Trends come and go, but investing in classic fine jewellery can create family heirlooms of tomorrow. Searching proving tricky? James Constantinou, Founder of Prestige Pawnbrokers — the go to place for high-net-worth individuals wishing to part with luxury goods — shares his tips on one of his greatest passions: fine jewellery. www.prestigepawnbrokers.co.uk
You must have come across some spectacular jewellery. What’s your most memorable?
“We come into contact with some beautiful jewellery, from Victorian antiques to modern day masterpieces, which never fails to excite me. However, I was lucky enough to appraise some exquisite items belonging to the late and wonderful Elizabeth Taylor. This included a breathtaking sapphire and diamond necklace and earring set, mounted in platinum and beautifully proportioned.”
With so many covetable items in your stores; do you have a favourite piece you would most like to own?
“One piece that came into our hands was a Bvlgari vintage diamond set Parentesi necklace. I’ve loved Bvlgari ever since I watched Casino back in the Nineties, when Sharon Stone’s character was presented with a large box full of the most beautiful gem-set Bvlgari jewellery. This was the first time I’d ever seen the necklace, so I was excited to have one in store to appraise. Sadly, I didn’t get to keep it for myself as it sold very quickly. They are so rare.”
When investing in high-end jewellery, what do you believe should be considered first?
“Look for a timeless classic to add to your collection, like the Cartier Love Bracelet. First released in 1969 by designer Aldo Cipullo, it was inspired by the idea of everlasting love and the symbolic locking of two people together. Today the Cartier Love Bracelet is still one of the most desired jewellery pieces and is available in multiple variations depending on your budget.”
What other names are no-fail investments?
“You will always reap rewards with Italian powerhouse, Bvlgari, especially collections like the Serpenti or B.Zero1. The B.Zero1 design pays homage to the Colosseum in Rome and again comes in many variations to choose from. Classics like these will always be popular, so they are a great investment — and the quality is undeniable. These pieces are designed to last.”
Is keeping packaging important?
“It is the most important thing to remember when you purchase a high-end piece, so keep everything that comes with your jewellery. So many people discard packaging such as the box, bag and ribbon — even the receipt — but it’s worth remembering that should you ever wish to sell it in the future, the packaging and receipt means you will get a better return.”
Do you recommend perusing pre-loved markets?
“Yes; always check the pre-loved market first. Some of the Cartier Love Bracelet models increased in price by five to eight percent in September 2025 — and this was the second price increase of the year. This is largely due to the price of gold, which is predicted to go even higher. When buying pre-loved go to a reputable company like ours, where vigorous checks are made to ensure authenticity. Also, consider what comes with the piece, like a certificate of authenticity or an original purchase receipt. You can always check hallmarks and makers’ marks yourself by investing in a jeweller’s loupe.”
Finally, before investing, do you have a golden rule to stick to?
“If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Sadly, we see many customers duped into buying something for a fraction of the market value, only to discover the piece isn’t genuine. You can always check to see how the item you are interested in is listed elsewhere. If you see a Van Cleef vintage Alhambra bracelet up for sale on the pre-loved market for £1,200, that would be an amazing deal. But if other places have them listed between £3,000 and £4,000, this should be a red flag.”
Disclaimer: This article is for editorial purposes only and should not be regarded as financial advice. Prices and values may fluctuate, and independent professional advice is recommended before making investment decisions.
