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List of famous diamond brands | Characteristics of world-famous jewelers and how to choose them

DIAMOND BRAND GUIDE

What are the famous diamond brands?
The world's top 5 jewelers and popular brandsIntroducing de

"Is the same 4C the same no matter where you buy it?" We will answer this question by looking at the "structural differences" between brands.

When you start considering diamond jewelry, you always come across one thing.“Is there any point in spending money on brands?”That's the question. Even if people know the names Tiffany and Cartier, not many people can clearly explain why the price is more than double when compared to non-brand products with the same specs.


In this article, we will cover everything from the world's three major cutter brands to the five major jewelers.The true nature of the "invisible value" that brands add to their priceswill be explained structurally. In the end, you will be able to take home a decision on whether you should choose a brand or concentrate on the quality of the stone.

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Impressions of diamond jewelry vary greatly depending on quality, design, brand, and price. At Selby, you can compare a variety of diamond jewelry and find the one that suits you.

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What are the world's three major cutters brands?
Why the Cutters brand is valued

What is Cutters Brand?A specialized brand that is recognized worldwide for its diamond polishing (cutting) technology.It means. Even before the design or brand image of jewelry, the root of its value lies in its ``technical ability to bring out the best brilliance from raw stones.''

💡 What is the value of the Cutters brand?
🪨 Rough stone sorting
Top 5% only
→
🔬 unique cut
mathematical design
→
✨ Maximize shine
Prioritize light over weight
→
📜 quality assurance
traceability

👑 Royal Asscher

Founding1854/Amsterdam, Netherlands
Representative cutRoyal Asscher cut (74 faces)
rough stone standardsTop 5% of octahedral rough stones in the world
keywordWhite and noble shine/mirror corridor effect

He is the only diamond cutter to be awarded the title "Royal" by the Dutch Royal Family. Added 16 sides to the regular Asscher cut (58 sides)Unique 74-hedron cuthas been developed and patented. The small table surface, high crown, and deep pavilion create complex internal reflections of light."Hall of Mirrors" effectproduces. The attitude of prioritizing shine even at the expense of weight is what makes it the Cutters brand.

💎 Lazare Diamond

Founding1903/New York, USA
Representative technologyIdeal makeup (ideal proportions)
theoretical foundationMarcel Tolkowsky's Mathematical Theory (1919)
keywordThe most beautiful diamond in the world - the sparkle of a rainbow

The Lazare Diamond is known as "The World's Most Beautiful Diamond®." Published by mathematician Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919.Diamond optical theory “Ideal cut”It is a brand that most faithfully embodies this. Identifying the potential of brilliance at the rough stage,Brilliance (white shine), fire (rainbow shine), scintillation (sparkle)We create proportions that maximize the three elements. All stones are laser engraved for complete traceability.

🇬🇧 Monnickendam

Founding1890/London, England
Original technologyCircle of Luster (Girdle Polishing Technology)
rough stone standardsHighly transparent octahedral rough stone - top 5% or less
keywordLuxury White British Craftsmanship

Britain's top diamond cutter based in London. What the brand pursues"Luxury White"It is a white, rich and bright brilliance called. Unique technology to polish the girdle (the outer circumference of the diamond) to a mirror-like level"Circle of Luster"This allows it to emit beautiful light even from the sides. It is also characterized by strict standards that select only rough stones with extremely low inclusions.

⚖️ Feature comparison of three major cutters brands
royal usher lazare diamond Monikkendam
Country of origin 🇳🇱 Netherlands 🇺🇸 America 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Characteristics of shine Noble and deep white light Rainbow-colored fire and strong brilliance Rich and luxurious white
Original technology 74-sided cut ideal makeup circle of raster
design philosophy Increase the number of surfaces and make the light more complex Golden ratio based on mathematical theory Omnidirectional light with girdle polishing
diamond jewelry

Compare high-quality diamond jewelry at Selby

Impressions of diamond jewelry vary greatly depending on quality, design, brand, and price. At Selby, you can compare a variety of diamond jewelry and find the one that suits you.

Compare by quality
Choose by design
Check details
search for diamonds

Who are the world's 5 largest jewelers? Jeweler brand value

The world's five largest jewelers (Grand Cinq) are derived from the name referring to the five historical jewelry brands that have stores in Place Vendôme, Paris, and are nowTiffany Cartier Bvlgari Van Cleef & Arpels Harry WinstonIt is common to refer to While the Cutters brand is evaluated for its "cutting technology," the five major jewelers areHistory, design, brand experience, resale valueThe evaluation will be based on the overall strength including the following.

🏛️ Differences in the "sources of value" between the Cutters brand and the five major jewelers

💎 cutters brand

  • Cutting technique (maximize shine)
  • Strictness of rough stone selection
  • optical design philosophy
  • The quality of the stone itself

👑 5 major jewelers

  • History/Story
  • Design and setting technology
  • Brand experience (customer service/space)
  • Resale value/asset quality
  • After-sales service

🟦 Tiffany & Co.

Founding1837/New York, USA
pronounTiffany setting (6 nails)
original standardsIn-house selection stricter than GIA standards
keywordTiffany blue engagement ring synonym

Published in 1886Tiffany setting (six-prong solitaire ring)was a revolutionary design that maximized the passage of light by lifting the diamond off its pedestal. It is still the global standard for engagement rings. In-house management from raw stone procurement, in addition to GIA's 4C standards"Presence"It is known for its unique evaluation axis. We are also a pioneer in terms of ethics, including being the first in the industry to publicly track the origin of diamonds.

🔴 Cartier

Founding1847/Paris, France
nickname"The King's Jeweler, the King of Jewelers"
original standards1895 Solitaire/In-house GIA super standard
keywordPurveyor to European royal families, supreme design

Cartier was called "The King's Jeweler, the King of Jewelers" by King Edward VII of England.Royal purveyors from around the worldIts greatest features are its formality cultivated as a brand and its modern, sophisticated design capabilities. After passing GIA appraisal, the diamond center stone is further subjected to our own strict standards. We pay particular attention to beauty when seen with the naked eye, such as by eliminating highly fluorescent stones. Our ability to maintain value in the resale market is also top class in the industry.

🟡 BVLGARI

Founding1884/Rome, Italy
Design featuresBold use of colored stones and architectural design
Representative collectionSerpenti B Zero One
keywordItalian Joy - Magician of Color

Inspired by ancient Roman architecture and Renaissance artBold and colorful designis the biggest feature. It has a reputation for combining colored stones and diamonds, and even diamonds alone have a gorgeous Italian presence. In recent years, we have been focusing on our bridal line, and the selection criteria for center stones is limited to the top ranks of GIA grades. especiallyExcellent cut or betterWe carry out strict procurement limited to

🌸 Van Cleef & Arpels

Founding1906/Paris, France
Original technologyMystery setting (how to fasten without showing the nails)
Representative collectionAlhambra Perle
keywordPoetic beauty/fairy jewelry

Patented in 1933mystery setting(The technique of carving a rail on the back side of the stone so that no nails are visible from the outside) is an extremely advanced technique that even today only a few skilled craftsmen can perform. It features a poetic design that expresses motifs from the natural world - flowers, butterflies, fairies - with diamonds, and has a unique worldview not found in other brands.In addition to the quality of the stone, ``setting techniques can bring out the beauty of the stone many times over.''This idea is the core of the brand.

⭐ Harry Winston

Founding1932/New York, USA
nickname"King of Diamonds" "Jeweler of the Stars"
Original technologycluster setting
keywordThe highest quality rough stone, overwhelming presence

Literally known for donating the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution."King of Diamonds". We have a reputation for our ability to purchase the world's highest quality rough stones, and from the rough stage, we design cuts based on how we can make them shine. Make the metal of the pedestal as inconspicuous as possiblecluster settingThis creates the ultimate shine that makes the diamonds appear as if they are floating. It is also the most worn jeweler on the Academy Awards red carpet.

diamond jewelry

Compare high-quality diamond jewelry at Selby

Impressions of diamond jewelry vary greatly depending on quality, design, brand, and price. At Selby, you can compare a variety of diamond jewelry and find the one that suits you.

Compare by quality
Choose by design
Check details
search for diamonds

List of other famous diamond brands

In addition to the five major jewelers, there are other brands that are recognized worldwide for their diamonds. Each has its own philosophy and selection criteria, and knowing them will expand your options.

🔷 Graph (GRAFF)

Founding1960/London, England
FeaturesHandling the world's largest collection of rare diamonds
StrengthsVertical integration of raw stone procurement → cutting → sales
keywordKing of Diamonds in the 21st Century

He shares the title of "The King of Diamonds" with Harry Winston.We handle everything in-house, from procuring rough stones from mines, cutting them at our own workshop, and selling them at our stores.The most distinctive feature is the vertically integrated model. We have a track record of cutting many of the world's largest rough diamonds, and have also cut historic rough diamonds such as Lesdi La Rona (1,109 carats).

👸 Chaumet

Founding1780/Paris, France
historyNapoleon's purveyor of jeweler
pronounWorld authority on tiaras and crowns
keywordParisian elegance, the art of light and shadow

He is also known for creating Napoleon Bonaparte's coronation crown.Over 240 years of historyOne of the oldest jewelers in Paris. The ``techniques for controlling light and shadow'' cultivated through the production of tiaras are also utilized in diamond jewelry. Based on a symmetrical design, the diamond's light diffusion and reflection are precisely controlled by calculating the facet angles. Elegance, which can be said to be the essence of French jewelry, is its greatest charm.

💠 De Beers/Forevermark

Founding1888/South Africa
brand lineDe Beers Jewelers / Forevermark
original standardsMulti-stage sorting exceeding 4C (less than 1% of the world)
keywordA Diamond is Forever・Ultimate selection

A company that created the diamond industry itself and gave birth to the catchphrase "A Diamond is Forever." Under the umbrella of Forevermark,In addition to the 4Cs, "brightness", "polish clarity", "symmetry", and "durability"We carry out unique multi-step inspections such asjust less than 1%Only certified. All stones are laser engraved with the brand icon and individual certification number, guaranteeing that they are natural and untreated.

How to choose a diamond brand

⚖️ Which should be prioritized: the 4Cs or the brand?

In conclusion,Priorities change from “what to buy” to “why to buy”. If the quality of the diamond (4C) is your top priority, a cutter's brand or non-brand high-quality stone is a reasonable choice, while if you value brand experience and story, the five major jewelers are a reasonable choice.

🧭 Which is your priority?
What do you look for in a diamond?
↙
Quality and shine of the stone itself
→ cutters brandorNon-brand high quality stone
Those who are particular about the 4C grade and want to experience the difference in shine
↘
Experience/story/asset value
→ 5 major jewelersorfamous maison
Those who value the purchasing experience, the joy of gift giving, and long-term value maintenance

🎯 Differences in selection depending on usage

Purpose Recommended direction reason
engagement ring 5 major jewelers or cutters brands A once-in-a-lifetime ritual. "Memories" including brand boxes and experiences have value.
single diamond necklace Cutters brand or non-brand high quality Intended for daily use. The quality (shine) of the stone is directly linked to satisfaction.
personal reward Focus on the worldview of your favorite brand The best choice is one that makes you truly happy. Brand worldview and empathy are also important
Assets/Investment purpose harry winston graff etc. Distribution performance and brand recognition in the secondary market are directly linked to resale value.

What is the difference between brand and non-brand?
Why the price changes depending on the brand even for the same 4C

💰 Breakdown of price difference, not just brand fees

People tend to think that they are just paying brand fees, but the actual price difference includes multiple factors other than brand fees.

📊 Price structure image of the same "D / VVS1 / Excellent / 0.5ct"
Approximately 300,000 yen

non-brand
Approximately 500,000 yen

Cutters
brand
Approximately 800,000 to 1,200,000 yen

5 big
jeweler

*This is just an approximate image. Actual price varies depending on brand, time, and store.

💡 Breakdown of price difference (included in addition to branding fees)

① Rough stone sorting cost:The brand selects the top few percent at the time of rough stone. Poor yield and high cost
② Original cutting and polishing: Cut design that prioritizes shine at the expense of weight. Yield rate decreases further
③ Quality control system:In addition to GIA and other appraisals, we carry out multi-stage in-house inspections.
④ Customer service, space, after-sales service:Purchase experience, maintenance, and renovation support
⑤ Brand value (brand fee): Guarantee of history, recognition, and resale value

✨ Differences in “brilliance” that cannot be measured with a certificate of authenticity

GIA's certificate is4C (Carat・Color・Clarity・Cut)represents quality, but in reality, there are differences in brilliance even within the same grade of 4C. This is because the “Excellent” rating for the cut is just that.Is it within a certain ratio range?This is because even within that range, minute differences in proportions affect the shine.

💎 Diamond brilliance = 3 optical elements
💡 brilliance
strong white shine
amount of internal reflection of light
🌈 fire
iridescent shine
Dispersion of light (prism effect)
✨ scintillation
sparkle
Flickering light when moving

GIA's 4C is a "minimum guarantee" of these three elements. These are the brand's own standards.maximizedesign philosophy

Famous brands strive to maximize these three elements.Narrow down your search further from the GIA standard “Excellent”, or use a unique cut design (such as the aforementioned Royal Asscher cut or Ideal Make). This is the structural reason why branded diamonds have different brilliance even though they have the same 4Cs.

Choose a diamond brand
Advantages and disadvantages

✅ Benefits

  • ✓ Reassurance of quality: No exceptions due to strict selection criteria
  • ✓ brand value: "Class" and impression as a gift
  • ✓ design ability: Setting to make the stone look as beautiful as possible
  • ✓ After-sales service:Maintenance/renovation support
  • ✓ resale value: Maintaining value in the secondary market
  • ✓ purchase experience:Special memories including space and customer service

⚠️ Disadvantages

  • ✓ expensive: 2 to 4 times higher than non-brand products with the same specs
  • ✓ Disadvantageous from a cost performance perspective:If only the quality of the stone is concerned, non-brand products may be sufficient.
  • ✓ Design constraints: Brands that focus on ready-made product lines have low customizability.
  • ✓ brand bias:If you choose based on the name alone, you risk losing sight of the essence.
📌 points
The advantages and disadvantages are two sides of the same coin. A brand's price includes "security fee," "experience fee," and "asset quality." Whether you feel it is a "wasted cost" or a "necessary investment" depends onDepends on your purchasing purpose and valuesIt is.

Who should choose the brand?
Non-branded and nice person

👑 Characteristics of people who should choose a brand

This kind of person reason
Give/receive as an engagement ring It is highly ceremonial, and nothing can replace the excitement of opening a branded box.
I'm not confident in my choices/I don't want to make mistakes Strict brand selection standards become "quality insurance"
Possibility of sale in the future Branded jewelry has a clear advantage in the resale market
I also want to value the purchase experience and story. Full of added value such as customer service at specialty stores, engraving services, and maintenance.

💎 Characteristics of people who have no problem with non-brand products

This kind of person reason
I have some knowledge of the 4Cs and can make my own choices. If you know how to read a GIA certificate, you can determine the quality of non-brand products.
I want to maximize the grade of stone within the same budget. Since you can spend the brand price on the quality of the stone, you can get higher specs with the same budget.
Use as your own daily jewelry In everyday use, satisfaction is directly related to ``how much it shines'' rather than ``which brand.''
I'm interested in custom made If you want to choose a bare stone and create an original design, you have more freedom with non-branded stones.
diamond jewelry

Compare high-quality diamond jewelry at Selby

Impressions of diamond jewelry vary greatly depending on quality, design, brand, and price. At Selby, you can compare a variety of diamond jewelry and find the one that suits you.

Compare by quality
Choose by design
Check details
search for diamonds

How to choose a diamond you won't regret
|Judgment axis between brand and quality

As you already know if you have read this far,“Brand or quality” is not a binary opposition.. There is quality within the brand, and beyond quality there is the brand. What's important is yourselfBe clear about what you want to pay forThat's it.

🧭 Three decision axes to avoid regrets
① What is the purpose?
engagement? For yourself? assets?
→ The "lowest line" is determined by the purpose
② What is the budget?
Brand 0.3ct for the same budget?
Non-brand 0.5ct?
→ Size vs. Experience Tradeoff
③ Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
"I'm glad I bought from that brand."
“I’m glad I chose this shine.”
→ Which one will not regret?
💡 Final advice

When in doubt,"See the actual product at a branded store and compare it with a non-branded product with the same specs."is most certain. If you can see the difference in shine with the naked eye, it's worth paying for that difference. If you don't know, it makes more sense to upgrade the grade of stone within the same budget.

What's important isRather than “choosing the correct answer”, “choose based on your own judgment”. I hope this article will help you make that decision.

Finally

Diamonds cannot be defined only by numbers (4C), nor can they be determined by brand names alone.The science of brilliance, brand history, and your own story--When these three things come together, the diamond truly becomes "a stone unique to you."


Since it is an expensive purchase, don't rush, compare and choose with confidence.
I hope this article will be your first step towards making a choice you won't regret.

diamond jewelry

Compare high-quality diamond jewelry at Selby

Impressions of diamond jewelry vary greatly depending on quality, design, brand, and price. At Selby, you can compare a variety of diamond jewelry and find the one that suits you.

Compare by quality
Choose by design
Check details
search for diamonds
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