Words by Sophia Miller
“Diamonds are forever,” sang Shirley Bassey – and, if you’re lucky, the same can be said for your fine jewellery collection. Untouched by trends, heirloom jewels can signify permanence in an impermanent world, not to mention holding everlasting memories of loved ones and favourite places. But what exactly are the best pieces to invest in?
The most prominent names – Cartier, Chopard, Chaumet, Bvlgari and Boucheron, to name a few – are a wise place to start. Centuries old with world-class traditions of manufacture and design, these brands and their landmark collections deserve a place in any jewellery box purely by virtue of their icon status. To help inform your next investment, Beth Hannaway, director of Fine Jewellery and Watches at Harrods, gives her recommendations.
Cartier
Among the most recognisable pieces of jewellery in the world, the Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet was designed in 1971 to translate a simple household object – the nail – into a thing of beauty. “Cartier, the ‘King of Jewellers’, has numerous iconic collections to boast of, but Juste un Clou has to be my favourite,” says Beth. “More contemporary in feel than its big sister, Love, a Juste un Clou bangle makes the perfect addition to any stack.”
Chopard
Soon to be celebrating its 50th anniversary, Chopard’s Happy Diamonds is a “truly joyful addition to your jewellery box,” says Beth. The collection is named for its precious stones that dance and float across each piece, offering joie de vivre in bijoux form. As Chopard attests: little diamonds do great things. Not a jewellery person? You may prefer its Happy Sport watches, which benefit from the same whimsical flourish.
Chaumet
Launched in 2011 as Bee My Love, then rebranded last year with an extensive collection of rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces, Bee de Chaumet is a true modern classic. “Perfect for stacking and layering, it reinterprets the unmistakable pattern of honeycomb in precious form, complete with uniquely cut honeycomb-shaped diamonds,” says Beth. What could be sweeter?
Bvlgari
Inspired by a snake’s mythological associations of wisdom and rebirth, Bvlgari’s Serpenti collection spans necklaces, bracelets, Tubogas timepieces and rings – all united by the brand’s characteristically decorative lens. “Bvlgari and the iconic Serpenti motif are synonymous in their instant recognisability,” Beth explains. “It might be the Year of the Snake, but the Serpenti is never out of style.”
Boucheron
Serpent Bohème is an haute joaillerie legacy that began in 1888 with jeweller Frédéric Boucheron and a necklace he designed for his wife, Gabrielle. “With its signature drop design, sparkling diamonds, masterful goldwork and variety of colourful hard stones, it’s a timeless collection that pairs beautifully with its equally iconic sister: Quatre,” says Beth.
Jewellery is one of the most personal gifts you can choose for a loved one – which also mean it’s one of the hardest. Here’s where to start.
From the Cartier Baignoire to Bvlgari’s spiralling Serpenti, jewellery-like watches in precious metals are among the hallmarks of modern style.
