Why Preowned Luxury Jewellery Is the Smartest Investment in 2025 — And How to Spot the Hidden Gems

Jun 13, 2025

Have you noticed luxury jewellery prices climbing higher than ever in 2025?
If you’ve been dreaming of owning a piece from Cartier, Bvlgari, or Van Cleef & Arpels now is the time to think smart. Preowned luxury jewellery isn’t just a more accessible option—it’s a sustainable, stylish, and savvy investment. At Dandelion Antiques, our carefully curated collection lets you own rare, iconic designs at a fraction of the retail price.

Ready to secure your piece of luxury history? Shop now

Every preowned piece carries the legacy of its brand’s craftsmanship. Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic Alhambra motif, Cartier’s Love collection featuring that iconic screw motifs symbolising commitment, and Bvlgari’s Serpenti designs embody Italian sculptural elegance.

We understand how important it is to buy from trusted sellers — so feel free to explore our reviews to see the experiences of other happy clients.

Let's explore why buying second hand designer jewellery is a smart move in 2025, and how you can discover rare, authentic pieces that are both beautiful and valuable.

1. Exceptional Value for Money

One of the most compelling reasons to invest in preowned luxury jewellery is the potential for exceptional savings and avoiding those long lead times. Unlike brand new items that often include steep retail markups, preloved fine jewellery is generally priced lower—even when in pristine, like new condition.

With the recent global price increases across brands like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels - There has never been a better time to consider second hand luxury jewellery. For example, a classic Cartier Love bracelet or Van Cleef Alhambra pendant can often be found on the resale market at a significantly better price, with no compromise on authenticity or quality. This means you can invest in your favourite second hand designer jewellery at a fraction of the original cost, and readily available.

Be sure to learn more about those recent price increases within our previous blog.

2. Access to Rare and Discontinued Designs

Preowned jewellery offers the unique benefit of accessing discontinued or hard-to-find pieces that boutiques no longer carry. From vintage Cartier to Van Cleef Alhambra Turquoise pieces, these iconic designs are increasingly rare and sought after. Shopping second hand designer jewellery opens the door to truly unique finds that you simply can’t buy new. Discover this, along with other rare pieces here.

Preloved Cartier Amulette de Cartier Medium Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace

An example being this Cartier Amulette de Cartier Medium Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace that comes as a full set, making it an amazing deal. Crafted from 18K Yellow gold it features a mesmerising guilloché pendant with a diamond at the centre. Inspired by a padlock design. Here at Dandelion Antiques we absolutely love a guilloché piece, it produces a mesmerising sunburst effect. This technique, with its fine engraved lines, reflects light beautifully, creating a dynamic glow as it moves.

A forever popular choice for luxury jewellery is Van Cleef & Arpels, and the Maison has such a stunning array of collections to adorn yourself with.

Rooted in the legacy of the iconic Alhambra collection—which was first launched in 1968 and inspired by the four-leaf clover and Moorish architecture—this Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Butterfly Pendant Necklace carries VCA's signature message of luck, freedom, and timeless elegance.

The butterfly, a natural extension of the Maison’s love for nature and transformation, adds a poetic dimension to this talismanic design. Among all Alhambra materials, turquoise is one of the rarest and most sought-after, prized for its vivid colour and joyful energy. This particular piece features an exceptionally bright, well-matched turquoise tone, framed in 18k yellow gold and accented with sparkling diamonds.

Preloved Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Butterfly Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace

Turquoise Rarity Explained

Turquoise pieces have been largely unavailable since 2002 due to challenges in sourcing high-quality stones. The scarcity of high-quality turquoise made it difficult for the brand to maintain their stringent standards for material excellence. As a result, they ceased production of turquoise pieces in the Alhambra line. So when they do come up within the resale market they are snapped up quickly due to their rarity.

You can't help but appreciate the beauty of that colour combination.

. Which let's be honest is no surprise. A true investment piece. Be sure to follow us on Instagram to discover more sneak peaks of upcoming stock. Let us know in the comments what your favourite pieces are? - We would love to hear from you.

You know how we love uncovering special, rare finds for you—well, take a look at this: Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Letterwood Pendant.

A rare and refined piece from the Maison this model features the distinctive letterwood motif in 18k rose gold. Introduced as part of a limited run in the Vintage Alhambra line, letterwood—sourced decades ago by Jacques Arpels—is known for its warm reddish tones and natural, snakeskin-like pattern. No two pieces are ever alike.

Symbolising quiet strength, individuality, and a deep connection to nature, letterwood adds a meaningful organic touch to this iconic design. Now discontinued, this pendant is not only beautifully understated but also highly collectible—offering a unique opportunity to own a truly one-of-a-kind piece of VCA history.

Second Hand Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Letterwood 18k Rose Gold Pendant Necklace

Do you have a rare piece you have been searching for? Be sure to reach out to us and see how we can make that dream a reality for you. Contact us to source a rare piece.

3. Strong Investment Potential

Luxury pieces from heritage houses like Hermès, Bvlgari, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels often retains or increases in value over time, particularly rare pieces in excellent condition. With rising global demand and limited availability, pre owned items can serve as tangible, wearable investments.

Here are some of our Frequently asked questions (FAQs) from our lovely clients:

Q: Is preowned luxury jewellery a good investment in 2025?
A: Absolutely. With rising prices and limited supply, rare pieces from heritage brands often retain or increase in value.

Q: How can I be sure a secondhand Cartier or Van Cleef piece is authentic?
A: Always buy from trusted sellers like Dandelion Antiques, where every item is verified and guaranteed.

Q: Are discontinued pieces worth more?
A: Yes—discontinued or rare pieces, especially from VCA or Bvlgari, often command a premium on the resale market due to limited availability.

For example - A true collector’s dream, this exquisite Hermès Birkin 35 Miel Shiny Porosus Crocodile Palladium Hardware Handbag is a rare find and a remarkable investment. This stunning Hermès Birkin 35 dates from 2007 and is in excellent condition. It comes with Hermès Dust Bag, Keys, Padlock, Clochette.

Preowned Hermès Birkin 35 Miel Shiny Porosus Crocodile Palladium Hardware Handbag

Crafted from the finest Porosus crocodile leather, known for its delicate scales and high-gloss finish, this exceptional handbag exudes sophistication and prestige. The rich brown hue enhances the natural beauty of the exotic leather, while the palladium-plated hardware adds a sleek, modern contrast. A true Investment Piece & Great Deal.

4. Guaranteed Authenticity (When Bought from Trusted Sellers)

Buying pre owned luxury jewellery from reputable sources ensures every item is meticulously authenticated. At Dandelion Antiques, we guarantee authenticity with expert verification, original packaging and certification (where available), and lifetime guarantees. Our incredible team of experts ensure everything offered within our collections is of the highest quality and has passed our strict and vigorous authentication process.

With counterfeit items increasingly present in the resale market, it’s more important than ever for both buyers and sellers to stay vigilant. At Dandelion Antiques, we’re committed to preserving the integrity of the luxury jewellery community. Be sure to explore our blogs for insights on how to shop safely and confidently — and always choose trusted, expert-led resellers.

5. Immediate Availability

Unlike boutiques where waitlists can extend for months, pre-owned luxury jewellery is often ready to ship. Discontinued or seasonal designs are accessible now—without delay.

One of the standout pieces in this week’s curation is this striking Bvlgari Serpenti bracelet, crafted in rich 18k yellow gold and set with brilliant pavé diamonds and vivid green peridot eyes. Rooted in ancient Roman and Greek symbolism, the serpent represents wisdom, transformation, and eternal beauty—an icon Bvlgari has reimagined since the 1940s.

Preloved Bvlgari Serpenti Pave Diamond Peridot 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Size M

This design showcases the brand’s mastery of form and fluidity, with the coiled serpent wrapping elegantly around the wrist in bold, sculptural curves. The combination of yellow gold, sparkling diamonds, and top quality bright green peridot brings both contrast and balance, capturing Serpenti’s hypnotic charm.

A timeless piece of craftsmanship and symbolism, this bracelet is not only visually captivating but also highly collectable—making it a smart investment for lovers of iconic high jewellery.

Shop now.

It's a perfect example of how preowned designer jewellery not only offers exceptional value but also opens the door to rare and striking pieces that are no longer available at retail—making it an exciting and rewarding choice for collectors and style lovers alike.

At Dandelion Antiques, we pride ourselves on offering a curated collection of authenticated, exceptional-quality jewellery from the world’s most iconic brands. Explore our latest arrivals and discover the joy of investing in second hand luxury.

6. Exceptional Craftsmanship That Lasts

Luxury jewellery is crafted to last generations. High-quality materials and expert workmanship ensure these pieces remain as brilliant and captivating decades later as they were when first created — especially when properly cared for. Our expert team ensure what is offered within our collections only meets the highest standards.

For instance, these Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 4 Motif Mother of Pearl 18K Yellow Gold Earrings are an amazing example of the fine craftmanship set by the VCA Maison. A true Investment piece, Shop now.

Featuring four stunning Mother of Pearl clovers, each delicately framed in the iconic beading, these earrings embody that timeless elegance we know and love from VCA. Their asymmetrical design adds a modern twist to the Maisons iconic Alhambra collection, making them a statement piece that transitions effortlessly from day to evening. Our team here at Dandelion were so thrilled to get these into stock, that mesmerising movement when worn - don't miss out as they are the only pair on the resale market.

Final Thoughts

Preowned luxury jewellery offers a unique blend of timeless beauty, smart investment value, and rich history. Whether you're searching for a signature everyday accessory or a rare, heirloom-worthy statement piece, buying pre-loved gives you access to high-end craftsmanship at a more attainable and sustainable price point.

Do you have any pieces that you are no longer enjoying? Please feel free to reach out to us and we can help. Additionally, if you have a specific piece you are searching for? We have an incredible sourcing department than are happy to help find your dream luxury items.

Browse our latest arrivals or contact our sourcing team to find your next treasure, and be sure to leave us a comment, how do you feel about buying preloved?

We look forward to hearing from you - Dandelion Antiques.