Many of today's more famous jewelry designer houses got their "start" by making unique and individual designs for the royal families of European monarchs.  The success of these lesser known pieces would often times lead to bigger commission for such items as the royal and imperial crowns, tiaras, orbs and scepters.  Faberge, Cartier, Boucheron, Lalique, Tiffany & Co and Harry Winston are perhaps the most famous and well recognized names.