Prices for sought-after designer jewellery have surged by 30% over the past year.
TV star James Constantinou, who shot to fame on Channel 4’s Posh Pawn, is encouraging Brits to consider iconic luxury jewellery as global uncertainty continues to reshape the luxury market.
There has been a 15% to 20% rise in the last three to six months, with Cartier’s iconic 18ct Yellow Gold Love Bracelet increasing by 500 in the last year.
Chanel has also raised prices across selected fine jewellery collections, including Coco Crush.
One 18ct yellow gold and diamond Coco Crush ring, bought for £14,400 in January, now costs £15,800, a jump of almost 10% in just seven months.
James, the founder of Prestige Pawnbrokers, said: “If someone walked into one of my stores today and asked me where I’d put my money, I’d be pointing them towards high-end designer jewellery.
“We’re seeing more people buying iconic jewellery because they want something they can enjoy wearing while also knowing it’s likely to hold its value.
“Whenever there’s uncertainty around the world, people naturally look for safer places to put their money, and designer jewellery has become one of the strongest performers because of the materials it’s made from and the brands behind it.
“It is currently outperforming all other items.”
Prestige Pawnbrokers has seen growing demand for iconic collections from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, as buyers increasingly favour timeless jewellery over trend-led purchases.
James said: “People still want luxury, but they’re thinking much more about what they buy.
“They’re looking for pieces they’ll still be wearing in ten or twenty years’ time rather than something that’s fashionable today and forgotten tomorrow.
“That’s why high-end designer jewellery continues to perform so well.”
While designer jewellery continues to climb in value, James said the luxury watch market has cooled considerably.
He said: “A few years ago people were buying Rolexes hoping to make a quick profit. That’s not happening anymore.
“Luxury watches are still fantastic pieces to own, but if you’re looking at what’s performing best right now, high-end jewellery is leading the way.”
One example is Cartier’s iconic 18ct Yellow Gold Love Bracelet.
A year ago, the bracelet was selling for around £5,500 on the UK pre-owned market. Now, the same piece is selling for around £6,000, representing an increase of approximately 8%.
Van Cleef & Arpels prices have also climbed by around 4% to 6% since 2025, including its hugely popular Vintage Alhambra collection, while Sweet Alhambra pieces are up by around 5%.
James said rising gold prices, increased production costs and demand for the luxury market’s most recognisable brands and designs have all contributed to the increase.
He said: “People recognise some pieces immediately and they never really go out of fashion.
“That’s why they’re always in demand, whether you’re buying new or pre-owned.”
James also revealed the natural diamond market has fallen by around 20%,
James said: “Natural diamonds have become harder to sell.
“Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are selling well because they give people the same look for less money.
“People are becoming much more value-conscious, and that’s changing buying habits across the luxury market.”
James believes demand for branded jewellery will remain strong while uncertainty continues.
He said: “The world’s best jewellery brands have always held their appeal because they’re beautifully made, instantly recognisable and built to last.
“I can’t see demand slowing down anytime soon. People want something they can wear, enjoy and, if they ever need to, sell quickly.
“That’s exactly why I think designer jewellery will continue to outperform many other areas in the luxury market.”
Constantinou currently runs eight Prestige Pawnbrokers stores across the country. The business, which brought a premium approach to the traditional pawnbroking industry, has become a multi-million-pound enterprise.
TV show Posh Pawn ran for seven series, giving viewers a fly-on-the-wall view of James’ revolutionary take on high-end pawnbroking and the astonishing items he was offered, from a mini submarine, planes and yachts to a Swarovski crystal drum kit used on a Kylie Minogue tour.
