Featured Designers BUCCELLATI
CARTIER
HENRY DUNAY
Opening in Milan in 1919 and then expanding to Rome and Florence, Mario Buccellati’s work quickly gained acclaim amongst royalty. Four of his sons entered the business and continued the legacy. In 1951, Buccellati became the first Italian jewelry designer with a location on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Producing jewelry using a wide variety of precious materials, the firm is synonymous with class, elegance and fine craftsmanship.
Founded in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, this French house has remained at the forefront of fine jewelry generation after generation. Vastly expanding the reputation and reach of the firm were Louis-Francois’ grandsons who are responsible for establishing the name as a worldwide luxury icon. Creating extravagant works for the clients ranging from the French royals to Hollywood’s elite, Cartier is responsible for producing some of the most recognizable and sought after jewels known for their feminine style and timeless elegance.
Founding his New York based studio in
BVLGARI Hailing from Greece, Sotirios Bulgari traveled to Italy in 1880 carrying with him the silversmith art honed by his family since the Byzantine era. Opening in Naples and producing archaeological revival jewelry, he soon developed a large enough following to require larger premises and additional locations. During the early twentieth century, Sotirios’s sons had a major impact on the character of Bulgari’s style. From the 1920’s to the 1960’s, the inspiration stemmed mainly from the latest French designs and included jewelry made in the Edwardian, Deco and Retro styles. By the 1970’s the focus again shifted to creating a unique style all their own and it is this desire that drives their work still today.
C.D. PEACOCK First opening its doors in 1837, the jeweler staked its claim as Chicago’s first fine jewelry and timepiece shop. Primarily a watch dealer in the beginning, C.D. Peacock gradually expanded its jewelry offerings and became a well known supplier of fine Arts and Crafts style jewelry at the turn of the twentieth century.
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FINE JEWELRY AND TIMEPIECES
DREICER & CO. Though certainly lesser known than many more illustrious names, Dreicer & Co. was nevertheless one of the top jewelers in America during the early 1900’s. Producing beautiful work in the Art Deco style for New York’s elite, the company was unfortunately liquidated following the untimely death of the founder’s son. However, it should serve as high praise to note that the entire inventory was purchased by none other than Cartier.
1965, Henry Dunay went on to achieve fame for first producing one-of-a-kind pave diamond designs and then transitioning to his well known collection featuring precious metals in a wide variety of meticulously crafted textures. He is renowned for creating his finest works by first finding the perfect stone and then building the piece around it. J. E. CALDWELL Known by connoisseurs for their beautiful Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewels, this Philadelphia firm began in 1839 and continues to operate today. Working with some of the best jewelers overseas, Caldwell first introduced wealthy Philadelphians to the style and sophistication of European design. During the Art Nouveau era and throughout the Art Deco period the firm started designing and fabricating works in house. Often featuring unusual gemstones, the work was and has remained of the highest quality.
GURHAN
PATEK PHILIPPE
One of the leading proponents in high-karat gold jewelry, Gurhan utilizes handmade techniques which impart a unique character to every piece constructed.
Patek Philippe has been at the forefront of innovation in the science of timekeeping since the mid 1800’s. Collected by passionate watch lovers the world over, the company has produced some of the most complicated timepieces while maintaining a classic aesthetic and superb quality.
HARRY WINSTON Nicknamed “The King of Diamonds”, Harry Winston was a master of creating excitement surrounding his work. Beginning in the 1920’s he made a name for himself buying estates containing important stones. His best known transaction was the purchase of Evelyn Walsh MacLean’s collection which most notably included the Hope diamond. The Harry Winston aesthetic combines exceedingly fine stones with minimalist settings designed to highlight only their inherent beauty.
