Author: TrueFacet

TrueFacet is an online marketplace for pre-owned fine jewelry and watches. Every item sold is verified by our in-house team of gemologists and watch experts to ensure its authenticity.

The 10 All-Time Best-Sellers on TrueFacet

We count down the 10 most popular items to buy and sell on TrueFacet and the iconic designs by Rolex, Cartier and more that our shoppers are always adding to their wish lists and collections.

10. Chanel C&C Brooches
These large brooches proudly showcase the iconic interlocking Cs of the Chanel logo. Tacking one of these onto your jacket instantly and effortlessly elevates into a trendsetting ensemble.


9. Bulgari B.Zero1 Rings
Inspired by Rome’s Colosseum, these sleek, architectural Bulgari rings suit a variety of style types and wardrobes. The B.Zero1 ring has become a subtly luxurious piece recognized and beloved by those in the know.

 


8. David Yurman Cable Classics
Offered in a variety of metals and capped with colorful gemstones, David Yurman’s helix twisted bracelets carry a kind of “collect-them-all” air that fans cannot get enough of.


7. Breitling Super Avenger II
Breitling is marked for its oversized watch styles and none stands quite as impressively as the Super Avenger II. The Super Avenger II boasts a commanding size that feels weighty on the wearer’s wrist. The overall design balances a ruggedly utilitarian feel with professional polish.


6. TAG Heuer Carrera
Named after the most dangerous car race in history, the TAG Heuer Carrera has become a fascination for gear heads and car fanatics in particular. However, it has widespread appeal thanks to its clean, no-frills design and sleek size.


5. Omega Seamaster
Omega is best known for its exceptional diving watches, particularly the ever-popular Seamaster. The Seamaster was an engineering marvel when it debuted in 1948. The brand has continued to innovate upon its technology allowing the Seamaster to reach deeper and deeper ocean depths. In turn, Omega has tweaked its design, but even with its updates, the Seamaster always has a classic mid-century feel to it that fans adore. It’s little surprise that this trusted model consistently ranks as a favorite among TrueFacet shoppers.


4. Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Bracelet
The “Return to Tiffany” collection debuted in 1969. Each item was stamped with the message, “Please Return to Tiffany & Co. New York” and serial number so, if lost, the owner and item would be reunited at the New York jeweler’s flagship. Since then, the heart-shaped charms and chunky silver chains have become one of Tiffany & Co.’s most recognizable collections and a consistent fan-favorite.


3. Rolex Datejust
Shoppers looking to invest in a Rolex oftentimes begin their collection with a Datejust, and rightfully so. The Rolex Datejust’s fluted bezel is so universally recognized; it has pushed the Datejust into a new stratum of prestige and desirability. The Datejust’s design has transcended fashion trends and eras to become a luxury icon. Atop its elegant design, Rolex boasts an incredible attention to detail in its production, manufacturing nearly every component by hand in-house.


2. Cartier Love Bracelet
Since its release in 1969, the Cartier Love Bracelet has remained an absolute sensation. Beloved for its timeless design and its romantic take on the folklore of medieval chastity belts, the Love Collection is simply adored by Cartier fans.


1. Rolex Submariner
Topping out our list of bestsellers is the Rolex Submariner. The Submariner is a distinguished and unmistakably Rolex model. The sharp black bezel and dial gives the watch a sporty feel, but the metal oyster bracelet keeps it dressy enough for the office and formal affairs. Even if Rolex fans already have a Submariner in their collection, they will happily add another colorful dial onto their wish list.

Understanding Jewelry and Watch Engraving

The art of hand engraving is still considered a specialty in the jewelry industry, and, even today, there are only a few dozen well-known and experienced hand engravers in the world, which makes the process even more special. But not all engraving needs to be completed by hand, and not all engraving should be.

A jewelry engraving could be something as simple as inscribing your initials into your wedding rings or something as complex as etching an intricate filigree design onto the back of your vintage Rolex. Either way, engraving should be special, personal, and beautiful.

How Engraving is Done 
In most cases, the act of engraving (or metal etching) is the process of removing metal in a way that a permanent imprint is left behind. Engravers doing the process by hand will use tools similar to scalpels or small knives, but can also use the culet of a diamond (the small, pointed part) to etch into metals. There are also engraving machines which are often used to engrave a message from one person to another inside of a ring. These are easier to use, and many jewelry stores train every member of their staff to do so.

Hand Engraving, Image by Dave Kessner

With time and wear, some engravings will fade away, especially those on soft metals such as gold or silver, which can lose metal over time and make an engraving harder to see over the years. That’s not a problem, though; engravings can always be redone.

When to Get Jewelry Engraved
The most popular jewelry items taken in for engraving are wedding bands. It is a tradition for both the bride and the groom to have the insides of their wedding bands engraved (usually by machine, but sometimes by hand) with either the date of the ceremony or a special, secret message to one another, often only revealed on the day of the ceremony. Other popular items include lockets, engagement rings, and watches. Many times, when a watch is gifted to one’s beloved, it is done so with a message etched on the caseback. Engraving a watch does decrease its value, however, so if you intend to resell it in the future, hold off on engraving it to be sure you fetch the highest price for it.

Where to Have Something Engraved
Many jewelry stores have one or more people on staff who can engrave the inside of a ring, and if the store sells high-end watches, it is likely that the watch brand itself will be the one doing the engraving. But for specialty items or hand engraving, chances are your jewelry store will need to send it to a specialist. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to ask who the store will send the jewelry item to: you should always be familiar with the people handling your precious jewelry, which is why we recommend a hands-on approach to the engraving process and thorough research about the engravers.

 

Main image courtesy of NotOnHighStreet.com.

 

Gifts for the Watch and Jewelry Lover

If you have an avid watch or jewelry collector in your life, then this gift guide is for you. Rather than spend thousands on a new addition to their collection, why not give them the tools to take care of the pieces they already have? Here are our suggestions for the various tools and technology your watch and jewelry lover just can’t live without.

For the Watch Collector in Your Life

What do you get the watch collector who has it all? File away those dreams of finding a super-rare Rolex Daytona for them—what they really need is a gift that can help them keep their precious timepieces in top condition.

Watch Winder

If your loved one is a fan of automatic watches but has too many to wear them all regularly, then this is the perfect gift for them. Automatic watches are powered by the movement of one’s wrist when the watch is being worn and will eventually wind down and stop without continued use. A watch winder keeps automatic watches in motion so they remain wound, accurate, and ready to be worn at a moment’s notice. Collectors tend to prefer winders from Orbita or Wolf for their reliability, sleek designs, and high quality.

Replacement Watch Straps and Bracelets

The strap or bracelet on a collector’s watch is just as important as the body of the watch itself. Some watch collectors even choose to replace the original bracelet before wearing the watch simply because they want to preserve the original in its pristine, untouched condition. If the collector in your life does the same, or even just appreciates the customized look of a new strap on a classic watch, then you should gift them with some new replacement bands this holiday season. You can get straps made for specific watch models, if you want to be particularly precise (for example, Everest sells bands customized to fit each Rolex model), but you can find decent-quality straps or bracelets to fit any watch online or at watch stores.

Watch Tools

Is the collector in your life more of a hands-on kind of person? Then perhaps they’d appreciate their very own set of tools—this way, they can replace the strap, examine the watch’s movement, or otherwise tinker with their timepiece without needing to bring it to a jeweler. Most basic tool kits are equipped with link pin removers, caseback removers, watchmaker’s tweezers and screwdrivers, and spare pins, though you can certainly find sets with a more comprehensive selection of tools. Your local jeweler would be able to sell you a set of these tools, but you might have better luck price-wise on Amazon.com or another online marketplace.

Watch Roll

A watch roll is perfect for the collector on the go. Travelling can be hard on watches if they haven’t been stored well—they can scratch each other or get crushed, scuffed, or otherwise beat-up during the journey. A watch roll that can keep a collector’s precious timepieces separate and give them the cushion and protection they need would be invaluable in making sure they don’t sustain damage. Good quality, handmade leather watch rolls are available on Etsy, but some of the more popular watch rolls are made by the brands Wolf and Convoy.

For the Jewelry Collector in Your Life

Jewelry collectors are very particular about their collections, since these are often much more personal and tend to be reflective of the collector’s individual style and interests. To spend for a new addition to their collection is a bit of a gamble, so why not stick to the accessories you know they’ll appreciate?

Jewelry Armoire

A collection of significant size can be difficult to store, but a jewelry armoire would make that task an easy one. The jewelry collector in your life would appreciate having all their precious baubles organized in one place, plus the tiny compartments that jewelry armoires are outfitted with would really help keep the pieces clean and separate. Many furniture stores sell some variation of a jewelry armoire, and they’re also available at big-box stores like Target.

Loupe

A loupe is the perfect gift for the collector who likes to get up close and personal with their collections. Used by professional jewelers to examine jewelry and precious stones, a loupe is a small but incredibly strong magnifying glass. If the collector in your life loves examining the pieces in their collection, then this tool is perfect for them.

Polishing Cloths

The precious metals that go into pieces of jewelry require some level of upkeep: because these metals are very weak (especially if they are pure silver or gold), and because they are alloyed with metals like copper or zinc to make them stronger, they will oxidize or tarnish. Polishing cloths that are specifically made for certain metals will easily take care of this problem, so they would make a wonderful gift for a jewelry collector. They can be found at your local jeweler’s shop or online.

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

If you have a little more to spend, this would make a perfect gift for an avid jewelry collector. An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is a machine that uses pressure and the vibrations made by sound waves to “shake” the dirt off of a piece of jewelry. Professional jewelers use it to clean the pieces they sell, since it thoroughly cleanses the jewelry without the risk of damage. Some of the bigger machines have enough space to accommodate multiple pieces of jewelry, which collectors who are obsessed with keeping their baubles clean would really appreciate. Magnasonic and Hammacher Schlemmer are popular ultrasonic jewelry cleaner brands and you can purchase one of their models online.

Still need help finding the perfect gift? Our expert concierge team is here to help. Get in touch through our concierge page and find your loved one’s new favorite item!

Bulgari Cheat Sheet

The crux behind the Bulgari brand lies within its strong roots in Greek and Roman culture, and it consistently pays homage to those roots with every new collection. Bulgari’s designs harmonize fluidly with each other thanks to their shared links to the strong lines and iconic images that color the Roman experience. To help you get a handle on this brand’s many exemplary collections and guide you towards the best Bulgari purchase for you, we’ve put together this “cheat sheet” based on the brand’s most popular pieces.

B.Zero1 Ring

The B.Zero1 ring is one of the most iconic pieces in Bulgari’s entire selection. With a simplistic design that was inspired by the Roman Colosseum, this structural ring commands attention because of its strong lines and versatile elegance. It would not look out of place in anyone’s jewelry collection.


Serpenti Bracelet

The Serpenti bracelet is unique in that it seamlessly unites the seductive serpent motif that is rooted in ancient Greek and Roman mythology with the downtown edge that undercurrents many of the brand’s designs. Its asymmetrical lines and eccentric look fits in best with those who prefer to traverse off the beaten path with their wardrobe choices.


BVLGARI BVLGARI Station Necklace

This piece is often worn wrapped twice around the neck as a sautoir, giving the necklace an attractive, layered look. Inspired by the inscriptions on Roman gold coins, the BVLGARI BVLGARI station necklace incorporates engravings of the brand logo on the gold rim that surrounds each gemstone station. This colorful and elegant design can add a touch of playfulness to any ensemble.


Tubogas Ring

Bulgari’s tubogas technique recalls an ancient Roman practice of twisting twine to make jewelry, but with a subtle, utilitarian slant. Despite its unorthodox namesake—the term “tubogas” refers to the design’s resemblance to gas tubes—this ring brings an understated sophistication to your jewelry collection. Its strong contrasts and graceful curves would best accent more feminine cuts.


B.Zero1 Watch

This fashion watch is the perfect expression of Bulgari’s Roman-inspired sensibilities. With the same engraved detail on the bezel as the BVLGARI BVLGARI collection, the B.Zero1 Watch also integrates the spiral design to which the brand has been so loyal throughout its many collections. The circular motifs of this watch’s design would definitely appeal to those who prefer their timepieces to be simple and uncluttered without sacrificing elegance or quality craftsmanship.


Diagono Watch

This timepiece unites the engraved outer band and strong, graceful lines that are signature to Bulgari’s designs with remarkable craftsmanship and top-of-the-line materials borrowed from first-rate racing and aerospace technology. Named after the ancient Greek “agòn”, or competitions to determine the best debaters or athletes, this sporty yet elegant watch works best for the man who does it all.

The 4 Most Popular Engagement Ring Settings

We look at the most coveted, impressive and iconic engagement ring styles by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Harry Winston and Chopard and why they have remained so popular.

The Tiffany Setting from Tiffany & Co.


Historically, engagement ring diamonds were set with a bezel setting. In this type of setting, the diamond sat surrounded by the ring’s precious metal band, leaving only the top of the diamond visible. Although this is an incredibly secure way to set a gemstone, placing the stone in the band means light cannot pass through the diamond and it appears less brilliant.

So, when Tiffany introduced the multi-pronged Tiffany Setting in 1886, it was a complete paradigm shift in engagement ring styles. Tiffany’s breakthrough setting held the diamond up above the band and effectively maximized the amount of light that could pass through it and, in turn, the diamond’s brilliance.

Since then, the Tiffany Setting remains the quintessential modern engagement ring and perhaps the most popular engagement ring style overall.

Solitaire 1895 from Cartier


As its name suggestions, the Solitaire 1895 by Cartier made its debut in the late 19th century and has remained a coveted engagement ring style ever since. The classic Solitaire 1895 ring features a brilliant-cut diamond, set high in four prongs to maximize the stone’s brilliance, similar to the aforementioned Tiffany Setting by Tiffany & Co.

But, to make the ring even more impressive, Cartier added brilliant-cut pavé diamonds to the 18K yellow gold band. To further distinguish the design, while most engagement rings are made in platinum, the Solitaire 1895 by Cartier is frequently made with 18K yellow gold.

The One from Harry Winston


Harry Winston prides itself on selecting only the finest diamonds to set in their engagement rings. Marked for their flawless clarity and exquisitely colorless appearance, the dazzling brilliance of these diamonds is further enhanced by Harry Winston’s signature setting, The One.

The One setting features a cushion-cut diamond as its center stone, framed by micropavé diamonds set on the band and surrounding halo. Micropavé diamonds are small stones that weigh a mere 1/100th of a carat but their incorporation into the delicate design underscores the brilliance and impressive size of the large center stone.

Chopard For Ever by Chopard


Chopard’s fine jewelry designs are marked for their timeless appeal. Their aptly named engagement ring setting, the Chopard For Ever, carries on the masion’s artful design heritage. The classic engagement ring features a round-cut diamond as its center stone.

But what makes the Chopard For Ever ring so exceptional is its pavé diamond band. The 18 small stones are set so closely together, the setting’s metal is barely visible, giving the illusion of a band made entirely of diamonds. This delicate and time-honored design keeps the focus on the high-quality diamonds.

For more on engagement ring settings and to find your perfect style, read our comprehensive guide here.


5 Watches to Start Your Watch Collection

Starting a watch collection can seem a daunting task, especially with the wide array of watch styles available and the dozens of diverging opinions on the subject from acclaimed horological experts. Watch collecting doesn’t need to be of Byzantine complexity, though. We’ve pulled together the five core styles that would make the perfect foundation to your bourgeoning collection.

1. The Versatile Dress Watch

A Cartier Tank Americaine

These days, wristwatches tend to act more as fashion statements than as tools necessary to go about your day. As such, there’s nothing like a great-looking watch to class up an ensemble, especially one fit for a formal event. Choose a timepiece with a sleek, understated profile and a black leather strap to spice up that tux.

2. The Weekender Watch

An Omega Seamaster

This is the timepiece you wear on an errand to the supermarket or on days out with friends or family. A stainless steel case would give this casual timepiece the protection it needs to endure the wear and tear of your weekend tasks. The weekender watch should also have a smaller face and low-key strap: we recommend canvas or nylon, which are both durable and easy-to-clean fabrics.

3. The Sport Watch

A Hublot Big Bang

These lightweight timepieces are built to take a beating. Characterized by their large case and rubber or NATO strap, sport watches are made to be ultra-functional and low-maintenance. Their many built-in functions and easy-to-clean straps make these kinds of watches perfect for timing your daily workout. Choose a model in black or another dark color so that you can take it from the pool or the soccer field to dinner with a quick wipe-down to make it look snazzy.

4. The Business Watch

A Rolex Datejust

“Dress for the job you want,” they say, “not the job you have.” Nothing speaks better to such a classic adage than a professional-looking watch to match your new suit. This timepiece takes you through meetings and on business trips, so choose a watch that is versatile enough that it won’t look out of place with your traditional three-piece, but that also isn’t boring. We recommend a watch from a recognizable brand with a significant history behind it—something with a metal bracelet that won’t tarnish and a sleek, clean face.

5. The Chronograph Watch

A Breitling Bentley

Any watch collector worth his salt will tell you that the chronograph is first watch you should invest in to commemorate a milestone in life. These watches are celebrated for their especially precise timekeeping abilities, and often feature prominently in collections because of the incredible workmanship that goes into making each one. The chronograph is the timepiece you aspire to, and collectors often do: the most beloved watches in the collector community are chronographs, especially the Rolex Daytona and the Omega Speedmaster, which are renowned for their incredible luxury quality and impeccable precision.

The Ultimate Holiday Wish List 2017

Some people wish for sparkling snow during the holidays, but we’re wishing for a different kind of sparkle this holiday season. We’ve pulled together the most opulent pieces on TrueFacet Marketplace: these luxury watches and jewelry pieces are handcrafted by the best-known designers in the industry. Read on for our holiday wish list!

Jewelry

1. Cartier Diamond Platinum Earrings, $82,000

Nail the regal look this season with these classy dangling earrings that Marie Antoinette herself would be proud of. These Cartier creations evoke the Rococo art style with its graceful curved lines and vertical asymmetry. The earrings feature well over 100 diamonds set into platinum stamped with the Cartier logo.

2. Harry Winston Platinum Diamond Cluster Brooch, $95,000

Wow the crowd at your next gala with this diamond brooch from Harry Winston. The elegant cluster design and the brilliant platinum-set diamonds evoke the imagery of delicate snowflakes, glistening as they fall from the sky. The stones are an assortment of excellent quality brilliant, marquise, and pear cut diamonds, weighing 16.6 carats in total.

3. Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold and Platinum Schlumberger Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Flower Ring, $102,523

This pink tourmaline and diamond ring from Tiffany’s is full of life and intricate detail. The subtle flower designs made by marquise diamonds set into platinum adds a dose of femininity to the yellow gold band and basket. The center stone is pink tourmaline, which in this case is especially rare due to its size.

4. Van Cleef & Arpels 40 ct. Diamond Bracelet, $145,000

This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet will easily take you from a charity brunch at noon to an evening at a holiday soirée. With 40 carats worth of diamonds embedded into 18 karat yellow gold, this bracelet will draw eyes from every corner of every room.

5. 15 ct. Radiant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, $1,197,995

What’s more appropriate for the winter season than this huge chunk of “ice”? This beautiful 15 carat diamond engagement ring is set into a platinum band that will never tarnish and is flanked by two special long-cut caddy trap diamonds that up the total caratage of this piece by 1.55 carats. The center stone is nearly colorless and comes in at a G on the color scale and has slight inclusions. (For more about what these terms mean, consult our diamond evaluation guide here!)

 

 

Watches

1. Rolex Daytona 116506 Perpetual 40mm Cosmograph Platinum Baguette Watch, $71,925

The Rolex brand is a veritable institution at this point, even moreso because of its most coveted model, the Daytona. We chose this particular iteration of the Daytona because it was released during Baselworld in commemoration of the Daytona’s 50th anniversary. The ice blue dial and chocolate bezel are incredibly distinct and complement the baguette diamond markers very well. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the Ref. 116506 is also furnished with a chronograph that is accurate to within an eighth of a second and is housed in pure platinum.

2. A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Perpetual Platinum Watch, $111,295

This rare A. Lange & Sohne is one of about 70 pieces and is incredibly distinct in its own right. Outfitted with an instantaneous flyback chronograph and a single-pusher perpetual calendar, this timepiece is inundated with technical sophistication. Despite its many complications, this watch still looks sleek and refined.

3. Vacheron Constantin 30130/000r-9754 Malte Tourbillon 18K Rose Gold Tonneau 38mm X 43mm Watch, $146,995

Vacheron Constantin is one of the most prestigious watch brands on the market, and their Malte Tourbillon speaks strongly to their old-world aesthetic. The tonneau-shaped case evokes watch styles from the 1950s, and the manual-winding movement recalls the tactile traditions of horology. The delicate movement is housed within a stunning 18K rose gold case.

4. Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Chronometer With Escapement Automatic Platinum, $224,950

This sleek Audemars Piguet model is outfitted with a hand-wound chronometer with an Audemars Piguet escapement that makes it incredibly reliable. The 90-hour power reserve assures that this high-performing timepiece stays wound for longer, while the glare-proof sapphire crystal and platinum case protects its state-of-the-art movement in style.

5. Patek Philippe Sky Moon Celestial Watch, $247,368

What is a wish list without a Patek? The renowned Swiss watchmaker outdid itself with this Sky Moon Celestial Watch. This model may not be the most legible or fastest timepiece in Patek Philippe’s collection, but its celestial design and unique complications set it apart from the others. Made with several layers of sapphire crystal, the dial is decorated with an accurate depiction of the night sky as it is visible from Geneva, a printed compass, a moon phase indicator, and a unique date complication. All of this is housed within a solid platinum case and bezel.

The 3 Watch Styles Every Woman Needs

As you build out your watch collection, make sure you have these three essential watch style categories covered so that you always have the perfect watch to suit every occasion.

The Day-in-Day Out Watch


Start your watch wardrobe off with a solid “go-to” watch. Select a style that can slip in easily with what’s already hanging in your closet and round out any outfit. Look for a clean and classic style with a metal bracelet, preferably made of durable stainless steel.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend turning to your jewelry collection or handbag’s hardware to see if you gravitate more towards gold or silver and match your watch accordingly. If it’s an even split, cover both bases with a two-tone watch.

And, because this watch will be on regular rotation and inevitably scratched or dinged as you go about your day, keep your budget fairly low. There are lots of watches by Michele, Michael Kors and Gucci that look far more expensive than their ticket price.

The 9-to-5 Watch

The next watch you need is a work-friendly watch that means business. Watches are a smart-looking accessory that punctuate your office attire with professional polish.

Opt for a classic, metal style with a modestly sized dial. Skip anything too trendy, flashy or over-sized.

Also, double-check that your watch fits properly. (For more on how your watch should fit, visit our post here.) It can be distracting to have your watch slide up and down your wrist, jangling about as you give a presentation or type at your computer. Have your watch’s bracelet links added or removed so that your watch doesn’t slide more than an inch up or down your wrist.

The After-Hours Watch

The third watch to add to your collection should be a fancier watch that you can wear for formal occasions—and we’re not talking about a super luxe watches for the rare black tie event and the opera. Rather, this timepiece should essentially be a piece of jewelry that you break out for date night, your friend’s wedding, your birthday party, holiday cocktail hours and any other night out on the town.

Splurge a little extra on a timepiece with an ornamental flourish like a diamond bezel, mother-or-pearl dial or hour markers with precious stones. Then wear it as you would any statement cuff or bracelet and let it be a focal point of your outfit.

Still need more watch recommendations? Read our post “5 Best Rolex Watches for Women” for the perfect model to match your style.