Majors

Tiffany & Co. Tops Luxury Ranking List Among US Consumers

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.

20180502_Tiffany3.jpg
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

of an impact on a brand’s luxury position across regions and categories is a higher price point or rarity of the brand.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

John Wayne Signet Ring
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s Ring

The Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.

MJSA Education Foundation and Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJS

The discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.

Three gold rings set with yellow- and brown-hued diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural Diamonds

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Matching pair of Type IIa, D-color diamonds
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not Sell

A matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.

Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
DeBeeers_Bridal_Display_Dune_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal Reinvigorated

Sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever

Faceting Apprentice gem cutting school
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone Cutters

The next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Ocean Dream diamond
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17M

It was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting

Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.

Stock image of crime scene with police cars and crime scene tape
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in Violence

While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.

Jack Sutton Jewelers
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place Store

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Winston Red Diamond painting by Reena Ahluwalia
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond Painting

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

Jessica McCormack Medallion Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is Back

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Kennedy’s Jewelers tourmaline necklace
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy