Overview and key points
From antique diamonds and coloured gemstones to collectible watches and iconic handbags, we explore the gifts that keep on giving and why professional valuations are essential to protect your treasured belongings.
Not all festive gifts lose their sparkle once the wrapping paper is cleared away. Some treasures not only bring joy today but can also hold – and even increase – their value over time.
With the help of our friends at Doerr Dallas Valuations, we look at some of those items. From heirloom-worthy jewellery to iconic handbags and emerging watch brands, these are the gifts that truly keep on giving.
Jewellery: diamonds, gemstones & heritage pieces
Old-cut diamonds: thanks to Taylor Swift’s much-publicised engagement ring, demand for elongated old mine and European cut diamonds has surged in recent months. These antique cuts, with their high quality and unique charm, are expected to remain highly sought after well into 2026.
Natural vs lab-grown diamonds: while lab-grown stones offer affordability, natural diamonds retain rarity and long-term value. Fancy coloured diamonds, like the Desert Rose which sold for $8.8 million in December 2025, during Sotheby’s inaugural Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi, continue to command record prices.
Coloured gemstones: rubies, sapphires, and emeralds – especially untreated stones – are rising stars in the investment world. Rare varieties like Paraíba tourmaline and Alexandrite are seeing explosive growth.
Luxury jewellery brands: Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic Alhambra collection and Boodles’ distinctive designs (including the Raindance ring) are timeless choices that combine beauty with investment potential, for which you can rarely go wrong.
Antique Jewellery: Edwardian, Victorian, and Art Deco pieces offer rarity, craftsmanship, and historical significance – making them sustainable luxury investments.
Watches: icons & innovators
Emerging talent: independent brands such as Toledano & Chan, Berneron, and Anoma are gaining traction with limited-edition releases and growing waitlists.
Heritage revival: Universal Genève’s relaunch under Breitling ownership is set to boost the value of vintage models like the Polerouter and Compax.
Classic icons: original 1970s sports-dress watches, such as the Vacheron Constantin 222 and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, remain highly collectible.
Handbags: timeless investment pieces
Hermès Birkin: The ultimate luxury gift and investment. Scarcity and beautiful craftsmanship ensure its value often exceeds retail immediately. Recent auction highlights include Jane Birkin’s original bag selling for $10.1 million at Sotheby’s Paris during their “Fashion Icons” auction in July 2025.
Gucci classics: Heritage designs like the Jackie 1961, Horsebit 1955, and Diana are “forever pieces” that appreciate steadily thanks to brand prestige and price increases.
Chanel icons: The Classic Flap and 2.55 Reissue continue to rise in value, driven by Chanel’s strong pricing strategy and unforgettable, enduring appeal.
Why valuation matters
If you were lucky enough to receive one of these treasures, or something equally special, don’t leave its future to chance. A professional valuation ensures your items are properly insured, offering peace of mind should the unexpected happen. It’s not just paperwork – it’s protection for your happiness and the legacy these pieces hold.
Start the year by future-proofing your festive treasures. Whether it’s a dazzling diamond, a heritage timepiece, or an iconic handbag, a valuation today secures their worth for tomorrow
If you’d like help to arrange a professional valuation, contact our private client team.
You can download Doerr Dallas Valuations guide to investment worthy gifts here, or learn more at their website.