Listen to our podcast episode on the most popular luxury jewellery brands at high-end pawn shops:
1. Loans on Graff Jewellery
Diamond jewellery created by Graff jewellers features distinctive pieces which beautifully integrate modern design with traditional craftsmanship – they are highly valued at luxury pawn shops. Knowing how sought-after Graff diamond jewellery is and the high likelihood you will never be able to replace an item, you may be, understandably, reluctant to sell your Graff jewellery.
Laurence Graff himself said, “I was born to be amongst diamonds.” Contemporary Graff earrings and necklaces come in an abundance of cuts and designs; white diamonds, yellow diamonds, rose diamonds. Countless flawless and elegant gemstones decorate the most sensational jewellery. Graff’s yellow diamonds are said to be some of the oldest in the world, over 3.2 billion years in the making. But Graff is always looking to the future too, keeping the customers’ needs in mind, mixing tradition with high-tech to produce heirlooms of the future, worthy of investment vs. competitors like Cartier.
Experience tells us that a pair of Graff yellow and gold diamond drop earrings could be worth over one million pounds, both at auction, and at pawn shops. A large diamond pendant might retail for anything upwards of £1.5 million. In 2010, a 24.78-carat Graff pink diamond sold at Sotheby’s Geneva for $46.2 million (or roughly £40.3 million). Similarly, a Graff Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring sold by Fellow Auctioneers went for a record-breaking £1,307.600 making it perhaps one of the most expensive yellow diamond rings ever sold.
2. Lending against Van Cleef & Arpels Jewellery
The Van Cleef & Arpels Parisian jewellery house sells jewellery to specialist jewellers in many European cities including London, Rome and of course Paris. Their pieces are also highly sought after in the Middle East, by both individual buyers, boutiques, pawn shops and vast numbers of Arabian royalty.
Van Cleef & Arpels have been creating jewellery since 1906. Your pieces may be antique or contemporary. But whatever their age, these intricate bands and chains of precious metal covered in gems all embody the same quintessential vision of poetic symmetry and harmony which this jewellery house is famous for all over the world. Wherever you are from in the world – the UK, Europe, or further afield – simply get in touch and one of our professional London expert pawnbrokers for jewellery like Van Cleef & Arpels will be ready and waiting to give you and your Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery their whole attention.
Renowned for the high clarity and superbly cut diamonds in intricate settings, Van Cleef & Arpels diamond jewellery is famous for designs inspired by nature and often used as collateral for loans at pawn shops. Celebrated jewellery collections such as the Alhambra®, Perlée™ or Frivole® are created from a myriad of exquisite small, sparkling diamonds, using its patented ‘Mystery Set’ method. Highly sought after, a Mystery Set Deux Fleurs clip brooch, by Van Cleef & Arpels, with ruby, emerald and diamond was sold by Christie’s in London. This rare brooch reached an astounding price of £235,250 on 29 November 2011.
More modern Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery featuring colourful, bejewelled petals in full bloom, dainty miniature forest creatures, four-leaved clovers and other dreamlike emblems can be assessed for market value against the maker’s own online resources. Van Cleef and Arpels has a distinct, recognisable, high-quality persona. Being able to lend on a Van Cleef and Arpels piece from such a beautiful range of jewellery is quite frankly a privilege for any luxury pawnbroker. From leather-strapped, delicate watches, to dainty butterfly bracelets, floral necklaces, and charms, there’s an option to borrow funds on most pieces from each Van Cleef & Arpels collection – depending on various valuation criteria.
The most important valuation factors are:
1. Material type:
- Yellow
- White
- Rose
- Platinum gold
2. Stone
The stonepresent within the necklace, watch, bracelet or other fine piece. As an example, when appraising your Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery pawnbrokers tend to use the following fine gemstones as criteria:
Diamond
Diamonds are classic, exquisite gems which never go out of style, and are present in collections such as the Perlée diamonds range. This includes highly sought-after pendants, bracelets, earrings and rings, mostly entwined with stunning gold – all are greatly loved jewellery at high-end pawnshops.
Ruby
A dazzling red gem found in many of the Solitaire rings, which can be valued at several hundred thousand pounds depending on the condition. The floral Van Cleef & Arpels Folie des Prés collection also features these regal gems, created to celebrate the beauty of wildflowers and the harmony of nature; a real selling point when visiting high-end pawn shops.
Sapphire
Shades of deep, enchanting blue make sapphire a rigid choice. As well as classic Solitaire rings, the Brume de Saphir earrings, as part of Van Cleef & Arpels’s Palmyre collection, are a hint to the enchanting shades of the ocean and are hand-crafted with delicate gems. If you own a pair, they can release over a hundred thousand pounds in capital, when in good condition.
Emerald
Deep emerald green is an exotic, sought-after gemstone which oozes elegance in many forms. Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery which includes emeralds consist of historic pieces, as well as the Pomme de pin clip, which is a timeless addition to the collection and can be pawned for a terrific value when presented in solid condition.
3. The 4Cs + an additional one!
Pawnbrokers will always take into account the four Cs of any diamond gemstone when deciding on a loan price, but bear in mind, Van Cleef & Arpels prides itself on taking this to the next level. They have introduced a self-imposed constraint in the form of ‘Character’, taking it up to a 5Cs grading scheme.
4. Other
The value of Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery at pawn shops heavily depends not just on competitiveness with other businesses, or current market value, but also on the condition of the piece at hand. Rarer pieces will, of course, be harder to sell, but can come at a greater price.
Although it can often be quite subjective for some shops, if you have a popular piece which is several years old, and isn’t in the best condition, it can hinder the price. For example, medium-sized Cosmos earrings were originally bought for approx. £70,000, with several years of wear without the original packaging, can be pawned for £20,000, resulting in a -70% deduction. Alternatively, high jewellery in fabulous condition can be pawned for near to, if not the same amount as originally sold for, even when purchased several years ago. So it really does pay to keep items such as original packaging, boxes, and jewellery pouches.
Finally, finer varieties of diamonds can also sometimes come with a laboratory report, special certificates from the GIA, HRD (Diamond High Council), and Gem Lab – all of which will confirm the authenticity of your Van Cleef & Arpels Jewellery, allowing pawnbrokers to estimate borrowing levels better.
3. Pawning Bulgari Jewellery
Greek-born jeweller Sotirio Bulgari began selling his exquisite designs in Rome in the late 19th century. The coveted trinkets quickly became renowned across the world and are popular today among international royalty and celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna and Princess Marie José of Belgium.
Some of the most iconic Bulgari diamond jewellery pieces regularly fetch sky-high prices at auction and pawn shops for luxury jewellery, such as an eight-carat and blue diamond FancyVivid ring purchased for $18.3 million at Christie’s in New York in December 2018; and Elizabeth Taylor’s diamond and sapphire sautoir, which sold for $5,906,500 in 2011.
In brief, haute couture Bulgari diamond jewellery exudes sophistication and luxury. Famously purchased by Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna and Princess Marie José of Belgium, Bulgari diamond jewellery is always in demand at pawn shops and auction houses. To this end, you may be reluctant to part with your much-loved jewellery and choosing to borrow against it offers you another way to release capital.
4. Raising capital on Harry Winston Jewellery
Professional pawnbrokers are always happy to provide loans on Harry Winston Diamond Jewellery, rings, diamonds, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and others – based on an understanding of its true worth at auction houses. This pedigree and creative flair ensured that in 2018, of the $906 million worth of jewellery sold at Christie’s and Sotheby’s, the premier pieces were those created by the House of Harry Winston. This interest is worldwide. Two dramatic and bold Harry Winston diamond necklaces sold for $324,500 and $492,500 at Bonhams New York in the Autumn of 2018.
This is, of course, one of the most aspirational names in the world of fine jewellery. In fact, Harry Winston is sometimes referred to colloquially as “The King of Diamonds”.
The origins of the business lie with Harry Winston’s Ukrainian father, who started a jewellery firm after emigrating to the USA. Harry Winston learnt much from this and started his own business in 1920. Just 12 years later, he already had a much-acclaimed New York store.
From here, the House of Harry Winston blossomed, for many decades driven by the founder’s family and more recently by a global company. Such as the jewellery firm’s close affinity to the global diamond industry, it has managed to acquire individual stones and collections of the highest order. Including the historic Hope Diamond which was gifted to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958.
The iconic Harry Winston brand continues to produce some of the most exquisite rings, necklaces, earrings and jewellery sets, but also classic watches of the highest quality – all highly desirable at pawn shops. Our collateral lending service on Harry Winston Jewellery is discreet, and we aim to provide you with an injection of cash within 24 hours.
5. Collateral loans on Tiffany Jewellery
Tiffany & Co is potentially the best-known jewellery company across the world, yet its origins lie in stationery and $1,000 worth of seed money! In 1837, Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B Young launched a high-end goods and stationery store in New York, thanks to financial support from Charles’ father. It quickly began to specialise in jewellery that emphasised clear quality, in contrast to the garish excess of the Victorian era. Indeed, Tiffany was the first US company to adopt the British silver standard that required the use of metal that was at least 92% pure.
From this basis, Charles Lewis Tiffany and his fine jewellery company became a strong force in sales of gems and jewellery collections in the US and Europe. This includes the purchase of one-third of the French Crown Jewels in 1887.
Under the founders’ successors, the company continued to create unique and stunningly beautiful pieces, influencing the entire industry by experimenting with coloured gemstones to support the finest diamonds. The company’s innovation extends to launching its own metal alloy, Rubedo. You can research more of the company’s antecedence on its website.
This timelessly aspirational brand regularly lists at leading auction houses and pawn shops, including individual loans on Tiffany brooches, necklaces, pendants and earrings; or items that form part of larger prestigious jewellery collections.
In 2018, a diamond and opal earring set by Tiffany & Co sold for $75,000 (more than triple its $20,000 top estimate) at auction at Sotheby’s.
A stunning late-19th-century emerald and diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co sold for 1,572,500 Swiss Francs in 2018, at Christie’s Geneva.
Contemporary Tiffany jewellery makes headlines too. This includes the Tiffany Aurora, a bespoke necklace crafted for pop icon Lady Gaga for the Golden Globes, which dazzled with its 300 diamonds.
Known as the most romantic jewellery in the world, Tiffany is an iconic brand loved by celebrities and the brand is always in demand at luxury pawnshops. However, much older Tiffany jewellery is not as easy to identify and an expert with specialist knowledge of how Tiffany markings have changed over time is essential to authenticate genuine Tiffany pieces. Known for its classical yet modern designs, Tiffany was the first company in the USA that used 92% pure silver, based on the British silver standard.
Tiffany rose in popularity when a yellow diamond of 287 carats was worn by Audrey Hepburn and became known as the ‘Tiffany Diamond’. Still making headlines, Lady Gaga wore a bespoke necklace, the Tiffany Aurora, to the Golden Globes. Maybe most renowned for their engagement rings and pieces that represent special occasions, it is understandable that selling a piece of Tiffany jewellery is often an emotional decision and one you may regret.
This is where New Bond Street Pawnbrokers can step in. You can discreetly and easily have your Tiffany jewellery appraised and release the equity, in the form of a loan, without having to face the dilemma of parting with your loved pieces forever or missing out on a significant appreciation of value over time.
6. Borrowing on Cartier Jewellery
Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier and referred to as the ‘jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers’ by King Edward VII of England. Famous collectors include Barbara Hutton and the Duchess of Windsor. Rarer and more highly valued are pieces of vintage Cartier jewellery, and provenance is an essential part of any appraisal by our pawnbroking team.
In the early 20th century, Cartier designed jewellery became internationally renowned and visionary designers took inspiration from Indian jewels, creating some of the most iconic pieces of the century. Using your Cartier jewellery to secure a loan, provides a quick, discreet way to generate the cash needed in the short term, for unexpected circumstances or maybe to help fund a special occasion, such as a wedding?
Luxury pawnbrokers offer loans on most Cartier bracelets, necklaces, earrings, brooches, and rings (including engagement and wedding rings) – Cartier jewellery is often more valued the older it is.
That’s why, for example, the original bracelets from the 1970s Love collection are usually worth more than more modern pieces from the line. They may not be adorned with jewels, but vintage Cartier Love bracelets have kept their value well over the decades.
The Cartier panther, first introduced over a hundred years ago, has become iconic and can be seen in a number of different pieces. Lending on Cartier brooches and other types of jewellery which feature the panther motif is also available. Many vintage pieces have the emblematic big cat on them, and you’ll have no problem releasing capital on Cartier earrings, necklaces, and other pieces that showcase the panther.
Looking to pawn Cartier rings?
One of the most famous and sought-after pieces is the Trinity design, which features three interlocking bands in yellow, white, and rose gold. Cartier Trinity rings are often used for engagement or marriage, so they are a common piece when it comes to financing Cartier wedding bands. These romantic pieces have deep symbolism behind them: the white gold band is said to represent friendship, the yellow gold band loyalty, and the rose gold band love.
Pawn shops also provide loans on Cartier wedding bands. Be aware, however, that when it comes to Cartier wedding bands, the presence of a personalised engraving may lower the value of your piece. The same is true if you wish to pawn Cartier engagement rings.
Modern pieces may not have the same wow factor as vintage Cartier jewellery, but they are still luxurious and valuable, so it’s not hard to pawn Cartier necklaces, earrings and rings with a shorter history. Some of the more recent collections, such as the very modern Cactus de Cartier line, can also attract high prices.
Chopard
Chopard is one of the most recognisable names in Swiss fine jewellery. This reputation makes the brand a strong candidate when you are considering a loan on jewellery in London. From Happy Diamonds pendants to high‑carat diamond earrings, the brand’s pieces are instantly recognisable and highly desirable on the secondary market.
That desirability is precisely why many clients choose to pawn Chopard jewellery & watches for short‑term funding without selling an heirloom. A carefully structured loan allows you to unlock the value tied up in your Chopard pieces while still retaining long‑term ownership.
At our Mayfair premises just off New Bond Street, we frequently arrange loans against Chopard diamond necklaces, rings, and high‑jewellery watches. Our loyal clients appreciate the discretion of dealing with a specialist pawnbroker that focuses purely on loans against fine assets rather than buying or selling stock. An initial online valuation can usually be provided once you share clear photographs and any supporting paperwork, after which we complete the full assessment in person.
When you pawn Chopard jewellery, details such as original boxes, certificates, and recent servicing invoices can all help to improve the loan offer. Our experts look carefully at the brand, the gemstones, and the overall condition before agreeing on a competitive loan‑to‑value ratio.
Whether you wish to pawn a Chopard Happy Diamonds bracelet or secure a loan against a high‑carat solitaire ring, our central London team can guide you through every step of the process in confidence.
Boucheron
Boucheron is a historic Parisian maison. The iconic brand’s jewels are admired for their sculptural lines and intricate use of gemstones. Many pieces are one‑of‑a‑kind, which makes them particularly attractive when arranging a loan on luxury jewellery.
For clients who own a Boucheron engagement ring, a vintage brooch, or a Quatre band, a specialist loan can provide substantial liquidity without forcing a sale. High‑net‑worth clients often prefer to work with an experienced central London pawnbroker who understands the nuances of the brand’s craftsmanship when they want to generate collateral on Boucheron jewelry.
Our New Bond Street pawnbrokers regularly see Boucheron rings and necklaces that have been passed down through families. We only provide loans against jewellery; we do not sell or buy Boucheron pieces. This stance helps maintain a clear separation between our lending service and the retail market. Once you share images and details through our simple online enquiry form, we can offer an indicative valuation before inviting you to our Mayfair office for a full in‑person assessment.
When you pawn a Boucheron ring, elements such as signed mounts, original certificates, and even the condition of the presentation box can influence the final loan amount. Our in‑house valuers take into account the precious metal, gemstones, and design, as well as recent auction results for comparable Boucheron pieces. If you are exploring jewellery loans near you and wish to keep control of a significant family asset, a tailored loan against Boucheron jewellery can be the discreet and flexible solution you need.
De Beers
De Beers is synonymous with diamonds all over the world. As a result, its branded jewellery is highly regarded by clients and pawnbrokers alike. Many London‑based clients own De Beers diamond engagement rings, solitaire pendants, or elegant line bracelets that represent a substantial store of value. When unexpected expenses arise, a loan against De Beers jewellery can be more attractive than selling, allowing you to access funds while retaining ownership of the piece. Instead of turning to a general pawn store, working with a dedicated fine jewellery pawnbroker ensures that your diamonds are assessed by specialists.
At our Mayfair offices, close to Oxford Street and New Bond Street, we frequently arrange loans on De Beers diamond jewellery. We rely on the same principles that underpin the wider diamond market: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Of course, we also put stock in the strength of the De Beers name.
Certificates from De Beers or leading gemmological laboratories help our valuers provide a precise loan offer. Clients often begin with an online valuation request, submitting clear photographs and details of any paperwork; we then complete the full appraisal in person, as no reputable pawnbroker will finalise diamond loans purely online.
Whether you wish to pawn a De Beers engagement ring or secure a short‑term loan on a diamond line necklace, our central London team can help. We focus exclusively on lending against fine assets, rather than reselling them, which means our interests remain aligned with yours throughout the life of the loan.
Dior Joaillerie
Dior Joaillerie combines the couture heritage of the House of Dior with exceptional French jewellery craftsmanship. From romantic rose‑motif rings to contemporary Milieu du Siècle creations, Dior’s fine jewellery frequently features high‑quality diamonds and coloured gemstones set in precious metals.
For clients who own these pieces, a carefully structured loan can provide access to capital without the emotional cost of selling. Instead of relying on typical pawnshops, many prefer the discretion of a specialist London pawnbroker experienced in Dior jewellery and other luxury goods.
Our New Bond Street pawnbrokers regularly arrange loans against Dior rings, earrings, and necklaces for clients across central London and beyond. We start with an online enquiry form where you can upload photographs and share details about your Dior jewellery. This enables us to provide an initial indication of the loan value before you visit our Mayfair office for a full, in‑person assessment. Because we only provide loans against luxury assets and do not buy or sell them, you can be confident that our focus is on fair, transparent lending.
When you pawn Dior jewellery, our valuers consider the design, the presence of signed mounts, the quality of the gemstones, and any accompanying documentation. Original boxes, receipts, and certificates all help to support a stronger loan offer. Whether you are looking to pawn a Dior ring from the Rose Dior collection or secure a loan against a statement necklace, our London team can provide a discreet, tailored service close to Oxford Street.
How luxury pawnbrokers value fine jewellery
Understanding how a specialist pawnbroker values fine jewellery can help you make informed decisions before arranging a loan on jewellery. At our central London offices, we follow a rigorous process that looks beyond simple scrap value. Instead, we focus on brand, craftsmanship, and long‑term desirability.
The first step usually begins with an online enquiry. Here, you send photographs and basic details of the piece. This step allows us to provide a provisional estimate before you visit our Mayfair pawnbrokers in person. No responsible lender will complete jewellery loans purely online, but the digital stage helps you gauge potential loan amounts.
During the in‑person appointment, our experts examine your jewellery under magnification, confirming hallmarks, signatures, es and overall condition. For diamond pieces, we assess cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, as well as any accompanying certificates.
Branded items from houses such as Graff, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Harry Winston, and Tiffany & Co. often command higher loan‑to‑value ratios because they are easier to authenticate and more liquid on the resale market.
We also consider provenance, documentation, and market demand. Jewellery that comes with original boxes, receipts, and service papers typically achieves a stronger valuation. By the time we finalise your loan against fine jewellery, you will have a clear explanation of how the figure was reached, allowing you to compare offers if you are also speaking to other jewellery pawnbrokers near you.
Tips for maximising your loan amount
If you are planning to pawn your fine jewellery in London, a few practical steps can significantly improve the loan offers you receive.
Begin by gathering all available documentation: certificates, purchase receipts, service records, and insurance valuations. When you submit an online valuation request to our New Bond Street pawnbrokers, attaching these documents alongside clear photographs allows us to provide a more accurate initial estimate. This preparation is especially helpful if you are comparing jewellery loans near you and want to understand your options.
Next, present your jewellery in the best possible condition. Our tips are to do a gentle clean with an appropriate cloth, but to avoid harsh chemicals. This process can restore sparkle without damaging stones or metal.
Bringing original presentation boxes and branded packaging to your appointment reinforces authenticity, which is vital when arranging a loan against luxury jewellery from brands such as Graff, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston, or Tiffany.
Finally, be open about your objectives and timeframes. We only provide loans against fine assets and do not buy them. As such, we can structure loan terms that reflect your circumstances. For example, whether you need short‑term liquidity for a few weeks or months
Taking the time to speak with an experienced Mayfair pawnbroker ensures you receive tailored advice and a discreet, competitive service.
In summary, by arranging a confidential appointment at our New Bond Street offices, you can discuss your options face‑to‑face, review clear valuations, and choose a loan structure that suits your needs, all while your jewellery remains fully insured and securely stored.
