Trends

A Yellow Diamond Ring Is the Most Expensive Item Ever Sold on The RealReal

TrendsJan 19, 2022

A Yellow Diamond Ring Is the Most Expensive Item Ever Sold on The RealReal

Plus, more insights from the luxury reseller’s annual consignment report.

20220119_TheRealReal.jpg
Jewelry from Tiffany & Co. has an interesting relationship with The RealReal. According to the company’s annual consignment trend report, the average resale price was up 23 percent last year, but among an older demographic (Gen X), rather than the LVMH-owned brand’s coveted younger targets like Gen Z. Pictured are bracelets from the new “Tiffany Knot” collection.
San Francisco—Luxury consignment company The RealReal has released its annual report highlighting the biggest trends in the secondhand market.  
 
Comparing January-November 2021 to January-November 2020, The RealReal pointed out that every demographic’s participation in luxury resale increased in 2021. This led to nearly every brand The RealReal stocks increasing in value.
 
Of The RealReal’s 24 million customers, whether consigners or shoppers, the largest share (36 percent) are millennials, closely followed by Gen X (33 percent), then baby boomers (22 percent), Gen Z (5 percent), and, finally, the Silent Generation (4 percent). 
 
With the current focus on 1990s and 2000s fashion, different generations are taking advantage of the resale market to find pieces that are on-trend.
 
Just as logos are trending in clothing, shoes, and bags, jewelry is feeling the effect of the branding craze. 
 
Tiffany & Co.’s “Return to Tiffany” collection saw its resale value increase 14 percent last year, with millennials selling the pieces and Gen X snatching them up. 
 
Overall, the average sale price for Tiffany jewelry rose 23 percent. The RealReal noted that despite the LVMH-owned brand’s attempt to lure a younger customer with projects like its Supreme collaboration, Gen X remains the biggest buyer and seller. 
 
The biggest increase in year-over-year average sale price was for Tiffany’s Schlumberger collection (36 percent), followed by the HardWear collection (up 28 percent), and the Elsa Peretti collection (26 percent).
 
Last year, The RealReal sold its highest priced Tiffany jewel yet—a 21.98-carat diamond and platinum “Victoria Necklace” purchased for $83,000. 
 
 Related stories will be right here … 
 
But that wasn’t the most expensive jewel The RealReal sold in 2021. That honor went to an unbranded yellow diamond solitaire ring. Purchased for $350,000, it’s the most expensive item The RealReal has ever sold in any category.
 
Buyers’ desire for rare, unique and limited-edition items is particularly ardent in the jewelry and watches sector. In fact, vintage jewelry and watch values are outpacing the value of new pieces, sometimes for two to three times the price, The RealReal said in its report. 
 
An Audemars Piguet “Royal Oak” self-winding chronograph sold for $143,000 last year, while a pair of Cartier diamond stud earrings fetched $42,500.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen demand shift from statement jewelry and watches that pop to unique, vintage pieces that are rich in character.” —Steffi Lee, The RealReal
 
Of all jewelry and watch brands stocked on The RealReal, Rolex recorded the biggest increase in value, with a 16 percent average increase year-over-year and some styles selling for up to three times their retail value. 
 
Other category bestsellers, including costume designs, are vintage Chanel necklaces, which sell for up to 697 percent of their retail value, and vintage Tiffany clip-on earrings, which go for up to 381 percent of their retail value. 
 
Unsurprisingly, Patek Philippe “Nautilus” timepieces earn up to 258 percent of their retail value, Rolex “Submariner Date” watches for up to 262 percent. 
 
Fine Jewelry Editorial Manager Steffi Lee said: “Over the past year, we’ve seen demand shift from statement jewelry and watches that pop to unique, vintage pieces that are rich in character. These pieces are a quieter, and more versatile, way to stand out from the crowd.”
 
Observing the resale market at a macro level, The RealReal’s report noted that supply chain constraints and consumers’ desire for more sustainable shopping helped luxury consignment soar in 2021, driving up values. 
 
“Resale has undeniably gone mainstream,” said The RealReal President Rati Sahi Levesque. “When we unpack the trends among our 24-plus million members driving the year’s greatest value gains, they connect back to the handoff happening between generations, the desire for unique pieces that are authentic to personal style and changing shopping behaviors driving more buyers and consignors to luxury resale.” 
 
The full report is available online.

The Latest

Gemist
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech Platform

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Jeff Preolo, David Stout, Levi Higgs, David Benavides
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

Blake Graham and Jessica Kohoutek
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Buddha Mama Monstera Ring
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap Ring

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The Jewelry Symposium event
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy