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While it’s fun to test drive trends and keep score on the latest and greatest new launches, nothing makes our hearts flutter more than a classic piece of jewelry that has withstood the test of time.
In the watch category, we have the refined allure of the Cartier Tank, which made its debut over 100 years ago in 1917. On the opposite side of the spectrum, there’s the dynamic glamour of the Bulgari Bulgari timepiece, which dates back to the 1970s. Then there’s a host of exquisitely crafted cuffs and bangles. More than 40 years ago, David Yurman sculpted his eponymous label’s first cable bracelet out of strands of gold wire. And in the 1920s, Hermès created a dog collar that eventually turned into the Collier De Chien cuff that we know and love today.
The admiration for each one of those luxurious designs is stronger than ever and will continue to endure, thanks to each brand’s undeniable dedication to craftsmanship and use of the finest materials. Plus, these coveted jewels have also been known to hold their value and, in some cases, experience an increase, making them a sartorial investment that doesn’t need any girl math to justify the purchase.
For a full rundown of the most sought-after designs to add to your fine jewelry collection, keep scrolling.
The Jewelry-to-Covet List
- The Perfect Pearls: Mikimoto pearl earrings, $710
- The Pendant Necklace: Foundrae Karma Champlevé necklace, $2,640
- The Diamond Necklace: Graff Icon round diamond pendant necklace, $3,100
- The Arm Candy: David Yurman classic cable bracelet, $3,900
- The Logo Watch: Bulgari Bulgari watch, $3,800
- The Diamond Earrings: De Beers Aura earrings, $5,200
David Yurman Classic Cable Bracelet
With 50 feet of gold wire twisted and bundled together, David Yurman handcrafted the very first cable bracelet in 1982. The ends of the original design were locked in place with a blush-hued tourmaline and vibrant emerald caps, but today the signature cuff comes in a host of colors, stones, and finishes worthy of the investment.
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Necklace
If you’re like the Van Cleef and Arpels family and believe in the power of a lucky charm, the clover-adorned Alhambra necklace is a smart investment to summon good energy. The first iteration was decorated with over 20 black and white clovers, but today there are plenty of variations to add to your jewelry box—from malachite to carnelian to tiger’s eye.
Bulgari Bulgari Watch
With the brand’s name engraved along the edge of the bezel, the Bulgari Bulgari watch has become a must-have since its launch in the 1970s. The first iterations featured the words Bulgari Roma, but today’s fan-favorite is the double dose Bulgari Bulgari design.
Cartier Love Bracelet
No bracelet stack is complete without the timeless Cartier Love bracelet. We can thank Aldo Cipullo for this wear-everyday creation, which was originally crafted in 1969. The investment-worthy piece is proof that there’s no need to wait until a special occasion to indulge in a bit of luxury. Plus, it comes with its own screwdriver that locks it in place and makes it safe to wear no matter the activity.
De Beers Diamond Earrings
Every time we talk about color, cut, clarity, and carat, it’s thanks to De Beers. The legendary brand is known for creating the grading system and the most brilliant of diamond marketing campaigns. So naturally, its earrings are amongst the most coveted.
Cartier Panthère De Cartier Watch
Cartier’s signature square-face Panthère de Cartier watches date back to the 1980s. While the brand’s collection of jewels feature actual sculptures of panthers, this watch takes a much more subtle approach with a clever chain design that’s reminiscent of the big cat’s movement. It’s those timeless little details that give its heirloom appeal.
Spinelli Kilcollin Galaxy Ring
With interlocking layering, Spinelli Kilcollin is the modern-day classic making ring stacking feel timeless as ever. Husband and wife duo Dwyer Kilcollin and Yves Spinelli are the founders behind the brand proving that unforgettable design can be more impactful than a logo.
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff
In the 1970s, the talented jewelry designer Elsa Peretti crafted the viral bone cuff. Its sculpted silhouette was made to resemble the sinuous lines of Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Milà and designed for a seamless fit on the wrist.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch
Rolex’s timeless Oyster Perpetual watch dates back to the 1920s. A sealed case that mimics the shell of an oyster was created to keep water and dust out of the watch. About a decade later, Rolex created a dial that would continuously wind on its own—a patented perpetually ticking rotor that the brand is known and loved for to this day.
Foundrae Karma Champlevé Necklace
For a modern-day heirloom, turn to Foundrae’s enamel-encrusted necklaces. Each design from the label, which was founded by Beth Hutchens, tells a unique story thanks to a combination of classical and mythological symbols.
Mikimoto Pearl Earrings
When it comes to pearl earrings, Mikimoto’s are the most talked-about designs to have in your jewelry box. In 1893, founder Kokichi Mikimoto became the first to successfully culture a pearl. And the brand’s legacy lives on as it continues to be a trusted source for the most beautiful pearls. Even Jennifer Lopez turned to Mikimoto’s pearl earrings to complete her wedding day look.
Chanel J12 Watch
Thanks to a seamless marriage of a sporty design in a sleek silhouette, Chanel’s J12 watch has become a unisex staple. The design instantly stood out when it was released in 1999, thanks to an unexpected use of ceramic. It continues to be a classic choice that comes in a combination of black-and-white hues.
Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet
Cartier turned a curved-shaped nail into one of the most coveted bracelets of all time in the ’70s with the debut of the Juste un Clou. In English that translates to “just a nail,” but it has become much more than that. It represents a rebelliously cool approach to luxury jewelry.
Graff Diamond Necklace
The story of Graff’s coveted diamonds starts in 1960. After perfecting his craft since the young age of 15, Laurence Graff Obe decided to open his own brand, taking the most beautiful diamonds and surrounding them with smaller but equally as stunning diamond to create a signature halo shape.
Hermès Collier De Chien Bracelet
For those who aren’t fluent in French, collier de chien translates to dog collar. That’s right, before it became an über-popular bracelet, the Hermès Collier De Chien cuff’s origin story was a posh leash and collar for pups. Today, it’s a beautifully designed leather strap that’s adorned with a ring and pyramids that can be worn as everyday luxury with nearly any outfit.