The Best Investments in Luxury Accessories and Apparel

Looking for something to invest in besides the stock market? Turns out that the best designer luxury fashion accessories – including fine jewelry – and apparel can be reasonably sound investment vehicles. But how to invest in luxury designer accessories, fine jewelry and fashion apparel in a smart and informed manner? Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has done the research, and she’s sharing a list of the best investments for your money in the world of designer luxury fashion accessories, fine jewelry and apparel.

how to invest in the best luxury accessories, jewelry and apparel

It’s been impossible not to re-evaluate our wardrobes and shopping habits lately. I, for one, made two big handbag and coat purchases for the spring that have gone unworn and are currently laughing at me from my closet.

And I’m curious to hear how Marie Kondo devotees are feeling right now. Are they kicking themselves for purging their drawers of boring (but great in a lockdown) sweatshirts and t-shirts in favor of joyful (but impractical) sequin skirts and silk blouses?

With an unstable economy on the horizon, most shoppers will certainly be putting more thought into luxury apparel and accessory purchases. While choosing the quality materials and expert craftsmanship synonymous with luxury houses is a privilege and a treat, the circular economy movement has actually made it a more responsible and economical choice as well.

We’ve previously covered investment handbags as a category that brings a solid ROI. But what are the other luxury designer fashion items to buy now that won’t leave you with an epic case of buyer’s remorse?

We’ve researched the top 12 luxury fashion staples – classics that have withstood the test of time. These greatest hits have established places in fashion history. And they possess the monetization potential that comes with pedigree and enduring style.

Which Luxury Accessories, Jewelry and Apparel are the Best Investment Pieces?

1. Rolex Daytona Watch

Rolex watches certainly need no introduction. The Daytona timepieces, designed in 1963 to meet the demands of professional racing drivers, are highly sought after and considered one of the most collectible watches of the past century.

Left to right: Cosmograph Daytona Watch circa 1993 ($20,950), Cosmograph Daytona Watch with Alligator Strap circa 2006 ($16,295), Cosmograph Daytona Watch circa 2008 ($23,495).

2. Cartier Tank Watch

Once owned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Princess Diana, the Cartier Tank watch is an elegant and classic timepiece designed in 1917 that still looks modern. It retains its value remarkably well if you could ever part with it. Otherwise, it really belongs in the family heirloom category.

Left to right: Tank Louis Cartier Watch circa 2010 ($8,195), Tank Française Chronoreflex Watch circa 1998 ($9,495), Tank Louis Cartier Watch vintage ($5,195).

3. Cartier Love Bracelet

Designer Aldo Cipullo designed two iconic bracelets for Cartier that have proven to be worthwhile investments. The first is the famous LOVE Bracelet which is secured using a screwdriver and symbolized “modern love handcuffs.”

Left to right: 10 Diamond LOVE Bracelet in 18K White Gold ($10,995), 18K white gold and 18K rose gold Cartier LOVE bracelet ($13,850).

4. Cartier Just un Clou

Cipullo’s second bracelet design is the Juste un Clou or “just a nail” and embodies the same minimalist and androgynous look of the hardware-inspired LOVE bracelet. It works with any outfit and the enduring prestige of the Cartier name makes this jewelry investment piece a no-brainer.

Left to right: 18K White Gold Diamond Juste un Clou Bracelet ($10,095), 18K Rose Gold Diamond Juste Un Clou Bracelet ($9,995).

5. Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace

According to The Real Real, the prestigious jeweler, Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature Alhambra necklace holds an impressive 113% of its value. And besides, the four leaf clover design does represent good luck.

Left to right: Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Long Necklace with Malachite Slices ($15,495), Vintage Alhambra 20 Motifs Long Necklace with Chalcedony Slices ($15,000), Vintage Alhambra 20 Motifs Necklace with Onyx Slices ($12, 895).

6. Burberry Trench Coat

This quintessential British coat was designed over 100 years ago but has cemented its place as a worldwide icon of heritage, craftsmanship and style. The collar alone takes one year for each specialist tailor to learn how to hand stitch.

Left to right: 2019 Burberry Trench Coat with Gold Hoop Embellishment ($2,295), Burberry Army Green Trench Coat ($1,495), Burberry Horseferry Print Gabardine Trench Coat ($1,495).

7. Chanel jacket

A Chanel blazer is the epitome of class. Like a quilted Chanel flap bag, it instantly elevates any ensemble. In fact, one can argue that it looks best with the most basic outfit of all- jeans and a t-shirt.

Left to right: Fall 2011 Wool Bouclé Jacket ($1,995), 2018 Paris-Hamburg Mohair-Blend Bouclé Jacket ($4,000), Bouclé Wool Blazer with Patch Pocket ($3,495).

8. Hermes scarf

The Hermès scarf still proves to be an essential part of the contemporary wardrobe. Even today, the timeless scarves are still produced in France in the same manner since its creation in 1937. Silk-screened by hand with hems hand-rolled and hand-stitched, it takes up to six months to produce.

Left to right: Grand Manège à Jouets Cashmere Shawl ($995), Jungle Love Cashmere Silk Shawl ($1,025), Tropiques Cashmere Silk Shawl ($1,025).

9. Hermes Collier de Chien Bracelet

The Hermès Collier de Chien Bracelet is a classic statement piece.  It’s been known to hold 66% of its value when listed on the resale market. And no wonder, it strikes just the right balance between edgy and posh.

Left to right: Navy Leather Collier de Chien Bracelet ($875), Orange Leather Collier de Chien Bracelet ($975), Black Alligator Collier De Chien Bracelet ($1,325).

10. Gucci Princetown Loafer

The shoe on every It-girl and style influencer these past few years? Gucci’s equestrian-inspired Princetown loafer. An iconic shoe since the 60s, it’s clearly a mainstay in the wardrobes for those in the know.

Left to right: Princetown Fur Mules ($875), Tian Princetown Mules ($725), Princetown Round-Toe Mules ($495)

11. Gucci Ace Sneakers

Gucci has a way of turning a classic white sneaker into a memorable piece of art. Sure, you can invest in the classic Gucci Ace with logo stripes. But where’s the fun in that? Check out these limited editions that go the extra mile.

Left to right: Rython Low-Top Sneakers ($645), Ace Platform Sneakers ($995), 2019 Screener Low-Top Sneakers ($925)

12. Gucci GG Belt

It’s just two interlocking Gs on a piece of leather but it’s perfection. Wrapped around the hips of icons like Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Aniston and Kendall Jenner, it has an undeniable place in fashion history.

Left to right: Brown Marmont Leather Belt ($455), Skinny Brown Marmont Leather Belt ($345), GG Faux-Pearl Belt ($695)

Which Luxury Jewelry and Apparel are the Best Investments?

That’s it- a dozen investment worthy fashion pieces that will make you look smart and stylish.

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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

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