SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
MajorsJun 14, 2018
Tiffany & Co. Tops Luxury Ranking List Among US Consumers
Also listed among the top are Harry Winston and Cartier, according to a recent survey done by Kadence International.
Tiffany & Co. is ranked as the top luxury brand among U.S. consumers, according to a recent survey done by Kadence International. Seen here is a piece from the jeweler’s new “Paper Flowers” collection.
London--Tiffany & Co. is the top luxury brand in the United States, according to a recent study among consumers.
Research agency Kadence International recently interviewed 5,775 consumers across 13 markets to figure out what drives perceptions of luxury in different areas of the world.
The results ranked 98 luxury brands according to a Luxury Index calculated using eight principle components--product quality, product distinctiveness, brand heritage, enduring appeal, status, exclusivity, feel-good factor and experience. Scores above 105 were considered “distinctively strong,” those between 101 and 104 were “strong,” 100 scores were “average,” between 96 and 99 was “weak” and less than 95 was “distinctively weak.”
In the United States, Tiffany & Co. was No. 1 in luxury brand rankings, with an index score of 166.4.
The timing of the ranking coincides with the 180-year-old jeweler working to revamp its image among the next generation of consumers with the introduction of fresh product lines and marketing campaigns, and the refinement of its in-store and online experience.
It seems to be working, since Q1 comps were up 9 percent in the Americas, according to its latest financial reporting.
Also landing at the top of the luxury rankings list was Harry Winston at No. 4 and Cartier at No. 6.
Globally, another jewelry brand also sits at the top of the list: Cartier. Tiffany & Co. falls at No. 6 on that one, Rolex at No. 8 and Bulgari at No. 10.
In addition to its brand rankings, Kadence also discovered a number of interesting points about consumer perception in measuring luxury through the aforementioned eight components.
According to the study, product quality and the brand heritage of products or services are the two most important drivers when it comes to consumer perception of luxury. Kadence added that out of all 13 regions, the U.S. is the least likely to judge a brand on distinctiveness.
Interestingly, the study also found that the experiential element, a recent key trend, does little to drive the perception of luxury on a global level.
Exclusivity, meanwhile, was the least important driver in the luxury market.
The study found that, regardless of industry, brands that are known for using the highest quality materials and craftsmanship or service that goes beyond expectations receive a stronger luxury score, as do those that have a proven record of quality combined with an established historical brand story.
What has less
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
of an impact on a brand’s luxury position across regions and categories is a higher price point or rarity of the brand.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
