Investment pieces for 30+

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Hi! Is it true that diamond bangle from Graff is priced around $10k? I always thought Graff is extraordinarily expensive.
Graff does have some fabulously expensive jewelry. But they are also introducing lines in the $10 to $30K range that are just beautiful. Look up Graff Butterfly and you will see some lovely eye candy.

Here’s some pictures of the bracelet in RG and WG. I did not buy it because I’m on Ban Island, but it’s definitely on my radar.
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Graff does have some fabulously expensive jewelry. But they are also introducing lines in the $10 to $30K range that are just beautiful. Look up Graff Butterfly and you will see some lovely eye candy.

Here’s some pictures of the bracelet in RG and WG. I did not buy it because I’m on Ban Island, but it’s definitely on my radar.
View attachment 4290810 View attachment 4290811 View attachment 4290812 View attachment 4290814

Wow that is stunning! Thanks for letting me know. I will have to look into it!
 
E988E6C5-C8A4-44A9-8DEA-25C4E60E2087.jpeg Here’s the reason I’m on Ban Island — the ruby ring. I found it at a really good price. Normally, this ring would be way out of my price range. But it was hidden away at Saks at a location that just does not move pieces like this. So it was really old and priced that way. I had it transferred to my Saks so that my favorite SA would get the commission.

The proportions are just perfect, set in platinum and 18K. It’s not so big that I can’t wear it every day, but it has presence. The color, has a hint of purple and pink — my favorite hue for a ruby. And the stone has lots of life.

This is an example of buying something that makes your heart sing.
 
Buy it if you think ‘I would look good if I’m in my 50s’. That’s what I do most of the time.

1. Watch - Rolex two tone and an all diamond bezel watch
2. Diamond studs - get the biggest you can afford
3. Statement diamond earrings - that would cost a bomb but it would be so worth it
4. Diamond bracelet - tennis would be a classic
5. Necklace - as I’m over 40, I realised I do not have the patience for tiny clasp and understand why older women wear long-chained necklaces, just place them over the heads and viola.
6. Rings - statement all the way instead of solitaire. Loving sapphires, emeralds and rubies as I grow older.
 
I don’t think the OP was referring to “investment” as pieces that increase in value, but rather as pieces that are worth the investment of money. Kind of like a black Chanel jacket — timeless pieces.

My 2 cents:
  • Anything you buy has got to look good with jeans as well as dressy attire.
  • Diamond studs
  • Tennis bracelet
  • Strand of pearls (if your style is conservative)
  • Cartier Love bracelet
  • VCA 10-motif
  • One fabulous piece that makes your heart sing every time you look at it. Some of my favorites are from Graff. The diamond Butterfly pendant and earrings aredrop dead gorgeous. They also have a diamond bangle for $10K that is just exquisite.
Don’t settle. Save for what you really want.
Unbranded jewelry does not hold its value at all.

This is fantastic advice from EB and the definition of "investment" is something I wish more people would clarify. "investment dressing" is dressing worth investing in....not buying things that will increase in value. Very, very few wearables will do that.
 
I but mostly antique pieces these days as they are quality work and you don’t see them on everyone. Although. I am currently on a pearl rampage. In my 20s I bought eveyrthing that caught my eye, in mynlate 30s I have started asking if I am going to wear it when I am 50 and not feel like a dope. Cute can still win though, I bought a Tiffany save the wild lion because it was just too darn cute to leave behind.
 
My advice for starting out is always “one of each”:

—One pair of earrings (pearl studs, diamond studs, or well-made hoops)

—One bracelet: simple gold bangle, diamond bangle, or gold link

—One necklace: diamond or pearl solitaire, gold pendant, pearl strand, or even a simple yg chain
worn on its own

—One ring. I recommend something (yg band, eternity, etc) that can be worn on its own or stacked with others.

Our own taste can change so much over time that it’s best to keep it simple, knowing you can always add as you go!

In terms of investment: jewelry is NOT a good financial investment—for that, look to home ownership, retirement, and savings—but it can be an investment in yourself—I.e., your polished professional look.
 
This is a really interesting thread. I'm 30 & only now starting to build my timeless jewellery collection. It'll be a very slow process but it stops me from spending frivolously on fashion jewellery
In my 20's, I purchased the Love bracelet, then a presidential Rolex in Yellow gold, then in my 30's the JUC, Yurman Cable classics bracelet, Bulgari Diagano watch, 40's VCA. Now close to 60 with an amazing bank account and superior credit and lovely jewelry collection. I am glad I made my purchases early and made great choices that are timeless and still sought after, and the prices have gone up dramatically. I wouldn't buy now at the prices they are asking... even though I can afford them, I know I shouldn't afford to spend that kind of money now. However, I am still pining over a few pieces, like the VCA Perlee Signature and the VCA diamond clover... maybe for my 70th birthday and to pass down to my son. lol
"J!m"
 
First, I would like to state that I think I understand what you mean by “investment jewelry”, jewelry that one should invest in as long term or staple items, right?

I think every woman should have:
Classic pearl set (earrings/necklace)
Diamond solitaire earrings
Diamond or polished gold hoops
Diamond pendant
Nice watch

IMO the rest depends on what you want to add for fun.
 
I like the one of each method @OutWest suggested and the daily wear and statement pieces @Pevi mentioned for building a collection.

With that, start small, look at everything, and take your time. I think it's important to let your collection evolve naturally and be pieces you cherish. There are a lot of pretty pieces, but are they you? Most of the traditionally classic pieces while gorgeous, don't make my heart sing the way other pieces do. Choose what works for you.
 
Here are my timeless pieces:

Custom-designed diamond earrings

Cartier Two-tone diamond tank watch

Cartier Love Cuff with one diamond

Cartier JUC thin bracelet

VCA Vintage Alhambra MoP pendant and 5-motif bracelet

Messika diamond ring

I hope to add more VCA (earrings and a ring) and maybe a Cartier Love necklace. I too am buying pieces that I can wear for a lifetime.
 
If by "investment" you mean "pieces that can form the foundation of a collection for many years to come", I think that the people posting before me have managed to cover it. My only advice would be to concentrate on what you know you will be wearing (I wear earrings the most, so I tend to spend more money there). It wouldn't make sense to pay an outrageous amount for something you'll rarely (if ever) find yourself wearing.

I hope you find things you love.
 
If by "investment" you mean "pieces that can form the foundation of a collection for many years to come", I think that the people posting before me have managed to cover it. My only advice would be to concentrate on what you know you will be wearing (I wear earrings the most, so I tend to spend more money there). It wouldn't make sense to pay an outrageous amount for something you'll rarely (if ever) find yourself wearing.

I hope you find things you love.
I agree... buy what you absolutely love and you will have it forever.
"J!m"
 
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