurman that actually stems from and still incorporates his Cable collection is called Starburst. Taking its inspiration from fireworks in the Paris sky, the Starburst collection is available in either sterling silver or in 18K gold and can be accented with diamonds, colored gemstones, or both.
Amulette de Cartier
Cartier is one of the rare maisons that have several collections which are staples and can be easily associated with the brand upon first glance. I’d argue the Cartier Love collection is the brand’s most iconic to date. Cartier managed to take a concept so simple with their Love collection and turn it into a “must-have” piece of jewelry for both celebrity customers and mere mortals like you and me. But, Cartier makes a handful of other simplistically-designed collections that, including one that I feel has really flown under the radar.
The Amulette de Cartier collection is “everyday wearable” and combines a center diamond which is bezel-set in high-karat gold with surrounding semi-precious colored gemstones like lapis, carnelian, or onyx. It’s a classic design that can be worn day or night and, at the end of the day, it’s Cartier, so, you know it’s going to well-made and get noticed.
Main image courtesy of Katerina Perez