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
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
