Some gifts are recognised across a room. These are the pieces that define their houses, the ones with the strongest resale records, and the ones most often found on a wish list in December.
At a glance
- Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra bracelet: from around $2,000.
- Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard earrings: from about $2,750.
- Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5-motif bracelet: about $5,550 and up, depending on stone.
- Cartier Love bracelet: about $7,950, or about $13,100 with four diamonds.
- Tiffany diamond tennis bracelet in platinum: from about $15,700.
- Prices: approximate US retail at the time of writing. Prices change, so confirm with the brand before buying.
Which Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra should you give?
The Alhambra clover, introduced in 1968, is Van Cleef & Arpels’ emblem of luck and perhaps the most coveted motif in jewelry today. The Sweet Alhambra bracelet, the smallest version of the clover, starts at around $2,000 and is the most graceful way into the house.
The Vintage Alhambra five-motif bracelet is the one most people picture, at about $5,550 and up in the US for a classic stone such as mother-of-pearl or onyx at the time of writing. Yellow gold with white mother-of-pearl is the most wearable choice and, according to resellers, among the quickest to resell.
Is the Cartier Love bracelet a good Christmas gift?
For a milestone, few gifts carry more meaning. The classic Love bracelet costs about $7,950 in 18k gold, or about $13,100 with four diamonds, and it has resold for about 95% of retail, according to Rebag data. It is fastened with a small screwdriver, which makes the moment of giving part of the design. For something more discreet, Cartier’s Trinity ring, three interlaced bands of gold since 1924, comes in a small half-paved model at about $8,050, with plain gold versions for far less.
What is the best Tiffany gift for a splurge?
Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard earrings, from about $2,750 in yellow gold, are the most elegant everyday diamonds the house makes. The Tiffany T Smile pendant with diamonds, from about $3,850 in rose gold, is a modern choice. And for the grand gesture, a diamond tennis bracelet in platinum starts at about $15,700.
An icon is simply a gift that never needs explaining.
How to choose between the three houses
Van Cleef & Arpels is for the romantic, and for someone who will build a collection motif by motif. Cartier is bolder and more graphic, and the Love bracelet has had the strongest resale record of the three. Tiffany offers the widest range of prices and the most famous box in the world. When in doubt, look at what she already wears, and choose the same gold.
Frequently asked questions
Which luxury jewelry holds its value best?
The Cartier Love bracelet and Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra in yellow gold and mother-of-pearl have been among the strongest performers on the resale market. Past resale prices are no guarantee of future value.
Do Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels have Christmas sales?
As a rule, no. These houses do not typically hold sales, and their prices have tended to rise over time.
More holiday gift guides
Sources: StreetStylis · Cartier · InvestedLuxury · Tiffany & Co. · Joli Closet
