When walking through the boutiques of Fifth Avenue or Madison Avenue this December, the glittering displays can be mesmerizing. However, seasoned collectors know that the true value of high jewelry lies in the signature.
At New York Loan Company, we often see clients surprised by the valuation difference between a custom-made diamond ring and a signed piece from a heritage maison. Here is why signed jewelry from houses like Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Graff reigns supreme in the secondary market and the collateral lending space.
The “Signature” Premium
In the world of valuation, a “signed” piece refers to jewelry that bears the hallmark of a recognized luxury house. In 2025, the premium for signed goods has widened. A generic 3-carat diamond ring is valued primarily on the intrinsic worth of the stone and metal. A 3-carat diamond ring signed by Cartier, however, carries the weight of brand equity, design history, and craftsmanship.
Van Cleef & Arpels: The Alhambra and Beyond
Van Cleef & Arpels remains a standout performer. Collections like the Alhambra have become liquid currency in the luxury world. Their limited-edition holiday pendants, often released in October, instantly trade above retail on the secondary market. For a lender, this liquidity is key. We can advance significantly higher loan amounts against Van Cleef pieces because their market value is undisputed and stable.
Graffiti and High Art
Graff Diamonds has solidified its reputation for handling the world’s most exceptional stones. When you purchase Graff, you are purchasing the top 1% of diamond quality. This makes these pieces excellent collateral for high-value loans, often reaching into the six or seven figures.
Leveraging Your Collection
If you possess signed pieces—perhaps inherited or collected over years—you hold a powerful financial tool. NewYorkLoan.com, located in the secure International Gem Tower, employs GIA-certified gemologists who understand the specific premiums attached to signed jewelry.
Unlike a standard pawn shop that might only weigh the gold, we value the brand. This allows us to offer loans that reflect the true market value of your asset, providing you with immediate cash in minutes while your jewelry remains safely stored in our state-of-the-art vaults.
