We Tried on $1M Worth of Luxury Jewelry and Here’s What’s Worth the Splurge

The leaves have fallen, the air is brisk, and seasonal coffee flavors are back on the menu — sure signs that the holidays are upon us! And what better way to celebrate the season than by giving the gift of glistening gold, warm rose gold, chic palladium, or dazzling diamonds? With that in mind, we’ve crafted a luxurious jewelry gift guide to help you with any last-minute holiday shopping.

Image courtesy: @freyakillin

Whether you’re searching for a meaningful gift for a loved one, a thoughtful gesture for mom or dad, or a well-deserved treat to close out the year, this guide has you covered. From bold statement pieces to everyday elegance, we’ve curated options from iconic brands like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Hermès. Plus, with a range of price points and styles, this guide ensures your holiday shopping sparkles effortlessly for everyone on your list.

Gifts $5K and Under

  1. Cartier Love Ring, Small Model – $1,250

The timeless screw design is featured on a thin version of the classic Love ring for a fantastic price point. This can be used as a wedding band, stacked with other rings, or stand alone as a lovely statement piece!

Image courtesy: Cartier

Image courtesy: Cartier

2. Hermès Chaine D’Ancre Enchainee Ring, Small Model – $2,550

Hermès’ fine jewelry collection is one of its most underrated categories. Not only does Hermès have several stunning lines, but rumor has it that buying fine jewelry will bring you closer to a quota bag offer! The Chaine D’Ancre Enchainee Ring is a customer favorite due to its unique design and shape. Some say it resembles a DNA strand, while others note that it simply reminds them of intricate, interlocking chains.

Image courtesy: Hermes

Image courtesy: Hermes

3. Tiffany T Wire Bracelet – $2,700

The Tiffany T collection is an amazing option for those just beginning their luxury jewelry collection. There is an amazing backstory (leave us a comment if you’d like to know more about it) to the sleek, sophisticated design. This T Wire Bracelet is simply stunning, with the classic gold Tiffany Ts facing each other. The design allows for easy removal, making it a great option for anyone who likes to change or remove jewelry frequently.

Image courtesy: Tiffany and Co

Image courtesy: Tiffany and Co

4. Hermès Heure H Watch, Small Model, 25mm – $3,300

If you haven’t ventured into Hermès watches yet, you’re missing out! The Heure H Watch is a classic piece that features quartz movement, comes with a white dial, and has an interchangeable strap in Gold Epsom calfskin  The 25mm small model is the perfect size face for those with smaller wrists or anyone who prefers daintier watches.

Image courtesy: Hermes

Image courtesy: Hermes

5. Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloche Pendant – $3,800

The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra is the design that launches many journeys into luxury jewelry, so it is often viewed as a must-have for any collection! And, if you haven’t seen the  Guilloche design in person, you are really missing out. The intricate, sunburst pattern of the Guilloche pendant catches your eye – and the attention of everyone around you!

Image courtesy: Van Cleef and Arpels

Image courtesy: Van Cleef and Arpels

6. Panthère de Cartier Watch, Small Model – $4,350

The small model of the iconic Panthère de Cartier Watch features quartz movement and is encased in steel. It features a flexible steel bracelet meant to resemble the movement of a panther, and the collection is one of Cartier’s most distinctive, functional, elegant designs.

Image courtesy: Cartier

Image courtesy: Cartier

7. Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet with Diamonds, Small Model – $5,050

The Juste Un Clou collection is especially popular among younger clientele and anyone who loves a modern play on jewelry. This ‘Just a Nail’ bracelet is the slim, wire version that’s easily maneuverable and adorned with 20-brilliant cut diamonds. It is an excellent choice for jewelry lovers who may work in fields that require them to remove and put back on jewelry throughout the day (e.g., medicine).

Image courtesy: Cartier

Image courtesy: Cartier

Gifts $10-15K

  1. Tiffany T1 Open Hoop Earrings – $10,400

While still part of the classic Tiffany T collection, T1 pieces tend to feature a more modern take on the collection’s design. These earrings are set in white gold with diamonds and feature a curved T to create a striking open hoop design that would pair well with any evening look.

Image courtesy: Tiffany and Co

Image courtesy: Tiffany and Co

2. Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Bracelet, 6 Motifs – $11,300

The Sweet Alhambra Bracelet is the lesser-known, more understated sister to the popular classic Vintage Alhambra Bracelet. What makes this version so special is, that all six motifs are adorned with diamonds and set in 18k white gold, making this a hardwearing option for those who want to be carefree with their jewelry!

Image courtesy: Van Cleef and Arpels

Image courtesy: Van Cleef and Arpels

3. Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Bracelet, 5 Flowers – $11,400

Another Van Cleef & Arpels classic is its Frivole bracelet with five flowers. Made in 18k yellow gold, the piece features diamonds in the center of each flower. Like the Guilloche collection, the Frivole pieces command attention when the light hits the mirror-polished 18k gold.

Image courtesy: Van Cleef and Arpels

Image courtesy: Van Cleef and Arpels

4. De Beers Portraits of Nature Butterfly Pendant in White Gold – $12,000

De Beers is known for the quality of its diamonds, and these diamond pieces sparkle! This Portraits of Nature Butterfly Pendant is made with marquise and brilliant cut diamonds that total approximately 1.2 carats. The delicate nature of the butterfly combined with dazzling sparkle, makes this a true gem.

Image courtesy: De Beers

Image courtesy: De Beers

5. Graff Icon Round Diamond Earrings – $12,000

The Icon collection is Graff’s signature line and its most distinctive design. The Icon Round Diamond Earrings showcase two round brilliant diamonds surrounded by a halo of pave diamonds in white gold. These drop earrings are stunners and transition well from afternoon to evening events.

Image courtesy: Graff

Image courtesy: Graff

6. Cartier Baignoire Watch (Size 15) – $12,900

The Baignoire de Cartier watch has been gaining popularity recently with the rise in demand for jewelry-like, daintier watches. This mini model is set in 18k yellow gold and has a rigid bracelet. The oval-shaped watch face along with the sleek bracelet makes this the perfect watch for anyone who loves yellow gold jewelry and wants a Cartier watch at a much better price point than the Panthère!

Image courtesy: Cartier

Image courtesy: Cartier

7. Tiffany HardWear Small Link Ring in Rose Gold with Pavé Diamonds – $13,500

HardWear is one of Tiffany’s newer collections, symbolizing “love’s transformative strength.” This ring features a modern, edgy design with resilient small links in rose gold adorned with pave diamonds.

Image courtesy: Tiffany and Co

Image courtesy: Tiffany and Co

Gifts $15K and Up

  1. Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloche and Diamond Bracelet, 5 Motifs – $15,900

This gift guide wouldn’t be complete without featuring a reader favorite – the Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 motif bracelet! This one is made in 18k yellow gold with alternating yellow gold guilloche and diamond motifs. It’s designed to be a dressier, sparklier version of the classic guilloche bracelet because adding diamonds is always a great idea!

Image courtesy: Van Cleef and Arpels

Image courtesy: Van Cleef and Arpels

2. Graff Classic Butterfly Petite Diamond Ring – $15,900

This Classic Butterfly Petite Diamond Ring features four of Graff’s signature butterfly motifs in pear and marquise-shaped diamonds with a total weight of approximately 1.8 carats. One butterfly stands alone while three others cluster nearby, creating a beautiful, alluring creation.

Image courtesy: Graff

Image courtesy: Graff

3. Graff Tilda’s Bow Classic Diamond Ring – $20,700

Tilda’s Bow Classic Diamond Ring features a playful bow that is perfect for the holiday, gift-giving season! Round and baguette diamonds are set along the curvatures of the bow’s design.

Image courtesy: Graff

Image courtesy: Graff

4. Panthère de Cartier Watch, Mini Model – $21,700

As the ultimate ‘it girl’ watch, the Panthère de Cartier Watch has been seen on the wrists of Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Rihanna, to name a few. Its timeless design attracts everyone from stylish New Yorkers to chic Parisians to Hollywood celebrities. This mini model features a quartz movement and is encased in yellow gold, perfect for those with smaller wrists or preferences for daintier designs.

Image courtesy: Cartier

Image courtesy: Cartier

5. Broderie de Cartier Ring – $24,400

The Broderie de Cartier ring is made with 18k rose gold and features 70 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 2.4 carats. The diamonds are arranged in three stunning rows, making this a perfect statement ring.

Image courtesy: Cartier

Image courtesy: Cartier

6. Hermès Cape Cod Watch, Small Model, 31 mm – $27,475

This diamond-set rose gold watch with a mother-of-pearl dial is one of Hermes’ most stunning creations – outside of the handbag department, of course. The elegant bracelet will pair well with any jewelry stack, and you never know whether a handbag offer could magically appear shortly after you purchase this with your SA!

Image courtesy: Hermes

Image courtesy: Hermes

7. Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Bracelet, Large Model – $28,800

Last, but certainly not least, is the large model of the Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Bracelet. In this stunning creation, diamond clovers are surrounded by rows of golden beads, all created in 18k yellow gold. The bracelet is made with 80 diamonds and has a total approximate carat weight of 1.78 carats.

Image courtesy: Van Cleef and Arpels

Image courtesy: Van Cleef and Arpels

Published: December 14th, 2024
Updated: December 14th, 2024

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