Advantages and disadvantages of buying second-hand jewelry and watches

The market of thesecond-hand applied to luxury represents USD 35 billion in 2024, 50% of which is watches and jewelry. It is expected to experience an annual growth rate of +15% over the next ten years to reach 140 billion USD in 2034.

In a context where responsible consumption is taking an increasing place in consumer habits, second-hand jewelry and watches are experiencing unprecedented growth. At the crossroads of the circular economy, the taste for unique objects and the desire for sustainable investments, This craze is no longer just a trend – it has now become a enlightened alternative to the new.

Why this sudden attraction to coins? second-hand Beyond the financial dimension, jewelry and watchmaking enthusiasts are increasingly looking for meaning, of history, And exclusivity in their purchases. Buying a piece of jewelry or a watch second-hand, It is adopt a new way of consuming, more sensitive to ethics, ecological impact, but also to the unique character of the pieces chosen.

Indeed, the look at the purchase second-hand has changed positively: 75% of French people say they are ready to buy second-hand luxury products. For a brand purchased second-hand :

• 54% have a positive outlook,

• 41% have a neutral judgment,

• and only 5% have a negative perception.

The Benefits of Buying Pre-Owned Jewelry and Watches

Economy: Second-hand goods, a real ally for your wallet

Buying a second-hand piece of jewelry or watch often allows you to benefit from more advantageous prices : being already worn, these pieces generally lose their initial depreciation, which makes them more stable purchases and sometimes even more profitable over time. Indeed, theThe discount on second-hand goods is between 30% and 50% compared to the new price, which means that you can acquire a high-end piece of jewelry at a significantly reduced price, more accessible, and without compromising on quality.

Exclusivity: access to unique pieces from major fashion houses or designers

Buying second-hand opens the door to a world of rarities: timeless models, out of collections, limited editions or designer jewelry now gone… On a specialized marketplace like 58 Facettes, each piece tells a story and distinguishes itself from mass production. These unique treasures appeal to connoisseurs, collectors and amateurs alike in search of something different.

By purchasing on specialized platforms such as 58 Facettes, you can access to real gems, selected and authenticated by experts.

Second-hand jewelry; more ethical and more ecological

By extending the life of an existing watch or piece of jewelry, we limit the extraction of new resources, international transport and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Adopting second-hand means taking a concrete step towards more planet-friendly consumption - while maintaining the pleasure of luxury and elegance.

Buy a second-hand piece of jewelry on 58 Facettes avoids the production of new metals and precious stones, which have catastrophic consequences for the environment, for example:

Cutting a 1 carat diamond generates the emission of 160kg of CO2 (twice as much as manufacturing an iPhone). Over the next five years, the jewelry industry will emit 160 to 170 million tons of CO2 to cut all the rough diamonds mined. Furthermore, this does not take into account the CO2 emissions associated with the cutting of other precious stones.

The extraction of one gram of gold and one carat of diamond represents:

For one gram of gold: 

• 500L of water
  3.3g of mercury or 33.3g of cyanide

For one carat of diamond:

• The manufacture of more than 2 smartphones
  160kg of CO2 released

This is therefore a manufacturing process with a harmful environmental impact, which must be stopped. On the scale of a piece of jewelry, turning to second-hand represents a saving of approximately, for:

If every new jewelry purchase was made on 58 Facettes* rather than on a new piece of jewelry crafted from newly mined gold and diamonds, we would save: 

• more than 90 million liters of water

• more than 500T of CO2 equivalent

Unparalleled sentimental and historical value of second-hand pieces

Jewelry and watches second-hand are full of history. Every scratch, every engraving, every patina is the witness of a past. For some, this emotional aspect adds an almost romantic dimension to the purchase: receiving or giving an antique piece of jewelry is also transmit a memory.

Investment: Some pre-owned pieces increase in value over time

In the field of watches and jewelry, certain pieces are seeing their value rise over the years, explained by various criteria: 

• Intrinsic value: the materials from which the jewelry is made (precious metals, precious stones) have always been recognized as safe havens. Gold, in particular, has confirmed this status throughout 2024: while the markets are going through a period of uncertainty, its price has experienced a surge of more than 30% since the beginning of last yearOn October 2, 2024, the yellow metal reached an all-time high around 2,625 USD per ounce (or nearly 77.09 €/g), confirming a succession of recent records. The majority of market analysts agree to anticipate an upward trend at least until the beginning of 2025, reinforcing the appeal of gold coins and jewelry as wealth preservation assets. 

• Manufacturing work: Each piece of jewelry, made by hand and handcrafted, is unique and will have more resale value than jewelry purchased new today.
  

• Rarity of the jewel : old period pieces (Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Retro for the most well-known) see their value increased by +10% per year over the last 10 years. The rarer and more exceptional a piece of jewelry is, the more sought-after it is and can be considered an investment. 
  

• Reputation (brand signature, appreciation of a collection, etc.) : a well-maintained iconic model can become a valuable investment. En average, the parts branded of the Great Houses are appreciated in value of +10 to 20% per year. For example, the ring Trinity of Cartier saw its value increase by 90% in three years, well beyond the progression of the price of gold (+36%).
  

• Market trends : certain names or types of jewelry go out of fashion or become trendy. Once again, we notice a confirmed attraction for jewelry branded from Grandes Maisons: among the sales of jewelry and watches second-hand, at the house of 58 Facettes, Cartier dominates sales, followed by Hermès and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Risks associated with purchasing jewelry and watches second-hand

That said, buying jewelry or watches second-hand also raises legitimate questions. But with the right reflexes and the right intermediaries, what may seem like an inconvenience becomes a simple point of attention for be sure to make the right purchase.

Remove any doubt about the authenticity of second-hand jewelry

Of course, the fear of coming across a counterfeit remains real for many buyers. This is why it is essential to favor reliable and recognized platforms, such as 58 Facettes which works exclusively with expert jewelers and watchmakers. Each piece offered for sale is subject to meticulous expertise and a rigorous certification process., ensuring our customers not only authenticity, but also a fair and transparent assessment of its value.

Ensure the origin of second-hand parts

Checking the origin of a second-hand piece of jewelry or watch is a essential guarantee, both legally and ethically. This vigilance not only allowsto eliminate any risk associated with the possession of stolen or counterfeit objects, but also to ensure that their acquisition complies with responsible standardsOn specialized marketplaces, each piece is generally accompanied by a complete descriptive sheet, most often including its ownership history and technical characteristics, in order to offer buyers total transparency and increased confidence at the time of purchase.

Condition and warranty: new vs. second-hand jewelry

It is true that a new item leaves the store in impeccable condition, which is not exactly the case with second-hand jewelry. And yet, at 58 Facettes, Each piece is assessed, cleaned, and reconditioned if necessary (this may include polishing, rhodium plating, adding a missing or damaged stone, etc.). 

This rigorous process thus guarantees buyers a level of quality and reliability comparable to that of a new item, while adding a sustainable and responsible dimension to their purchase.

Sometimes less choice and availability

The supply of second-hand parts is, by nature, more random than that of new parts. : it is not always easy to immediately find the exact model you are looking for, in the desired size, color or period. This apparent rarity is, however, one of the strengths of this market: it places the purchase in ano longer patient and selective approach, where waiting is an integral part of the pleasure.

At the same time, putting off your purchase for a few weeks or months, the time to identify the ideal piece, not only allows you to find a truly unique piece of jewelry (sometimes impossible to find in stores), but also to avoid impulse purchases dictated by passing trends. 

Our advice for a successful purchase of vintage jewelry or watches

Favor trusted stores, sites certified or specialized houses

The success of a vintage jewelry or watch purchase depends above all on choosing a reliable intermediary, able to offer transparency, expertise and security at every stage. Opt for a recognized brand, a certified site or a maison specialized not only protects you against the risks of counterfeiting or unpleasant surprises, but also ensures you quality support.

To give you an initial idea, analyzing customer reviews (number, relevance, tone, etc.) is a valuable indicator of the seriousness of a platform or store.

A platform like 58 Facettes connects selected sellers, professionals certified and individuals whose jewelry we take responsibility for, in order to guarantee you seriousness in each transaction.

Require certificates of authenticity and an invoice for pre-owned pieces

In the world of second-hand jewelry and watches, every proof of authenticity is of capital importance. To fully secure your purchase, it is essential to note or request the most complete documentation: original invoice, official certificate, box, dust bag or any other element attesting to the origin and condition of the piece. This secures the purchase but also makes it considerably easier to resell it later, by reassuring your future buyers. 

That's why pour any purchase on 58 Facettes, You will receive, within 24 hours after the jewelry has been shipped or handed over, a certificate of expertise with a photo, specifying the characteristics of the jewelry and specifying the name of the expert who carried out the appraisal of the jewelry. Additionally, an invoice is also provided, detailing the jewelry's characteristics and committing the seller's liability. This invoice, issued by a professional, serves as a certificate of authenticity. 

Inquire about the precise condition of second-hand jewelry

When purchasing a second-hand piece of jewelry or watch, careful examination of his condition is an essential step. This involves both careful analysis of the visuals and careful reading of its description. At the house of 58 Facettes, Each piece is photographed by professionals in order to faithfully restore its details and brilliance. The descriptions, written by our experts and partner sellers, provide a maximum of objective information on the characteristics and condition of the jewelry, to allow you to buy with complete transparency.

To complete this experience, we offer you the opportunity to try on the piece directly in our Paris showroom. If you are unable to travel to us, you can request additional photos or videos. This process allows you to confirm your favorite, while ensuring that the piece perfectly matches your expectations before finalizing your purchase.

Check return policies and warranty conditions for second-hand goods

Because it is common to change your mind, whether for a new or second-hand purchase, it is prudent to inquire beforehand about the guarantees offered and the return conditions.

At the house of 58 Facettes, you have 14 calendar days from the delivery date to return your jewelry, provided it has not been worn and shows no new signs of wear or tear. This policy allows you to buy with complete peace of mind, with the freedom to reconsider your decision without constraint. 

Our standards don't stop there: the authenticity and satisfaction of our customers remain our top priority., if you have the slightest doubt about the authenticity of your piece after its purchase, we offer to submit it free of charge for a new appraisal by our specialists, to guarantee you total confidence and an impeccable purchasing experience.

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