Oh, to live in luxury! And I don’t mean quiet, understated luxury—I’m talking about bold, eye-catching opulence, dripping with diamonds and precious metals. Imagine a scaly Bulgari Serpenti watch wrapped around your wrist or a tennis necklace so dazzling it could practically blind someone in the sun.
Featured in this article:
The Forever Timepiece
Cartier Panthère de Cartier watch
$11,000 at NET-A-PORTER
The Layering Bangle
David Yurman cable classics bracelet
$395 at NORDSTROM
The Everyday Stud
Rare Carat three-prong martini lab diamond screw-back earrings (2 ct. tw.)
$1,549 at RARE CARAT
Luxury is all about abundance and extravagance—it’s not a necessity but a desire, and the same goes for luxury jewelry. These pieces are aspirational, something to dream about and maybe even work toward.
The appeal of luxury jewelry is powerful and enduring. High prices reflect top-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and strong brand names. Many people buy these items as investments—since their value often increases over time—or as gifts to celebrate special moments and achievements, whether for themselves or someone they love.
These timeless jewels have lasted through the years and across generations, remaining classic and never going out of style. Keep scrolling for a complete guide to the most coveted luxury jewelry designs to enhance your collection!
Cartier Timepiece
Cartier’s square-faced Panthère de Cartier watches first appeared in the 1980s. They subtly incorporate the brand’s panther motif with a chain design that mimics the big cat’s graceful movement. The Baignoire, meaning “bathtub” and named for its curved oval case, is perfect for dressy occasions or cocktails. Meanwhile, the Tank, designed by Louis Cartier, was inspired by the Renault FT-17 tank used by the French military in World War I.
– Cartier Panthère de Cartier watch: $11,000 at NET-A-PORTER
– Cartier Baignoire watch: $16,200 at CARTIER
– Cartier Tank Must de Cartier watch: $4,000 at CARTIER
– Cartier Tank Louis Cartier watch: $11,600 at CARTIER
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Cuffs
In the 1970s, designer Elsa Peretti created the now-iconic bone cuff. Its sculpted shape was inspired by the flowing lines of Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Milà and designed to fit the wrist perfectly.
– Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti small bone cuff in sterling silver: $1,800 at TIFFANY & CO.
– Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti split cuff in yellow gold, medium: $25,000 at TIFFANY & CO.
– Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti split cuff in sterling silver, large: $2,300 at TIFFANY & CO.
– Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti small bone cuff: $21,000 at TIFFANY & CO.
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra
If you believe in lucky charms like the Van Cleef and Arpels family, the four-leaf clover Alhambra pieces are a great way to attract positive energy. The original design featured over 20 black and white clovers, but today there are many variations available, from malachite to carnelian to tiger’s eye.
– Van Cleef & Arpels vintage Alhambra bracelet, 5 motifs: $6,000 at VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
– Van Cleef & Arpels magic Alhambra long necklace, 1 motif: $6,450 at VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
– Van Cleef & Arpels vintage Alhambra earrings: $4,950 at VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
– Van Cleef & Arpels vintage Alhambra necklace, 10 motifs: $9,650 at VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
Bulgari Serpenti Watches
The iconic Bulgari Serpenti watch rose to fame in 1962 when Elizabeth Taylor wore it on the set of Cleopatra. The design incorporates the brand’s signature elements—like the serpent-like coil, scale-patterned bands, and the Tubogas technique—blending jewelry details seamlessly into the watch. Even the dial is shaped like a snake’s head.
Bulgari SBulgari Serpenti Tubogas watch: $6,550
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas watch: $49,500
Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori watch: $5,400
Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori watch: $5,400
Cartier Classics
There’s nothing like setting off the TSA security alarm because someone can’t remove their Cartier Love bracelet. This Cartier classic includes a special screwdriver that locks it securely in place, ensuring it stays on during any activity—and making it a hassle at airport security. Another iconic design from the brand is the Juste un Clou, which debuted in the 1970s when Cartier transformed a curved nail into one of the most sought-after bracelets ever. “Juste un clou” means “just a nail” in English, but the design has grown to symbolize a rebellious and chic take on luxury jewelry. Today, both the Love and Juste un Clou collections come in various styles, with rings and bracelets being the most popular.
Cartier Love ring: $1,420
Cartier Juste un Clou ring: $1,480
Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet: $4,180
Cartier Love bracelet: $6,630
Diamond Earrings
A pair of diamond studs is one of the most versatile and elegant jewelry pieces you can own, making them a staple among coveted luxury items.
Rare Carat three-prong martini lab diamond screw-back earrings (2 ct. tw.): $1,549
De Beers DB classic round brilliant diamond studs: $4,000
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany solitaire diamond stud earrings in platinum: $1,450
Vrai solitaire classics 14k gold & 1.00 tcw lab-grown diamond oval solitaire studs: $900 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Spinelli Kilcollin Rings
Featuring interlocking layered rings, Spinelli Kilcollin is one of the newest luxury jewelry brands to desire. Founded by husband-and-wife team Dwyer Kilcollin and Yves Spinelli, the LA-based brand brings a fresh yet timeless feel to ring stacking, proving that unique design can be more impactful than a logo.
Spinelli Kilcollin Solarium set of three sterling silver and 18-karat gold rings: $590 at Net-a-Porter
Spinelli Kilcollin three link ring with connectors in sterling silver: $490 at Bergdorf Goodman
Spinelli Kilcollin Cyllene set of three 18-karat gold rings: $1,800 at Net-a-Porter
Spinelli Kilcollin Tigris 18-karat gold, sterling silver, and diamond ring: $2,900 at Net-a-Porter
Rolex Watches
From the Oyster Perpetual to the Datejust and Daytona models, a Rolex watch is a cherished timepiece and a solid investment. With retail prices rising yearly, even pre-owned Rolexes often increase in value. The Oyster Perpetual, introduced in the 1920s, features a sealed case inspired by an oyster shell to protect against water and dust. About ten years later, Rolex developed a self-winding dial with a patented perpetual rotor, a feature the brand is still known for. The Datejust model debuted in 1945 for the company’s 40th anniversary, marking the first self-winding watch to display the date and change it automatically at midnight.
Rolex Datejust 36: $7,950
Rolex Lady-Datejust: $11,750
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36: $6,350
Rolex Land-Dweller 36: $14,450
David Yurman Cables
In 1982, David Yurman handcrafted the first cable bracelet using 50 feet of twisted gold wire. The original design featured blush tourmaline and vibrant emerald end caps, and today the signature cable style comes in many variations.
David Yurman X Crossover Band Ring: $295 at Nordstrom
David Yurman Cable Edge Cuff Bracelet: $1,200 at Nordstrom
David Yurman Cable Classics Bracelet: $395 at Nordstrom
David Yurman Sculpted Cable Hoop Earrings with Diamonds: $4,500 at Nordstrom
Tennis Jewelry
We can thank Chris Evert once again for popularizing tennis jewelry. Few pieces are as wearable for both special occasions and everyday outfits as tennis jewelry.When you invest in classic jewelry styles, you get great value for your money. Here are some options:
– Ring Concierge: Classic Diamond Tennis Necklace — $4,998
– Stone and Strand: Noble Diamond Tennis Necklace — $4,300
– James Allen: Tennis Bracelet — $2,590
– Brilliant Earth: Petite Lab Diamond Tennis Bracelet — $995
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about the most coveted luxury jewelry pieces
Beginner General Questions
1 What makes a piece of jewelry a luxury or coveted item
Its a combination of factors the prestige of the brand exceptional craftsmanship the use of highquality materials and often a timeless design that holds its value over time
2 What are some examples of the most iconic luxury jewelry pieces
Some of the most famous examples include the Cartier Love Bracelet the Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra necklace the Tiffany Co Setting engagement ring and Bulgaris Serpenti collection
3 Why are these pieces so expensive
The high price comes from the brands heritage and marketing the cost of materials the skilled labor required for handcrafting and the pieces status as a recognizable symbol of wealth and style
4 Is luxury jewelry a good investment
While not as liquid as stocks iconic pieces from major houses often retain their value very well and can even appreciate over time especially limited editions or vintage items Think of it as a wearable asset
5 Can I wear these expensive pieces every day
Many are designed for daily wear like the Cartier Love Bracelet which is meant to be screwed on However its always best to avoid harsh chemicals hard impacts and to store them properly to maintain their condition
Advanced Practical Questions
6 Whats the difference between high jewelry and regular luxury jewelry
High jewelry represents the absolute pinnacle These are oneofakind or limited pieces with the rarest gemstones and the most complex artistic craftsmanship Regular luxury jewelry is still exquisite but is often part of a permanent more accessible collection
7 Besides the big names are there any undertheradar coveted brands
Yes connoisseurs often seek out houses like Buccellati Messika or Pomellato