We have designed and developed novel luminescent lanthanide complexes for advanced photonics applications. Lanthanide(III) ions (Ln$^{3+}$) were encapsulated by the luminescent ligands such as metalloporphyrins and naphthalenes. The energy levels of the luminescent ligands were tailored to maintain the effective energy transfer process from luminescent ligands to Ln$^{3+}$ ions for getting a higher optical amplification gain. Also, key parameters for emission enhancement and efficient energy transfer pathways for the sensitization of Ln$^{3+}$ ions by luminescent ligands were investigated. Furthermore, to enhance the optophysical properties of novel luminescent Ln$^{3+}$ complexes, aryl ether-functionalized dendrons as photon antennas have been incorporated into luminescent Ln$^{3+}$ complexes, yielding novel Ln(III)-cored dendrimer complex. The novel Ln(III)-cored dendrimer complex has much higher PL intensity than the corresponding simple complex, due to the efficient site-isolation effect. In this article, we will deal with recent progress in the synthesis and photophysical studies of inert and stable luminescent Ln$^{3+}$ complexes for advanced photonics applications. Also, our review will include the exploratory investigation of the key parameters for emission enhancement and the effective energy transfer pathways from luminescent ligands to Ln$^{3+}$ ions with Ln(III)-chelated prototype complexes.