Which Designer Jewelry Pieces Should You Invest In
- Carolyn Stanton
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Investing in designer jewelry can offer a high return on investment over time — but only when done strategically. Unlike mass-produced fashion jewelry, certain designer, or rare pieces can significantly, often outperforming traditional asset classes during periods of economic uncertainty.
From Ziv the Watch guy, to sophisticated appraisers from Sotheby’s - it’s important to research heavily before being influenced online.
The luxury jewelry market carries illiquidity risks, high premiums, and speculative pricing. So, before splurging on a necklace you love, check out Wealth’s Guide to luxury jewelry sure to be worth your investment.
Cartier is known for its timeless design, royal connections and consistent demand. 178 years old, its popularity and prestige began to take shape the past 120+ years, especially in the luxury jewelry and watchmaking world. Some key pieces that have held their value include:
Cartier Love Bracelet - Especially in yellow or rose gold; newer versions with screwdrivers or pave diamonds can also appreciate. According to research by TheRealReal and RealBag the Cartier Love Bracelet resale value holds around 94% of original retail price which is pretty remarkable.
Cartier Juste un Clou - Minimalist yet bold; highly collectible. According to The Real Real’s most recent holiday report The JUC bracelet resells at about 74% of original retail, tying it with Van Cleef’s Alhambra collection.
Cartier Tank Watches - Considered classics in luxury watchmaking. It is reported that Mid‑century & high-end models (e.g. Américaine, Cintrée, limited editions) often sell for 2–5× their original price.
Thanks to iconic motifs, high craftsmanship, and limited production Van Cleef & Arpels is another brand that holds its value.
One caution here is that its pieces are often replicated by counterfeit sellers so consider if you want to invest in a luxury piece that many people buy imitations of. According to research the following pieces hold the highest ROI over time:
Alhambra Collection – Especially vintage or rare stone combinations (malachite, lapis lazuli, carnelian).
Frivole or Perlée collections – Some increase in value depending on demand and metal/stone combinations.
High Jewelry (one-of-a-kind pieces) – These can appreciate significantly.
A mainstay in American culture, Tiffany has collaborations with renowned designers. For many consumers it may have been their first designer piece of jewelry which holds immense sentimental value. Top items that have appreciated over time include:
Tiffany Setting Engagement Rings - Especially in platinum and larger carat sizes.
Elsa Peretti Bone Cuffs & Open Hearts – Gained collectible status.
Jean Schlumberger pieces – Especially enamel or gemstone versions.
Tiffany T Collection – Modern but growing in collector interest.
Jewelry fanatics love Bvlgari for its bold Italian design, Roman heritage and use of colored stones. Iconic pieces include:
Bvlgari Serpenti Collection – Especially watches and high-jewelry versions. Entry-level steel models retail around $4,000–$6,000, while mid-range pieces with gold or diamonds range from $8,000–$15,000. High-end versions, featuring precious metals and gemstones, can retail for $30,000 or more, with rare models reaching over $130,000 on the resale market. While market prices typically sit 10–20% below retail, limited editions and vintage pieces often retain or exceed their original value.
B.zero1 Collection – Timeless and widely recognized. Launched in 2000, B.zero1 has steadily appreciated over time, especially for pieces made with precious metals, or diamonds. Entry-level rings in steel or ceramic typically have modest value increases, while high-end or artist-collaboration editions can command significantly higher resale prices
While Hermes is known more for luxury bags, certain jewelry pieces hold strong resale value.
Collier de Chien (CDC) Cuffs – Particularly in precious metals. Statistically, these luxury cuffs tend to retain around 70–90% of their original retail price on the resale market, depending on condition and rarity. Limited editions or pieces featuring unique design elements can sometimes even appreciate, with resale prices occasionally exceeding retail.
Chaine d’Ancre collection – Nautical, minimalist design that remains in demand. A sterling silver CDA bracelet sold at auction in April 2024 for $1,270, surpassing its estimated value of $400–$600 and a rose gold CDA bracelet sold at Heritage Auctions in May 2025 for an undisclosed amount, with a pre-sale estimate of $10,000–$12,000.
Which piece are you considering on your coveted investments list? Let us know at @Wealth_Elf on Instagram.
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