The designer jewelry industry in Europe revolves around luxury craftsmanship and artistic expression, featuring brands that offer unique pieces made with precious materials. Renowned for combining traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, companies range from established icons to emerging talents, showcasing elaborate designs that cater to affluent clientele. The market is witnessing a growing trend towards sustainability, with brands increasingly focusing on ethical sourcing and eco-friendly production methods. Digital transformation is also taking center stage, as e-commerce opens doors to broader markets, creating exciting opportunities and dynamics in this sophisticated industry known for its creative flair and investment potential.

This article presents a curated list of top investors in Europe's designer jewelry sector. The investors range from venture capital firms like Index Ventures and BGF, based in London, to industry giants like Kering and LVMH from France. With sizes varying from small outfits to multinational corporations, these investors are poised for significant impact, with notable investment counts in 2024 reflecting their commitment to emerging and established brands alike in this luxurious market.

Top 17 Designer Jewelry Investors in Europe

1. Lvmh

• Website: lvmh.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: lvmh

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE is a leading luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France. Founded in 1987, LVMH operates across various sectors, including fashion, leather goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. The company is known for its exclusive brands that embody craftsmanship and heritage, catering to affluent consumers. In the designer jewelry sector, LVMH has made significant acquisitions, including Tiffany & Co for $131.5 million in 2019, Bulgari for 3.7 billion euros in 2011, Chaumet Horlogerie SA in 2005, and a majority stake in Repossi in 2019. These strategic moves highlight LVMH's dedication to enhancing its luxury jewelry portfolio and supporting the growth of these prestigious brands in the international market.

2. Index Ventures

• Website: indexventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, but has also shown interest in the designer jewelry industry. Notable transactions include their investment in Astley Clarke, a designer jewelry brand, where they participated in a Series A funding round in 2008. Additionally, they have invested in 1stdibs, a luxury marketplace that features designer jewelry among other high-end goods, participating in both Series B and Series D funding rounds. Their strategic support and capital provision help entrepreneurs navigate growth challenges, making them a valuable partner for businesses in the designer jewelry space.

3. Richemont

• Website: richemont.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1988
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: richemont

Compagnie Financière Richemont S.A. is a luxury goods company based in Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in the production and sale of high-end jewelry, watches, leather goods, and fashion accessories. Founded in 1988, Richemont serves affluent consumers seeking exclusive products, emphasizing craftsmanship and heritage in its offerings. The company has made significant strides in the designer jewelry market through strategic acquisitions, including a 60% interest in Van Cleef & Arpels in 1999, a 100% acquisition of Buccellati in 2023, and the acquisition of the Italian jewelry brand Vhernier in 2024. These transactions highlight Richemont's focus on enhancing its portfolio of luxury brands and its dedication to the designer jewelry industry.

4. Kering

• Website: kering.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1963
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: kering

Kering is a luxury goods company based in Paris, specializing in fashion, leather goods, jewelry, and beauty products. Founded in 1963, Kering owns prestigious brands such as Gucci, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent, catering to affluent consumers. The company has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the jewelry sector, including the acquisition of a majority stake in the Italian jeweler Pomellato in 2013 for approximately $360.8 million to $387 million, and the acquisition of Qeelin in 2012. These transactions highlight Kering's focus on innovation and sustainability in luxury offerings, particularly in the designer jewelry market.

5. Venrex

• Website: venrex.partners
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: venrex

Venrex is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries, providing both funding and strategic support to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has invested in Astley Clarke, a prominent designer jewelry brand, which highlights their engagement in the jewelry sector. Additionally, they have been involved in multiple funding rounds for Notonthehighstreet, a platform that features various consumer products, including jewelry. This diverse investment portfolio showcases Venrex's commitment to supporting innovative consumer brands, including those in the designer jewelry space.

6. Crowdcube

• Website: crowdcube.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Crowdcube has been involved in several relevant transactions in the designer jewelry context, including Ingle & Rhode, which raised £152,815 in equity crowdfunding in 2019, focusing on fine jewelry. They also facilitated funding for Threads Styling, which raised $1,838,836 in 2022, a company that operates in the fashion space, potentially including designer jewelry. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting businesses within the designer jewelry industry.

7. Chanel

• Website: chanel.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1883
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: chanel

Chanel is a corporate investor based in London, England, founded in 1883. As a luxury fashion brand, Chanel specializes in high-end clothing, accessories, and beauty products, including haute couture, fine jewelry, watches, and fragrances. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its luxury offerings and preserve artisanal skills. Notably, Chanel acquired a 20% minority stake in the luxury watch brand F.P.Journe in 2018, which reflects its commitment to supporting high-quality craftsmanship in the luxury sector. Additionally, Chanel's acquisition of the French glove-makers Causse and the Italian tannery Conceria Gaiera Giovanni demonstrates its focus on maintaining exceptional quality in its product lines. These transactions highlight Chanel's dedication to vertical integration and sustainability in luxury fashion, reinforcing its relevance in the designer jewelry market.

8. Bgf

• Website: bgf.co.uk
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within the designer jewelry and luxury accessories sector, including Strathberry, a luxury accessories brand that received an £8 million investment to support its growth plans, and Sophia Webster, a British accessories designer that secured £4 million to accelerate its international expansion. Other relevant investments include Oliver Sweeney and Christopher Ward, which, while primarily focused on footwear and watches respectively, indicate BGF's interest in premium and designer brands. This diverse portfolio showcases BGF's commitment to supporting businesses that align with the luxury and designer market.

9. Frasers Group

• Website: frasers.group
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 20
• LinkedIn: frasers-group

Frasers Group plc is a corporate investor based in London, England, founded in 1982. The company operates various brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills, and offers a wide range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods. In recent years, Frasers Group has made significant moves in the luxury retail space, including the acquisition of Matches Fashion Limited for approximately £80 million in December 2023, which is known for its high-end fashion and designer jewelry offerings. Additionally, they have engaged in post-IPO equity transactions with brands like Hugo Boss and Mulberry Group, both of which are associated with luxury products. These transactions highlight Frasers Group's strategic interest in expanding its portfolio to include designer and luxury brands, making them a relevant player in the designer jewelry market.

10. QVentures

• Website: qventures.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: q-ventures

QVentures is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in providing direct investment opportunities and advisory services for a Pre-Seed Fund, focusing on high-growth start-ups for family offices and institutional investors. Among their notable transactions, QVentures invested in Vashi, which raised $1,392,199 in an Angel Round in February 2016, indicating their engagement in the designer jewelry market. Additionally, they have invested in other companies like CHRONEXT, Meli Melo, Finlay & Co, and Bottletop, showcasing a diverse portfolio that includes ventures related to fashion and accessories, further solidifying their relevance in the designer jewelry space.

11. Swatch Group

• Website: swatchgroup.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Biel/Bienne, Bern, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1983
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: swatch-group

The Swatch Group Ltd is a prominent watch and jewelry manufacturer based in Biel/Bienne, Bern, Switzerland. Founded in 1983, the company has established itself as a leader in the luxury goods market, offering a diverse range of products that include high-quality watches and jewelry. Swatch Group's global operations leverage extensive manufacturing capabilities and a strong brand portfolio. Notably, the company made a significant move in the jewelry sector with its $1 billion acquisition of Harry Winston, Inc. in March 2013, which has bolstered its position in the luxury jewelry market. Additionally, Swatch Group has invested in other luxury brands, such as acquiring a stake in the UAE's Rivoli Group, a luxury goods retailer, and acquiring brands like Blancpain and Glashütter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH, further emphasizing its commitment to the luxury and designer jewelry sectors.

12. Permira

• Website: permira.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: permira

Permira is a London-based investment firm specializing in private equity and credit solutions, founded in 1985. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has made strategic investments in the fashion industry, acquiring a 29.6% stake in Valentino Fashion Group and acquiring Hugo Boss in 2007. These transactions highlight Permira's commitment to the luxury sector, which often includes designer jewelry. Additionally, their involvement with companies like TwinSet SpA and BestSecret Group further demonstrates their engagement in the fashion and luxury markets, making them a relevant player in the designer jewelry investment landscape.

13. Burda Principal Investments

• Website: burdaprincipalinvestments.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: burda-principal-investments

Burda Principal Investments is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in growth stage investing in digital technology and media companies. The firm provides long-term growth equity to entrepreneurs, helping them overcome financial barriers to expansion. Their portfolio includes successful internet-centric businesses across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Notably, Burda Principal Investments has participated in significant transactions relevant to the designer jewelry industry, such as their involvement with BaubleBar, an online fashion jewelry retailer that raised $20 million in a Series C funding round. Additionally, they have invested in Notonthehighstreet, a platform that features various unique products, including jewelry, and M.Gemi, a luxury footwear brand that aligns with the high-end fashion market. These transactions highlight Burda Principal Investments' engagement with the fashion and jewelry sectors, showcasing their versatility as an investor.

14. Lion Resource Advisors Limited

• Website: lioncapital.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: lion-resource-advisors-limited

Lion Resource Advisors Limited, also known as Lion Capital, is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in consumer brands and provides investment management services aimed at unlocking growth potential through strategic guidance and financial support. With a diverse portfolio of over 175 brands, Lion Capital has a strong focus on innovation and market expansion, primarily operating in Europe and North America. Notably, Lion Capital has made significant investments in the designer jewelry sector, including the acquisition of Spence Diamonds, a Canadian engagement ring business, in 2015, and Alex and Ani, a jewelry brand, in 2014. Their involvement with these brands highlights their active participation in the designer jewelry market, alongside other consumer-focused investments such as JIMMY CHOO and John Varvatos.

15. Eurazeo

• Website: eurazeo.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 40
• LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape across Europe. Eurazeo focuses on tailored investment strategies aimed at growth and expansion in various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has made substantial investments in the fashion and luxury sectors, particularly through its involvement with Vestiaire Collective, a global platform for pre-owned fashion. Eurazeo participated in multiple funding rounds for Vestiaire Collective, including a $208 million Series I round in September 2021 and a $64 million funding round in April 2020. These transactions highlight Eurazeo's commitment to the luxury market, which includes designer jewelry, as they seek to expand their portfolio in this space.

16. Bucherer AG

• Website: bucherer.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1888
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: bucherer-ag

Bucherer AG is a prominent luxury watch and jewelry retailer based in Lucerne, Switzerland, founded in 1888. The company specializes in offering a wide range of high-end timepieces and fine jewelry, catering to affluent consumers seeking prestigious brands and exclusive collections. Bucherer has made significant strides in the designer jewelry market through strategic acquisitions, including Leeds & Son, an American jewelry retailer, and Klarlund, a Danish retailer. These acquisitions not only expand their retail footprint but also enhance their offerings in the designer jewelry space. Additionally, their acquisition of Tourneau, the largest watch retailer in the U.S., further solidifies their position in the luxury market. With a focus on personalized services and an extensive network of stores worldwide, Bucherer AG is well-positioned as a key player in the designer jewelry industry.

17. Acton Capital

• Website: actoncapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: acton-capital-partners

Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. They provide financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Acton Capital has been involved in several notable transactions, including a minority investment in mytheresa.com, a luxury fashion retailer that features designer jewelry, indicating their interest in the luxury market. They also participated in funding rounds for Koio, a luxury sneaker brand, which highlights their engagement in high-end consumer goods. Their focus on helping companies develop tailored growth strategies positions them as a supportive partner for businesses in the designer jewelry space.

Designer Jewelry Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Lvmh	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
Index Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
Richemont	Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland	10001+	1988	1
Kering	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1963	3
Venrex	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	11
Crowdcube	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
Chanel	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1883	4
Bgf	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
Frasers Group	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1982	20
QVentures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2013	5
Swatch Group	Biel/Bienne, Bern, Switzerland	10001+	1983	0
Permira	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	501-1000	1985	8
Burda Principal Investments	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2016	5
Lion Resource Advisors Limited	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2004	0
Eurazeo	Paris, Île-De-France, France	201-500	1969	40
Bucherer AG	Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland	1001-5000	1888	0
Acton Capital	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1999	3

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