The Current State of Jewelry & Watch Fair Market Values: What You Need to Know in 2025
The jewelry and watch market is ever-evolving, influenced by economic trends, consumer demand, and shifts in material costs. Whether you’re an investor, collector, or simply someone looking to understand the value of your treasured pieces, keeping up with fair market values is essential. In 2025, we continue to see notable trends shaping the industry, from fluctuating diamond prices to the enduring strength of the luxury watch market. Let’s dive into what’s driving values today.
Diamonds & Colored Gemstones: A Market in Transition
Over the past few years, the diamond market has seen considerable shifts, particularly with the rise of lab-grown diamonds. While natural diamonds remain desirable, increased availability of high-quality lab-grown alternatives has led to softer prices for mid-range natural diamonds. In fact, natural diamond prices are at their lowest in nearly 20 years, with some categories seeing a 35-40% decline compared to previous highs. Larger, rare, and high-clarity stones, however, continue to hold their value, with demand staying strong in the auction market and private sales. (Source)
Colored gemstones, particularly sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, remain stable, with untreated stones commanding significant premiums. Demand for unique, provenance-backed gems—such as Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies—continues to push values higher. The colored diamond segment, particularly pink and blue diamonds, has also remained strong, buoyed by limited supply and high-profile auction results.
Gold & Precious Metals: Price Volatility and Long-Term Strength
Gold has historically been a safe-haven asset, and in 2025, it continues to play a crucial role in jewelry valuation. Gold prices have remained elevated due to economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures. This has led to an increase in scrap gold prices, making older or broken jewelry more valuable for those looking to sell. (Gold Market Trends)
Platinum, often overshadowed by gold, has experienced rising demand due to its industrial applications and scarcity. This has translated to higher prices, making platinum jewelry and watches even more desirable in the resale market.
The Luxury Watch Market: Continued Strength in Iconic Brands
Luxury watches have remained one of the most resilient categories in the jewelry industry. Brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet continue to command strong resale values, with limited-production models seeing particularly high demand. While certain models that experienced speculative bubbles have seen corrections, overall, the market remains healthy. (Luxury Watch Market Report)
Independent watchmakers, such as F.P. Journe and Richard Mille, have gained even more traction, with collectors seeking out unique, low-production pieces. The secondary market for vintage watches also remains robust, with provenance and condition being key factors in valuation.
Estate & Vintage Jewelry: A Market Fueled by Rarity
Estate jewelry has continued to see increasing interest, particularly for signed pieces from houses like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Bulgari. Vintage and Art Deco-era pieces, especially those with original gemstones and well-preserved craftsmanship, have been fetching strong prices in auctions and private sales.
The sustainability movement has also played a role in bolstering the estate jewelry market, as buyers look for unique, pre-owned pieces rather than newly mined materials. This shift has added an extra premium to well-maintained antique and vintage jewelry.
Challenges in Selling Jewelry in 2025
Economic uncertainty has led many consumers to hold onto their money, making it difficult to find private buyers willing to pay fair market value for high-end jewelry. As a result, auction houses are increasingly becoming the preferred method for selling designer and high-value pieces, as they attract serious collectors willing to bid competitively. (Selling Trends)
Local jewelry stores are also facing challenges due to lower margins caused by online competition and the rise of lab-grown diamonds. Many traditional retailers are offering lower fair market values for secondhand and estate jewelry compared to past years, making it important for sellers to explore multiple selling avenues. (Retail Jewelry Market)
How to Navigate Fair Market Value in 2025
If you’re looking to appraise, sell, or insure your jewelry and watches, understanding fair market value is critical. The best way to determine the value of your items is through a certified appraisal from a trusted professional. As a GIA Graduate Gemologist and Certified Master Appraiser, I provide accurate, market-driven valuations tailored to current trends and conditions.
Whether you’re curious about the worth of a family heirloom, considering selling a piece, or ensuring you have the right insurance coverage, I’m here to help you navigate the market with transparency and expertise. Schedule a private appraisal appointment with me at Devine Jewelry & Appraisals in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, or contact me for a consultation.
Stay tuned for more updates on jewelry market trends, and follow along for insights into the evolving world of fine jewelry and watches!