WatchesJul 09, 2021
Net-a-Porter, Mr Porter Selling Pre-Owned Watches for the First Time SurveysAug 30, 2021
5 Things to Know About The RealReal’s Resale Report
Rolex and Retrouvaí are among the top luxury resale brands, as per The RealReal’s annual report.
A one-of-a-kind Retrouvaí “Lollipop” ring in 14-karat yellow gold, featuring a round green tourmaline set into white quartz ($8,660). The brand was highlighted in The RealReal’s annual Resale Report.
San Francisco—High-value luxury purchases have been on the rise throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from The RealReal.
The luxury consignment company compiled data from more than 17 million members in its annual Resale Report to plot out the current state of luxury resale.
“Despite the current economic climate, shoppers doubled down on safer investments from established luxury brands offering timeless styles and strong resale value,” said The RealReal.
Across several categories, like jewelry and watches, sales of high-value items ($1,000 or more) outpaced that of low-value ones (less than $1,000).
Here are five things to know about the new report.
Louis Vuitton claimed the top spot.
Louis Vuitton was in the No. 1 spot, surpassing Gucci (No. 2) for the first time. Its monogrammed tote was its best seller in resale.
It’s the second consecutive year that Louis Vuitton and Gucci topped the list of the most in-demand brands in luxury resale, bolstered by rising demand from millennials and Gen Z shoppers.
However, Gucci is still the No. 1 men’s brand, marking the third year in a row it’s held the title.
Chanel took the No. 3 spot overall, followed by Prada and Hermès.
The most popular Hermès item was its “Clic H” bracelet, priced at $620 and available in a variety of colors.
High-value jewelry and watch sales are booming.
The RealReal’s report found that high-value jewelry sales grew 22 times more than low-value amid the pandemic.
Engagement ring sales spiked in June, said the report.
It highlighted Los Angeles-based jewelry brand Retrouvaí, notable for its “modern heirloom” aesthetic, as an in-demand brand for shoppers looking for “fashion as escapism.”
The brand’s sales more than doubled, up 159 percent year-over-year in 2020 compared with the same period in 2019.
Retrouvaí designer Kirsty Stone recently won a Couture Design Award in the “Best in Bridal” category.
However, unbranded jewelry sales surpassed all of the top fine jewelry brands, with unbranded bracelet and earring sales both up 24 percent.
Looking at the watch category, high-value watch sales grew six times more than low-value ones, while the average resale value of high-value watches is 1.6 times stronger than low-value watches.
Rolex watches were particularly popular, with sales up 32 percent, a jump nine times greater than all the other watches available.
Logos are less important.
Logo-covered clothes and handbags were once all the rage, but the report found “stealth luxury” has grown in popularity.
Statement jewelry slightly fell out of favor, with demand for understated jewelry 1.8 times stronger.
Related stories will be right here …
The luxury consignment company compiled data from more than 17 million members in its annual Resale Report to plot out the current state of luxury resale.
“Despite the current economic climate, shoppers doubled down on safer investments from established luxury brands offering timeless styles and strong resale value,” said The RealReal.
Across several categories, like jewelry and watches, sales of high-value items ($1,000 or more) outpaced that of low-value ones (less than $1,000).
Here are five things to know about the new report.
Louis Vuitton claimed the top spot.
Louis Vuitton was in the No. 1 spot, surpassing Gucci (No. 2) for the first time. Its monogrammed tote was its best seller in resale.
It’s the second consecutive year that Louis Vuitton and Gucci topped the list of the most in-demand brands in luxury resale, bolstered by rising demand from millennials and Gen Z shoppers.
However, Gucci is still the No. 1 men’s brand, marking the third year in a row it’s held the title.
Chanel took the No. 3 spot overall, followed by Prada and Hermès.
The most popular Hermès item was its “Clic H” bracelet, priced at $620 and available in a variety of colors.
High-value jewelry and watch sales are booming.
The RealReal’s report found that high-value jewelry sales grew 22 times more than low-value amid the pandemic.
Engagement ring sales spiked in June, said the report.
It highlighted Los Angeles-based jewelry brand Retrouvaí, notable for its “modern heirloom” aesthetic, as an in-demand brand for shoppers looking for “fashion as escapism.”
The brand’s sales more than doubled, up 159 percent year-over-year in 2020 compared with the same period in 2019.
Retrouvaí designer Kirsty Stone recently won a Couture Design Award in the “Best in Bridal” category.
However, unbranded jewelry sales surpassed all of the top fine jewelry brands, with unbranded bracelet and earring sales both up 24 percent.
Looking at the watch category, high-value watch sales grew six times more than low-value ones, while the average resale value of high-value watches is 1.6 times stronger than low-value watches.
Rolex watches were particularly popular, with sales up 32 percent, a jump nine times greater than all the other watches available.
Logos are less important.
Logo-covered clothes and handbags were once all the rage, but the report found “stealth luxury” has grown in popularity.
Statement jewelry slightly fell out of favor, with demand for understated jewelry 1.8 times stronger.
Demand for understated handbags was nearly five times stronger than that of statement handbags, as per the report.
Sales for stealth men’s styles grew 2.4 times more than statement styles.
Streetwear sales are booming.
Streetwear sales are surging, with sales of pieces by traditional luxury brands up 991 percent over the past five years.
“It’s become increasingly clear that traditional luxury houses view streetwear as a force that cannot be ignored—from Dior’s Kim Jones tapping Shawn Stussy to Givenchy welcoming Matthew Williams,” said Sean Conway, sneaker and streetwear expert at The RealReal.
“As the lines between luxury and streetwear continue to blur, shoppers are embracing the new elevated streetwear look,” he said, adding that the luxury brands embracing the trend are some of the top brands in resale.
Balenciaga was the No. 1 brand in the category, with its Speed Trainer sock sneakers being especially popular.
Adidas x Yeezy, the collaboration between the sportswear brand and Kanye West, was in second place, followed by Supreme, Nike, and Off-White.
Interest in luxury resale is on the rise.
Interest in luxury resale overall increased by times 22 during the pandemic, as brands and retailers looked to connect with buyers during the brick-and-mortar slump.
“In a bright spot during these difficult times, brands, shoppers, and consignors alike are engaging in the circular economy,” said Rati Levesque, COO and head of merchandising for The RealReal.
“Gen Z, millennials, and men are the new faces of luxury shopping, and the brands in tune with what they want are rising to the top.”
The number of new consignors increased 27 percent during the pandemic, of which 37 percent were millennials and Gen Z.
Resale appealed to consumers amid economic uncertainty and environmental consciousness, said The RealReal, while virtual appointments made it a more convenient option.
Read the full report by The RealReal here.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Surveys
The Latest
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop EarringsHeidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.
MajorsFeb 21, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Names New PresidentThe organization also announced its newly elected officers and directors.
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring ShowThis year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B As anticipated, Anglo took another impairment charge on the diamond miner and marketer, which saw revenue sink 23 percent in 2024.
Weekly QuizFeb 21, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Harry Winston’s Son Donates Fancy Red Diamond to the SmithsonianRonald Winston is giving the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” to the Smithsonian, 67 years after his father donated the Hope Diamond.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice ChairmanKirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
IndependentsFeb 20, 2025
IJO Elects 4 New Board MembersAlisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, and Seth Shipley have joined the organization’s board of directors for a three-year term.
CrimeFeb 19, 2025
Brink’s to Pay $42M After Admitting to Illegally Transporting MoneyThe company has to pay the Justice Department and FinCEN for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S.’s main anti-money laundering law.
SourcingFeb 19, 2025
Diamond Mining Company CEO Steps Down Amid Sales Slump, LayoffsPetra Diamonds Ltd. CEO Richard Duffy resigned as the diamond miner reported a 30 percent drop in sales to start its fiscal year.
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on PinterestPinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.
MajorsFeb 19, 2025
Cartier Opens New Store Inside LAXThe boutique is the French luxury brand’s first airport store on the West Coast.
CollectionsFeb 19, 2025
Swarovski’s NYC Flagship Celebrates Ariana Grande CollabThe store’s facade now features the iconic swan logo and campaign images of the “Wicked” star.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2025
New Customs Requirements for Diamond Imports: What We KnowBeginning in April, companies importing diamonds into the United States will have to list the country in which the diamonds were mined.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2025
A Menagerie of Fabergé Coming to Sotheby’sAround 30 whimsical Fabergé animal carvings will go up for auction at Sotheby’s Geneva in May.
SourcingFeb 18, 2025
Celine Assimon Stepping Down as CEO of De Beers JewellersAssimon will be leaving at the end of February after nearly five years with De Beers.
CollectionsFeb 18, 2025
Tabayer Debuts Its First Men’s Jewelry SelectionsDesigns from the brand’s “Oera” collection have been reimagined with modern masculinity in mind.
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana SapphiresThe wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ StarThe “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ RingShow some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting EdgeAGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 CatalogMore than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s DayThis curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
