High Jewelry

High Jewelry for Sale at M.S. Rau

M.S. Rau’s high jewelry collection comprises exceptional works by history’s most legendary high jewelry houses such as Cartier, Bulgari, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co. and many more. Each maison represents a proud legacy of expertise, where the house’s artisans combine creativity, technical mastery, and centuries-old savoir-faire to produce high jewelry creations of unparalleled beauty. From the classic to the sublime, these breathtaking creations are where the rarest gemstones and precious metals meet the creative genius of artisans from these renowned houses. Such pieces are a way for jewelry icons like Van Cleef & Arpels, Oscar Heyman or Raymond Yard to express their vision, passion, and artistry, often on the red carpet or at other elite gatherings.

What is "High Jewelry?"

So what makes a necklace dripping with diamonds, a bold bracelet encrusted with South Sea pearls, a luminous pendant, a striking earring, or a yellow gold ring set with a mysterious 30-carat Alexandrite “high jewelry?” Generally speaking, the hallmarks of high jewelry are simple yet extraordinary. High jewelry showcases the rarest gemstones such as Burma sapphires and rubies, flawless diamonds, or the finest fancy colored diamonds. They boast impeccable craftsmanship and design, as with the finest Art Deco jewelry or the most creative modern pieces. Most importantly, high jewelry is unique, rare and precious. Often, the most beautiful pieces of high jewelry are bespoke works of art that boast not only a custom design, but also gemstones and other materials that take on a more personal meaning for the owner. M.S. Rau offers these incredible one-of-a-kind pieces, including those created especially for celebrities, royalty from around the world and other notable figures in history. For example, a glorious Harry Winston Golconda diamond necklace gifted by Aristotle Onassis to his daughter Christina, a stunning brooch customized by Cartier jewelry and worn by the Duchess of Windsor, Wallace Simpson, and a diamond tiara once belonging to the Duchess of Alba have all graced our collections. 

High jewelry is more than superior design. It is a chance for these iconic jewelry creators to showcase the finest gems in their collections. When the star of a piece is a rare and important gem such as a Colombian emerald, a vibrant paraiba tourmaline, or the most striking yellow diamond, little more than a classic setting is needed to inspire awe and appreciation. Such is the collection of high jewelry you will find at M.S. Rau. Our showroom is filled with antique and estate jewelry that will leave you breathless, whether by virtue of the incredible gemstones featured in each stunning piece, the sheer brilliance and technicality of the design, or a royal or celebrity provenance.

What is the Difference Between High and Fine Jewelry?

The distinction between high and fine jewelry boils down to three main categories: craftsmanship, materials, and creative design. The term “fine jewelry” is often used to describe jewelry that is crafted from a precious metal like gold or platinum, and its often set with precious stones such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. These pieces are admired for their elegant design, consistent quality, and lasting radiance, making them a treasure for collectors seeking timeless appeal.

Fine jewelry is often made in higher quantities in comparison to the one-of-a-kind high jewelry pieces that incorporate the absolute best materials and are created by world-renowned creative directors. Nonetheless, fine jewelry is a popular choice for those looking for investment pieces that can be worn daily. Our collection of unique fine jewelry contains beautiful pieces from Cartierl, Van Cleef & Arpels, and many more.

Where can you buy High Jewelry?

Whether you are shopping for a showstopper to wear to a black tie event or are interested in adding a focal piece of Cartier Jewelry or Tiffany Jewelry to your high jewelry collection, you are certain to find something to fit your taste at M.S. Rau. From antique creations of the Art Nouveau, Art Deco or Retro period to more current jewels from wealthy estates, we have a wide selection of extraordinary high jewelry pieces from which to choose. 

These remarkable masterpieces reflect a wide range of themes, each shaped by artistic inspiration, historic influence, and the pursuit of timeless beauty. As you watch light play across gemstones of remarkable intensity, you’ll discover jewelry that feels both radiant and transcendent. Our highly trained jewelry specialists hold credentials from the Gemological Institute of America and have decades of experience handling these extraordinary pieces. They are ready to assist you with any high jewelry acquisition. You can shop jewelry online or in our New Orleans jewelry gallery.