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.

Top 10 Favorites of 2015

The end of the year is coming along with the gift-giving season, so we decided to recap our best sellers for holiday inspiration. There are several brands that stand out as the favorites of 2015 and we highlighted the most popular watches and jewelry from each. Check out the top 10 brands and the items that everyone wants this season.

1. Cartier

Cartier has definitely topped off the list this year. The ever-popular jewelry and watch company performed as expected — incredibly well. In recent years, the Love collection has undoubtedly increased in popularity and the Love bracelet has become a must-have accessory.

Alongside Love bracelets were Love rings. The small accessory is identical in looks and meaning, but more convenient to put on and take off. Trinity rings from the Must de Cartier collection were also a popular choice this year. Cartier also has some of the most popular ladies watches for the year with the Ballon Bleu and Tank Francaise.

2. Rolex

Rolex can in a close second to Cartier. Many models were popular across the board with the exception of the Submariner. The Submariner has been a Rolex staple since 1953. Through the years, the watch has changed in materials, but little in appearance. This makes the Submariner a popular choice for pre-owned watch buyers.

Other popular Rolex models from the year include the Datejust and Datejust II, the Day-Date, Daytona, Explorer II, GMT-Master, Milgauss and Yachtmaster. Rolex watches hold their value and quality well, making them a great choice for a pre-owned pick.

3. Chanel

Coco Chanel was a ground-breaking fashion designer and her influence is still felt in nearly every facet of women’s fashion. This is especially true in jewelry. Chanel paved the way in making costume jewelry a commonplace in a woman’s wardrobe. Even today vintage Chanel pieces are still in fashion.

The most popular items also follow current trends. This year, statement earrings and bold jewelry are a fashion must and our best selling Chanel was oversized CC logo earrings. Logo and chain necklaces were also a favorite statement piece. Finally, faux pearl earrings and necklaces, a classic Chanel look, were also a top pick.

4. Tiffany & Co.

Everyone wants a little blue box, so it’s no wonder Tiffany & Co. is a constant top seller. The classic heart tag reading, “Please Return to Tiffany & Co.” is an icon and best seller overall for the year with close runners up in other classic designs.

Designed by daughter of Pablo Picasso, Paloma Picasso is the Tiffany designer behind the Open Heart motif. Elsa Peretti is the designer behind several famous Tiffany designs, including the teardrop. Both of these motifs are favorites in necklace and earring designs.

5. David Yurman

American designer David Yurman is known for his signature look — cable. Yurman uses twisted sterling silver for the cable motif and it’s heavily featured in all of his designs. The trendiest and most popular was the cable bracelet set with a gemstone on either end.

Also featuring the cable motif, earrings and necklaces from the Albion collection which feature colorful gemstones set in a cable frame. Finally, rings featuring a large, colorful gemstone were also best sellers.

6. Omega

Omega is a common watch fan favorite. The brand has an interesting history and even holds the title of first watch on the moon. Omega watches also come at a moderate price for a high qaulity and reliable sports watches.

Favorites from Omega include the Seamaster, Speedmaster and Constellation. Each of these watches were also sold in their vintage form. Throughout the decades, Omega watches have been refined in design to match the times. However, many watch aficionados love the throwback look of a vintage piece.

7. Hermes

Hermes is widely known for their leather goods, but they also create beautiful jewelry designs in iconic and original motifs. The most popular motif is the Chaine d’Ancre. This is popular in rings, necklace, bracelets, earrings and just about any other form of jewelry you can think of.

The most popular single item is the enamel bracelet. These bangle-style bracelets come in so many different colors and patterns, yet remain distinctively Hermes. You’ll always find a piece that feels like its one of a kind.

8. Bulgari

The Italian luxury jeweler and watchmaker is known for its famous Serpenti design. Pieces featuring the elegant serpentine design have also topped the wish lists and best seller list for the year.

The Serpenti watch with it’s unique and beautiful design was a top choice for buyers of this brand. Along with the watch, Serpenti rings were also a must-have. For those who appreciate simpler desings, the B.Zero1 is the perfect alternative and just as loved.

9. Breitling

Breitling, founded in 1884, is know for its chronometers especially used for aviation and racing. And the most popular models definitely reflect the brand’s roots. One of the most famous Breitling models, the Navitimer, was the first choice for many this year.

Over 10 years ago, Breitling partnered with Bentley to creat a watch in celebration of a Bentley winning the 24-hour Le Mans race. More recently, Breitling revisited this partnership for an updated take on the Breitling for Bentley, and this was a best seller.

10. Van Cleef & Arpels

Rounding out our list is the eternally classic Van Cleef & Arpels. The French jeweler and watchmaker is responsibile for one of the most coveted and iconic jewelry collections in recent decades.

The Alhambra collection was introduced in the 1960s to a slow start. However, the past two decades have seen a resurgence in the elegant, clover design. Pieces from the Alhambra collection, including necklaces, earrings and rings, were the top choices from the jeweler.

Holiday Gifts: The Perfect Tiffany and Co Necklaces

Taking their place alongside a distinguished list of European jewelry collections, Tiffany & Co has set the standards for American design and elegance since 1875. The Tiffany brand hit iconic pop culture status with the character of Manhattan “It Girl,” Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s in the early 1960s, and further became immortalized by Truman Capote, Blake Edwards and the flawless Audrey Hepburn. Ever since, generations of Americans have adored receiving that legendary blue box for Christmas. Take a look at our picks below to find the perfect Tiffany and Co necklace and wrist wear for your loved one.

Tiffany & Co necklaces make fabulous holidays gifts for both men and women. Elsa Peretti designed his elegant and petite Diamond Heart Pendant from her Open Heart collection. It is crafted from solid 18-karat yellow gold with a fine polished finish and boast five round cut sparkling diamonds with a total of 5 points. This beautiful heart shaped pendant will look fabulous on a gold chain Tiffany and Co necklace or a black silk cord.

Our Vintage Boxer Ball Sterling Silver Pendant comes on a lovely and elegant Tiffany and Co necklace. It is crafted from solid sterling silver with a high polished finish. The pendant features a solid boxer ball with a classic link chain strung through the pendant. It bears Tiffany’s hallmark as well as metal content. It fastens with a round spring ring clasp. It is beautifully matched to a Sterling Silver Knot Cuff Bangle Bracelet. This elegant and charming bracelet pairs well with just about any Sterling Silver Tiffany and Co necklace. It has a wide-open form with a Celtic-like design and was crafted in a 925 sterling silver fine polished finish. This beautiful bracelet bears full Tiffany and Co. marks and metal content.

This 18K gold and diamond key pendant has an eye-catching Quatrefoil pendant that is finely crafted from solid 18-karat yellow gold. It features a lovely key design set with 4 sparkling accent diamonds for just the right look. This unique and whimsical pendant can hang elegantly from a variety of Tiffany and Co necklaces.

With a long history of elegant jewelry and accessories for men, the sterling silver Metropolis Tiffany and Co necklace holds a sleekly handsome and understated pendant on its sturdy chain – reflecting a timeless, masculine style. This piece bears full Tiffany & Co. marks and metal content.

Cufflinks are a fashion staple for any dapper man. This handsome pair of stud 18K Gold “Please Return To Tiffany” oval cufflinks is a must have item. They are crafted from solid 18-karat yellow gold with a fine polished finish a boast a large oval top with the markings “Please Return To Tiffany & Co. New York 750” – making a fine holiday gift for your favorite gentleman.

Delight your loved one this Christmas with the perfect Tiffany and Co necklace and wrist wear from TrueFacet.

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide


The holidays are closing in and that means it’s gift-giving season! It’s the time of year to gift your loved one something special no matter the occasion. And if you’ve decided on fine jewelry or watches for your friend or family, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve made an easy gift guide to help you navigate the holiday season painlessly. Read below for the perfect presents for him or her at three different price points. Click on the images to link to the page.

Gifts for Her

Under $2,000

Fine jewelry and watches probably bring high prices to mind. However, there are plenty of budget options to satisfy that designer itch. Consider a vintage costume piece like Chanel — earrings, bracelets and necklaces with the classic CC design are aplenty under the $2,000 mark. Vintage Chanel earrings are also oversized statement pieces, an undeniable trend this year. Check out more Chanel under $2,000 here.

Hermes bracelets are a coveted accessory. With bold and colorful patterns, the enamel bangles, Clic Clac bracelets and Collier de Chien bracelets are undeniable staples. These pieces also come at a friendly price, with the enamel bangles hovering around $500. Check out more Hermes finds under $2,000 here.

Michele watches are becoming more and more popular each season — and for good reasons. Not only are they beautiful fashion watches, but they are great quality for the relatively low price point. There’s also a wide range of choices. You can choose an Urban with diamonds (still under $2,000) or without diamonds for just under $400. You can find more Michele watches for under $2,000 here.

Under $10,000

If you have a mid-range price point, then you have endless options as to what you can choose. Though you could search endlessly looking for the perfect gift, we’ve chosen three popular and trending items to ease the search stress. The Bulgari Serpenti design is an icon. These items often come at a steep price, however, buying online can cut some of the cost. Serpenti rings and watches also come at a lower cost than the bracelet with no compromise in quality or glamour. Check out more Serpenti designs for under $10,000 here.

The Cartier Love bracelet is the accessory of the year. The bracelet symbolizes a deep devotion between the wearer and the gifter. A standard Love bracelet in white or yellow gold sells for about $5,000. For under $10,000 you can get a Love bracelet set with gemstones. For a Love ring set with gemstones, it will cost around $3,000. Find more Cartier Love bracelets and rings under $10,000.

Finally, if you want to gift her a classic and reliable timepiece for under $10,000, then a Rolex is within your budget. You can picky up a pre-owned Rolex for as low as $2,000 for an older style. Your options aren’t limited to vintage — you can find new styles for under $10,000 as well. Check out more Rolex watches for under $10,000 here.

Over $10,000

These expensive gifts are not only beautiful and timeless, but also an investment piece.The Alhambra colelction from Van Cleef & Arpels is an icon. It’s rare and highly-coveted and makes for a great investment piece. If you are considering Alhambra, you can find a lower price point in a single-motif necklace. The true desire lies with the clover-motif necklaces. Find more VCA Alhambra pieces here.

Tiffany & Co. has many beautiful and elaborate pieces over $10,000. These items are made of 18k gold or platinum and often set with precious gemstones of the highest grade. If the materials weren’t precious enough, the Tiffany brand name holds its value extremely well. Find more precious Tiffany & Co. jewels here.

For a valuable and timeless watch, you may want to set your sights on a Patek Philippe timepiece. Patek Philippe widely considered one of the best watch companies of all time. The watches are typically pricey, but like Tiffany & Co., the brand holds its value well. Check out more Patek Philippe women’s watches here.

Gifts for Him

Under $2,000

Omega watches are a popular men’s watch brands, especially for sports watches. There’s a wide selection of Omegas at a price point under $2,000, especially in vintage pieces. Omega is a storied brand with a rich history, making it the perfect gift for a history or vintage watch lover. For More Omega watches under $2,000 here.

Similar to Omega, TAG Heuer is a reliable and sporty watch brand with an interesting history. The two watch companies have similar prices under $2,000. TAG watches are more geared for racing and aviation aficionados. TAG Heuer watches under $2,000 here.

For a perfect pair, add a bracelet for a small stack. Men’s jewelry accessories have been trending up, especially in combination with a watch. John Hardy creates many masculine designs in leather and sterling silver for a subtle touch. Men’s bracelets under $2,000 here.

Under $10,000

Breitling has been manufacturing watches since 1884. The watch company is known for its precision chronometers for aviation purposes. The Navitimer, known for its slide rule, was introduced in the 1940s. It’s also the most popular model from Breitling. For under $10,000, the watch is a piece of history that is sure to last. Check out more men’s Breitling watches under $10,000 here.

Rolex is the prototype of all watch companies. When someone thinks luxury and quality, they think of Rolex. One watch has the power of symbolizing success and status. To make a bold statement for an incredible price, you can get him a Rolex for under $10,000. No matter if he’s the sporty type or businessman, there’s a Rolex to fit every lifestyle. Men’s Rolex watches under $10,000 here.

Every man needs a pair of cufflinks to finish the look of his most formal attire. The holidays often include events and festivities which necessitate the proper attire and the small accessory adds the perfect detail. At a price point below $10,000, it’s easy to find a pair that will last for decades with classic appeal. Check out more more men’s cufflinks under $10,000 here.

Over $10,000

It’s wise to think of an item at this price an investment piece. A watch that cost over $10,000 should be designed to last for decades to come. Patek Philippe watches are some of the best watches available to buy. If you purchase one, it will last a lifetime. The most popular designs include the Calatrava, Nautilus and Perpetual Calendar. For more Patek Philippe watches look here.

The Royal Oak grabs the attention of any eye it catches. This large and stunning watch is a heavy duty status symbol thay many only dream of owning. In 1972, the managing director of Audemars Piguet told a designer he needed a show-stealing watch — by the next day. The Royal Oak was created and has become a part of AP history. Check out more Audemars Piguet watches here.

Finally we have the understated statement piece. A stunning pair of cufflinks can also be a jewel and at a price above $10,000, they should be precious. Cartier has captured the elegance of the Panthere collection in a powerful way for such a small accessory. You can find even more precious cufflinks here.


Coco Chanel and the Art of Earrings

“Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”

An iconic woman in so many ways, Coco Chanel’s words and influence continue to shape every aspect of style and fashion for women worldwide, especially when it comes to jewelry and accessories. Classic Chanel pieces are always in fashion. One of the revolutionary designer’s most famous quotes is all about accessories. Sometimes less is more, sometimes more is a bit much, but one thing is for sure… earrings are rarely left behind.

“Costume jewelry is not made to give women an aura of wealth, but to make them beautiful.”

Coco Chanel believed that if women could afford to choose from a selection of beautiful jewelry, not all precious stones, they would have the freedom to accessorize every outfit they have. She herself was rarely seen without her signature oversized earrings and ropes of pearls. A pioneer of costume jewelry, she created fabulous yet affordable baubles made of chains, beads, and glass to complement her casual daytime collection dating back to the 1930s. The tradition of Chanel earrings endures to this day, offering elegant configurations of cultured pearls, plated metals and rhinestones.

“It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.”

Earrings often set the tone of other accessories, chosen based on a woman’s neckline, hairstyle and mood on any given day. We rarely leave home without them, however casual the look. As essential to a woman’s signature look as shoes and lipstick, the “Double C” Chanel earrings are iconic and timeless.

Here are a few favorites from our extensive selection of Chanel earrings to finish your holiday party look.

These classic Double C earrings are vintage Chanel, made in France. Black clip on earrings detailed in gold are the perfect complement to another Coco creation…the Little Black Dress.

Chanel gold tone logo hoop earrings are perfect with a strapless gown and an updo. These gorgeous hoops are oversized at 3” and flawlessly pair with an eye catching cocktail ring. Regally engraved with iconic imagery, these recognizably Chanel earrings are at once bold and elegant.

This pair of Chanel 18K yellow gold Comete Diamond Star Earrings is a luxury worth having, Not ALL jewelry needs to be costume, of course. This rare and exquisite pair of Chanel earrings will wow your friends and family for years to come. Created of 18-karat gold with an elegant shooting star design, accented with diamonds.

Ring in 2016! Stand out from the crowd this New Year’s Eve

Ippolita jewelry is famous for fresh, fashion-forward and colorful aesthetics that incorporates a diverse group of materials. Handcrafted and feminine, Ippolita rings are the perfect complement to a fabulous New Year’s Eve look.

Crafted of colorful baubles, the Ippolita Wonderland 5 stone quartz ring adds sparkle and shine to that sexy red dress. The sterling silver ring is inlaid with various sized round and oval cut quartz stones of red, pink and white. The metal is noted in inner band, engraved with Ippolita 925. Add a touch of Glamazon with this pair of sterling silver cascade drop earrings and head into the New Year in style.

Ippolita rings come in a seemingly endless array of sparkly rock candy stones. This Ippolita Rock Candy Chrysoprase Cocktail Ring’s dramatic and luminescent green stone is the perfect fun and flirty accent to a sleek evening look, set in a 18K gold band. Add this pair of Ippolita 18K QUARTZ Doublet Earrings to complete your glamorous holiday look today!

Perfect for a formal event, this Ippolita Stella Quartz Diamond Mother-Of-Pearl Doublet Ring is a modern yet elegant twist on the classic pearl ring. The ring is crafted of three faceted clear quartz of varying shapes mounted over mother of pearl. Each stone is surrounded with a band of round diamonds. It’s set on as sterling silver band with a hammered texture split shank. Pair with this set of timeless mother-of-pearl stud earrings to channel a classic Grace Kelly look. They’re set in sterling silver and encircled in accent diamonds.

One perfect statement piece makes a big impression, and this addition to our collection of Ippolita rings fits the bill. Our Ippolita Rock Candy Wonderland ring evokes pure elegance. The regal blue burton stone is cut into a long rectangle, set in hammered sterling silver. For an unexpected pop of texture, slide on this gorgeous hammered sterling silver bangle with the ring to showcase the brilliant indigo gem.

Nothing says Boho Chic like natural turquoise set in 18K gold. This magnificent selection from our collection of Ippolita rings is crafted from solid sterling 18k yellow gold with a matte finish, boast a large oval contour shape turquoise gemstone in a bezel setting. The wide shank and dome style base and shoulders tapers to a smaller width band. It is an impressive designer piece that makes a bold statement. Pair this statement ring with a loose updo and turquoise teardrop earrings for a festive yet casual look.

Ring in 2016! Whatever your personal party style, Ippolita rings will elevate your New Year’s Eve. Check out our entire collection here.

Holiday Highlights: 5 Gifts by Van Cleef & Arpels She’ll Love

Van Cleef necklaces are a unique brand, offering more than one breathtaking signature design. The Alhambra collection debuted in the 1960s and half a century later are highly sought after pieces, becoming one of the most coveted jewelry collections in recent decades. The past 20 years have seen a resurgence in the elegant, clover design. Other enduring Van Cleef necklaces include traditional and modern interpretations of the butterfly pendant and the frivole flower motif.

Here are 5 current TrueFacet favorites:

1. Vintage Alhambra 18k gold mother of pearl

This gorgeous vintage necklace never goes out of style. Featuring 10 mother of pearl Alhambra stones set in textured 18-karat yellow gold, with an elegant connecting chain.

2. 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Onyx Necklace

Set in radiant 18-karat yellow gold, the striking onyx gives this Van Cleef necklace a memorably offbeat appearance. A stylish rolo chain holds the pendant, an extraordinary combination of yellow gold and black onyx, accented with sparkly diamonds.

3. Mother of Pearl and Diamond Necklace & Bracelet Set

This gorgeous vintage necklace and bracelet set boasts a sleek 1980s breath of nostalgia that endures and impresses. 18-karat yellow gold holds closely linked grey mother of pearl inlays, accented with clusters of sparkling diamonds.

4. Classic Butterfly and Emerald Pendant

A vibrant diamond and emerald butterfly pendant is a timeless statement piece. This Van Cleef necklace features 14 diamonds and an oval lustrous emerald in the center.

5. White gold and diamond necklace & earrings set

Part of the elegant Pluie collection, this diamond and 18-karat white gold necklace and earrings set hold a sophisticated motif. The pieces are versatile, with detachable drop pendant and earring parts for an extra touch of glamour.

Classic designs and iconic motifs make Van Cleef necklaces holiday gifts that every woman can love. Look for more Holiday Highlights from TrueFacet to make the season bright!

Welcome to the New TrueFacet!

Welcome to the new TrueFacet! We have been working hard to bring you the best luxury-buying experience online. As part of this mission, we’ve re-designed our site to make buying and selling your favorite items even easier!

TrueFacet was imagined by the co-founders as a jewelry and watch marketplace dedicated to bringing customers beautiful, and most importantly, authentic fine jewelry and watches. Read a message from our CEO and COO below.

We’ve simplified the selling process for consigners and made improved our customer care with our concierge service. We’ve also added over 30,000 new designer pieces, bringing you more options and true finds. Discover what’s new at TrueFacet.

We’ve also improved our user experience with an easier-to-navigate website and mobile-friendly checkout process. Explore the new TrueFacet and discover luxury, own truth.

Jewelry Terms Decoded

We’ve discussed different periods in jewelry style, but those are extremely specific. General terms to classify the age of a piece are easier to remember and useful to understand when shopping for a unique piece. A piece may be labelled as antique, when it is actually vintage and this can lead to an inflated price to an unknowing customer.

Antique

As a general rule, antique jewelry is a piece that is 100 years or older. However, some jewelrts won’t consider Edwardian jewelry as antique. The Edwardian era lasted from 1890-1920. Some jewelers will consider anything from 1920 or earlier antique, disregarding the 100-year cutoff, to include Edwardian jewelry.

Antique jewelry is a broad, generalized term for jewelry that’s over 100 years old. There are many different styles that are considered antique jewelry. This includes Victorian, Belle Epoque, Art Nouveau, Georgian and more.

Vintage & Retro

Typically, vintage pieces are those that are over 20-30 years old. It may come as a shock that a piece from 1995 can be considered vintage! However, the term is usually applied to pieces from the ’20s through’80s.

With such a wide range of dates, there are many different jewelry styles that can be considered vintage. This includes retro. Retro can be a confusing term for some because it has a different meaning in clothing fashion than in jewelry. In fashion, retro indicates a fashion that imitates a past trend. For example, retro ’60s fashion is modern clothing made to imitate styles from the ’60s. The term can also be used to indicate clothing styles in even the recent past.

However, retro jewelry is jewelry from the mid ’30 to mid ’40s. During the Depression era, instead of jewelry taking on a conservative and demure style, it trended the opposite. At the height of Hollywood glamour, jewelry was big, bold and extravagant. Other vintage styles include Art Deco, Modern and Mid Century Modern.

Estate

Any second hand piece of jewelry is considered estate jewelry. When an item, like an engagement ring, is handed down from one generation to the next, this is considered estate. As you could guess, this leads to a wide variety of what can be considered estate.

Anything older than 20 years is technically vintage, including antique jewelry. In a similar way, estate is nearly all-encompassing. To avoid labelling every piece of jewelry, antique and vintage included, most jewelers typically reserve the term for any piece second hand within the last 30 years. Keep in mind this distinction because often jewelers will use this term to make a non-vintage or non-antique piece sound older than it is. Always ask for the exact year or period.

Photo Credit: moneycrashers.com