The Finest Jewelry Brands to Shop Online
From legendary must-haves like Verdura and Dior to contemporary stars like Ana Khouri and Nikos Koulis.
By Dania Lucero Ortiz and Leena Kim
MAY 21, 2021
There was once a time when it was considered unfathomable to buy fine jewelry (let alone high fashion) online, spending four figures, and beyond, on something that could only be vetted through a computer screen. The landscape has vastly changed: Now, not only are there countless direct-to-consumer, millennial-marketed, Instagram-famous jewelry brands, but the tried and true heritage houses have also gotten on board with the digital revolution. During the Covid-19 era especially, a well-heeled subset of women, homebound and desperate for some joy, took to turning online jewelry auctions at Christie's and Sotheby's into the new high society bloodsport.
While fine jewelry is more accessible than ever from the comfort of the couch, the endless array of options can certainly be overwhelming. Enter T&C—we've scoured the farthest depths of the internet so you don't have to. Below, 27 of the best, splurge-worthy fine jewelry brands to shop online.
Oui Bracelet in Yellow Gold, Diamond, and Red Cord
Diordior.com
$890.00
For more than twenty years, Victoire de Castellane has been creating fantastical, candy-colored jewels for Dior. The whimsical "oui" collection is an apt introduction to the legendary designer—once you're converted, though, it will be hard to say non to the rest of her oeuvre.
Emerald Tropaion with SouthSea Pearl Earrings 22K Gold
Prounisbergdorfgoodman.com
$6,680.00
The four-year-old Greek brand has mastered its own unique form of gold—an ultra-pure mix of 22k gold, copper, and silver—that gives its hand-wrought jewelry a distinctive signature. Add in emeralds and pearls and it's a winning combination.
Rainbow Alphabet D 18 kt Yellow Gold Charm
Dolce & Gabbanadolcegabbana.com
$1,295.00
Upgrade your initial pendant for summer with this multicolored Dolce & Gabbana charm, which is studded with amethyst, garnet, peridot, tourmalines, and topaz.
Candy Pave Ring
Alice Cicoliniobjetdemotion.com
$2,693.00
All of Alice Cicolini's jewels are handmade in India by Jaipuri meenakari trained in the centuries-old enamel traditions of Persia. Fun, playful designs are her signature (see: this ring). Just be warned—her pieces, like candy, are also irresistibly collectible.
Carved Adventurine and Cabochon Amethyst Shell Ear Clips
Verduratiinasmithjewelry.com
$9,500.00
No serious jewelry collection can be complete without something Verdura. Fulco di Verdura famously took the unwanted gems that Coco Chanel received from ex-lovers (like the Duke of Westminster) and created the iconic Maltese Cross Cuffs—Chanel never took them off. He was also known for incorporating natural objects, like seashells, into his designs.
Amulet Ring: Heket
Loren Nicoleloren-nicole.com
$9,000.00
Loren Nicole Teetelli might have the most unconventional background of all the designers on this list: she used to be archaeologist. Since transitioning to the world of jewelry in 2016, she has channeled her passion for ancient techniques and civilizations into crafting unique talismans. Take this 22k gold ring, for example, which is crowned with a yellow Beryl that has been hand-carved by a master lapidary into the shape of Heket, the Egyptian goddess of fertility.
Lily II Small Opal Earrings
Maja DuBrulmajadubrul.com
$5,600.00
Maja DuBrul taps into her art history background to create miniature wearable works of sculpture. Here, the lily of the valley motif is rendered in white opal, which is hand-carved in Germany, and mounted on a solid hammered gold stem. And while the beloved flowers are as famous for their beauty and scent as they are for their ephemerality, these earrings will last forever.
"Adventure" Compass Locket
Monica Rich Kosannmonicarichkosann.com
$1,950.00
Thank Monica Rich Kosann for elevating sentimental jewelry (ie, lockets) and making it "fashion." Consider the compass symbol on this necklace as a sign pointing you to that long-awaited European vacation.
The Bon Bon Block
Nadine Ghosnnadineghosn.com
$5,150.00
London-based Nadine Ghosn puts a whimsical, gemstone-flecked spin on mundane things. Think: a "5 Carrot" ring made up of tsavorite-, orange sapphire-, and diamond-studded carrots; binder clip earrings covered in rubies; and this high jewelry play on Legos.
18K Yellow Gold Menottes Chain Bracelet
Dinh Vanbloomingdales.com
$2,460.00
Since 1965 the Parisian jeweler has been crafting elegant, minimalist everyday staples that epitomize understated French cool. The Menottes collection, introduced in 1976, was a game-changer—whereas most jewelers try to hide the clasp, Dinh Van instead turned it into the centerpiece.
14K YG Sapphire Gypsy Ring
Sig Wardsigwardjewelry.com
$5,600.00
The California-based designer Sig Ward often turns to her environs—namely, the Pacific Ocean—for inspiration in her designs. Her Gypsy Dome rings, in particular, are instant heirlooms.
Will Cotton Charm Holder Necklace in 18K Gold
Ippolitaippolita.com
$6,500.00
As part of Italian brand Ippolita's third collaboration with the BrooklynMuseum, the painter Will Cotton, who is famous for his works depicting confectionery-laden landscapes, designed this charm necklace featuring glass and ceramic bonbons.
Multi-Colored Sugar Cubes Bracelet
Marie-Hélène de Taillactwistonline.com
$18,500.00
To peruse the wares of Marie-Hélène de Taillac is to be saturated with an exuberant panoply of rainbow-hued stones (just take a look at her delectable Instagram). There is arguably no one who seems to have such fun with tourmalines, sapphires, amethysts, quartz, peridots, emeralds, morganites... the list goes on.
Hare and Trap Ring
Castro Smithtwistonline.com
$1,790.00
London-based Castro Smith's printmaking background shines through in his signature engraved rings (he also studied with renowned engraving firm RH Wilkins). While traditional hand engraving is two-dimensional, Smith takes it up a notch by using an ancient technique called seal engraving, which allows for a deeper imprint.
Turquoise Paste Flower Charm with Amethyst, Malachite & Red Coral
Grazia & Marica Vozzabergdorfgoodman.com
$3,540.00
There are certain obligatory stops one must make while on holiday in Capri. Lunch? La Fontelina. Sandals? Canfora. Jewelry? Grazia & Marica Vozza, an island mainstay, and jetsetter's must-have souvenir, since the late '90s.
Styled Necklace - 135
Heather B Mooreheatherbmoore.com
$6,322.00
All of Heather B. Moore's jewelry is handmade in her studio in Cleveland, Ohio. She is also committed to sustainability, using only 100% recycled metals in her designs.
Mandarin Garnet Tapered Templar Ring
Elizabeth Gageelizabeth-gage.com
$14,058.00
Elizabeth Gage employs expert goldsmiths to handcraft all of her pieces—the designer herself is also a trained goldsmith. In 2017, Queen Elizabeth appointed Gage a Member Of The Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire.
Medium Annabelle Pendant
Aurelia Demarkaureliademark.com
$1,455.00
Aurelia Demark's passion for modern keepsakes was instilled in her from birth, when her artist mother created a bespoke charm for her when she was born. After a long career in fashion merchandising, most recently at Tory Burch, Demark transitioned into jewelry-making and now crafts gilded mementos out of 18k gold and precious stones.
Emma Hoops
Emily P. Wheeleremilypwheeler.com
$6,800.00
Former model Emily P. Wheeler is now an LA-based jeweler whose design ethos is guided by sustainability and environmental responsibility. She uses recycled 18k gold and conflict-free diamonds, produces in small batches to reduce waste, and only works with suppliers who share her eco-conscious values.
Drop 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
Tamara Comollineimanmarcus.com
$8,800.00
The beauty of Tamara Comolli's handmade gold bracelet is that it can be worn alone as an elegant everyday piece, or turned into a charm bracelet by clipping on the brand's colorful Mikado Bouquet pendants.
Africa Boule Semiprecious Stone Ring
Marco Bicegonordstrom.com
$1,270.00
At Italian jeweler Marco Bicego, every aspect of production is done in house, including the smelting of the 18k gold. Then all the jewels are handmade, including this Lapis Lazuli ring inspired by the dunes of the Sahara.
Celestial 18K Yellow Gold & Diamond Earrings
Temple St. Clairsaksfifthavenue.com
$5,500.00
Florentine designer Temple St. Clair is known for looking to the cosmos for inspiration. See: her collections such as Angels, Zodiac, Tree of Life, and Celestial, from which come these diamond-studded hoops.
Oui 18k WG Black Enamel and Diamond Bracelet
Nikos Koulisbergdorfgoodman.com
$9,360.00
Greek designer Nikos Koulis is highly sought after for his innovative approach to jewelry and his unique eye for playing with texture, cut, material, and shape. For this Oui collection, for which he took black enamel, Art Deco inspiration, exquisite diamonds, and combined them all for something so refreshingly contemporary and edgy, Koulis has won two consecutive Couture Design Awards.
Elsa Peretti® Snake Necklace
Tiffany & Co.tiffany.com
$15,000.00
Even the most extreme jewelry neophyte knows of the legend that was Elsa Peretti (she died earlier this year). For more than 40 years at Tiffany & Co, she revolutionized the jewelry world, elevating sterling silver to a luxury material and creating such cult classics like the Bone cuff, the Bean pendant, and this Snake necklace.
Maia Diamond & 18K Gold and White Gold Ring
Ana Khourimatchesfashion.com
$21,285.00
Brazilian-born Ana Khouri translates her sculpture background into crafting gorgeous heirlooms that are fluid, sensuous, and artistically expressive. Take this ring, for example, which is handcrafted in the U.S. and features round-cut claw-set diamonds that have have been molded into a spiral so they can fully glitter in the sun.
Mini Pisces Zodiac Medallion
Briony Raymondbrionyraymond.com
$2,800.00
In addition to specializing in the acquisition of estate jewelry and in bespoke commisions, Briony Raymond designs for her own namesake line of chic, understated classics, like this customizable zodiac pendant.
Emerald 18K Gold, Diamond, Sapphire Drop Earrings
Noor Faresmatchesfashion.com
$1,911.00
The design aesthetic of Lebanese jeweler Noor Fares is characterized by her contemporary take on ancient symbols. She also frequently references discoveries made on her travels in her jewelry. These drop earrings, handmade by Indian artisans, was inspired by Ancient Greek mythology and the belief that crystals were eternal shards of ice.
Every item on these pages were chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
