We buy almost anything for the right price. The price we pay is not something we dream up. It is based entirely on demand for the item. There are many items for which there is very little demand. Therefore the price we pay may seem low. It makes business sense for us to pay more for items we know we can sell quickly.
For example the Rolex stainless steel Submariner has a big demand, but a gold Movado, also a nice watch, is very hard to sell for much more than the gold value.
Condition is also a huge factor when we buy certain items. This applies mostly to watches and silver.
Many people incorrectly believe that “rarity” is the sole parameter that determines price. Often rare items are less desirable than other items by the same maker and have less demand.
This is gold with or without colored stones and diamonds in 10K, 14K, 18K, and higher, also in platinum. Unfortunately there is little demand for common pre-owned jewelry. Regardless of what you have been told or what you believe, eighty five per cent of all jewelry purchased is sold for the scrap value. The remaining fifteen to twenty percent that can be resold is either exceptionally beautiful, is a larger, more expensive item, is a signed piece, and/or has something special about it.
Beautiful, antique, vintage, and estate jewelry is always in high demand and we are strong buyers. Pieces between 20 and 100 years old are classified as Vintage. Older jewelry is antique. Estate pieces are previously owned jewelry and can be from any period in history. This jewelry is usually acquired from estates or was previously sold at least once. Pieces like these are often antique or vintage.
A significant attribute of valuable vintage jewelry is its desirability including its appeal to collectors. Each era has a different look or design. Among the most popular are Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. Jewelry “inspired” by these eras but not made in a vintage period will rarely be able to match the value of true vintage pieces.
Please let us know what you have by describing the piece(s) with important details such as condition, maker, and approximate age.
Few jewelry pieces are better than signed silver and jewelry. Good makers are always in demand and many bring strong prices. Even newer, signed items do very well. For example, a Lagos or Yurman item will not bring what a Tiffany piece does, but these are worth far more than the exact same item without a signature.
We love silver jewelry of all types. Mexican, Scandinavian, South America and some from the USA. Condition, age, correct markings and “the look” are all very important.
Ninety percent of costume jewelry has little to no value. For it to have ANY value, the jewelry should be older, signed items that, in all likelihood, were purchased many years ago. Those who collect costume jewelry generally accumulate many pieces over time. We welcome large boxes of costume jewelry as well as single, signed pieces. This can include sterling, vintage, designer, and fashion jewelry. We will also consider decorated handbags and shoes. Sometimes, a single handbag has more value than the combined value of all the jewelry in a collection.
We will buy any diamond. However, many have very little demand and have to be purchased for a low price. Small diamonds, marquise, hearts, and pear shaped diamonds do not sell easily. We usually sell items like this for a 10% profit to wholesalers. We are looking for larger, nicer stones. Most of the better diamonds have a GIA certificate which makes it easier for us to give a price.
Getting the most money for your diamonds hinges on a variety of factors including how diamonds are evaluated. Their value is determined by Clarity, Cut, Color and Carat weight. Experts refer to these as “the “Four Cs.”
Carat: Owners of diamond jewelry usually know the carat weight of their stone(s) because it identifies its size. The bigger the diamond, the greater the carat weight and potential value.
Color: Diamonds are graded on a scale from ‘D’ to ‘M’. Diamonds with the highest value are at the top of the scale, ‘D’ being the highest color.
Clarity: Another factor that affects an evaluator’s decision about value is the lack of flaws and/or spots on the gem. The fewer of these in the diamond, the higher the value.
Cut: A diamond’s shape is known as the cut that was made by the diamond cutter. The better the cut, the more the diamond is worth.
The average diamond sold by most stores is not top color, clarity or cut. People typically pay FAR too much for diamonds. Our years of experience have shown that many appraisals are often incorrect because they state that the stone is at least one color or has a clarity grade that is higher than what is stated.
All businesses need to make a profit. Mall and/or chain stores usually have the highest mark-up; many times it is double what the store paid for the item.
For example, if a store charges $10,000 for a diamond, they probably paid $5000 for it. We must pay around $3500 for it so we can sell it for about $4000. It is important for customers to recognize that THEY pay for the store’s advertising, rent, salaries, and other expenses.
Even when someone purchases a diamond from an individual they’ve known for many years, making a profit enters into the transaction since that person also has business expenses.
APPRAISALS: Most, if not all, appraisals are only a guide and have nothing to do with the price an item can actually realize. For example, when a diamond is sold for a price of $7000, a store will, in all likelihood, give an appraisal for more, probably $10,000. They can also advise that the appraisal amount is “for insurance purposes.”
Take this advice with a grain of salt: these days insurance companies are smarter and will usually pay ONLY the replacement value of the item.
Sellers of diamonds should understand that if a diamond does not have a GIA certificate, the appraisal they receive is usually wrong. This is because the evaluation of color and clarity is off by at least one grade.
Buying a diamond is an infrequent event and most people fail to educate themselves before buying and therefore pay far too much.
Jewelry gifts and exchanges during courtship are hallmarks of this special time. Such gifts may also come from the couple’s family, friends, and loved ones. Over time, for a variety of reasons, unfortunately including divorce, some of these gifts could change from treasured items to mere keepsakes or prove more useful if sold for cash.If you own engagement rings, semi-mount wedding bands and/or other items like these that you want to sell, then definitely consider sending them to us for an offer. Please be aware that if an item was purchased between one and fifteen years ago, it is more than likely worth significantly less than the purchase price. Unfortunately, many bulk buyers are not as honest and upfront as us. They get you to send in your items and shock you with their offer. In many local seller offers, we suggest to sellers that they offer their items to someone else first. By doing that, they are not surprised by the value and come to understand and realize that our offer is fair and, usually, higher than others they may have received.The most collectible designers of engagement jewelry and pieces include: Cartier, Tiffany, A Jaffe, ArtCarved, Coast Diamond, Danhov, Divine, Equalli Designer, Forevermarked, Furrer-Jacor, Gravure, Henri Daussi, Jeff Cooper, Karl Lagerfeld, Kirk Kara, Michael Meksian, Mark Schneider, Peter Lam Luxury, Peter Storm, Precision Set, Simon G, TACORI, and Verragio.
For the most part, Rolex holds its value best. Why? Because more people desire pre-owned Rolex watches than any other brand. The prices of new ones are high. Therefore good condition, pre-owned Rolex watches bring a premium. Of course this applies to the most popular models and not to others that have far less demand.
Other watches such as Patek, Cartier, and /or Breitling do well but not as well as Rolex. There are many other brands with a few models that are in demand.
Condition and age are two important factors used to determine what we offer. When we give a quote by email or phone, we try to be realistic and honest. MANY buyers go high to get the seller’s item into their store or have it shipped to them. They then tell the seller all the things that diminish the value. These buyers hope the seller will then thinking, “The hell with it” and will accept the lower offer.
The price for an exact same Rolex price can vary by $500 – $1000. Usually, when we sell an item, it must be close to perfect. A tiny scratch or nick in a crystal cost around $200. If the watch is running 20 seconds off a day, that will costs us -at the very least- $200 for an overhaul, waterproofing, etc. If the band has scratches, it has to be polished. We also have to give a buyer one year warranty.
We are interested in purchasing US and foreign silver and gold coins. Coins that are graded by NGC or PCGS bring more money. Coins that are have the CAC sticker on the holder bring a premium. A coin’s value is determined by rarity and condition.
US and/or foreign coins and currency you want to convert to spendable cash.
Many exchanges no longer accept foreign coins, small denomination, and obsolete banknotes. Many accept current banknotes ONLY from major currencies.
We also buy miscellaneous foreign bank notes and coins that banks will not take because they are in small amounts or denominations and/or are obsolete.
We buy foreign coins and currencies of all types and varieties. Bills, minted coins, privately issued mint coins, and notes.
We buy all of it! We help individuals, businesses, charities, and others cash in all their coins and bank notes in a safe, secure process that is quick and easy.
There is no charge for us to look at your items. We are glad to sort through what you send, identify what you’ve sent, and give you the best offer possible.
If you do not want to spend time sorting and listing items, simply send us the package and we will figure it out.
We buy bullion items of all types and varieties. Whether you have bars of precious metals, minted bullion coins, private mint coins or medals, or odd size/weight silver, platinum and gold bullion bars or coins, we will give you an accurate evaluation and offer on your bullion collection.
These include manufacturers of bullion coins and bars such as Engelhard, Johnson Matthey also known as ‘JM’, PAMP Suisse, Perth Mint, Metalor Technologies, and others.
Unless you are a repeat seller, the price we pay for bullion will be based on the metal’s spot price the day we receive it, not the day it was sent. At times, bullion prices are volatile and can fluctuate rapidly.
If you are a repeat seller, you can lock in your price on the day you ship.
We buy the following types of silver, gold and platinum bullion material:
Canada Gold Maple Leaf
South African Gold Krugerrand
Chinese Gold and Silver Pandas
American Gold Eagle
American Silver Eagle
American Platinum Eagle
American Gold Buffalo
U.S. First Spouse Coins
Australia Gold Nuggets, Kangaroo Gold Coins, and other bullion coins
Austria Philharmonic silver and gold
Gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium bars and ingots
Certified bullion coins (PCGS and NGC graded)
Numismatic and Collector Coins
Old Silver Coins, Silver Quarters, Silver Dimes Pre-1965, Junk Silver Coins.
Old dental crowns, bridges and gold fillings have value. Since the price of gold and other precious metals typically found in dental alloys (platinum, palladium, silver) has risen drastically in the past decade, you can make money by selling these items.
A scrap crown’s value is based on how much precious metal it contains, which is a function of both its size (weight actually) and the type of alloy that’s been used to make it. Determining the weight of the restoration is straightforward, but the type of alloy used to make it adds a lot of variability to the equation. That’s because some dental alloys contain gold, as well as other valuable metals (typically platinum, palladium and silver). Some have no precious metal content at all.
Dental alloys are divided into categories based on their level of precious metal content. They are either Precious (high noble), Semi-precious (noble), or Non-precious (non-noble). The different gold alloys commonly used in dentistry have a karat value ranging anywhere from around 10 to 22. On average, the typical yellow-colored gold dental crown is around 16 karat (67%). Besides gold, this type of alloy typically contains amounts of palladium, platinum and silver. Dentists sometimes use silver-colored alloys to make restorations. Some of these have a high precious metal content.
By definition, the term “precious” means that the alloy is composed of over 60% high-noble metal (gold, platinum, and/or palladium) of which at least 40% is gold. This type of alloy is frequently used to make all-metal crowns and bridges, or the metal substructure underneath porcelain surfaced ones.
Keep in mind, you’re selling scrap metal because any dental restorations you sell are scrap. The metal they contain is not in a pure or usable state and will have to be refined.
That means the company to whom you sell your dental work will have to adjust the price they pay you so to cover their refining costs (15 to 18% is the industry standard), plus the amount of profit they need to stay in business. This adjusted price is often called the “payout” rate.
Collecting handbags is a hobby that has become increasingly popular in the 21st Century. In 2014, Christie’s, the famous auction house, opened a handbag department. The best luxury handbag brands have value. These are brands that fuse style and function and offer progressive and beautifully crafted products. Notable collectors include Victoria Beckham, who has over 100 Birkin bags, Katie Holmes, Beyoncé, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna.
Chanel is at the forefront of classic handbag design. Karl Lagerfeld is known to have reinterpreted the 2.55 handbag originally imagined by Gabrielle Chanel. Features include the timeless ‘CC’ Clasp which is Chanel’s seal. Using a double flap, this feature is a leather insert that provides an extra pocket, whose burgundy color makes it easy to find. Most use a chain in gold or silver tone metal, interlaced with leather. There are nearly 180 operations in the handbags’ production and nearly as many handcrafted elements.
Yves Saint Laurent established his fashion house in 1961 in Paris. The House’s iconic logo is instantly recognizable across the globe. From the classic Monogram Bags to the timeless Sac de Jour, a Saint Laurent bag offers a clean, modern aesthetic. The brand’s strong feminine style comes across in pieces like the Classic Y Cabas. YSL’s vintage bags have elegant designs with imaginative detail and an adaptable color palette. Worked from sensual fabrics with exotic finishes, the retro bags were made in simple shapes and designed to last.
Prada began operation in 1913 when brothers Mario and Martino Prada formed Fratelli Prada, a fashion house in Milan, Italy that sold leather goods and imported British steamer trunks and handbags. Mario’s daughter Luisa took control of the business as his successor and remained so for twenty years. Luisa’s daughter, Miuccia joined the family business that soon became known simply as “Prada.” She began making waterproof backpacks out of a nylon fabric called Pocone. When Miuccia met Italian leather goods trader Patrizio Bertelli, he encouraged her to stop selling British luggage to focus on designing and selling the company’s own bags. In 1985, Prada released their “classic Prada handbag,” which became an instant hit due to its sleek lines, practical durability, and simple, though luxurious, elegance. Prada’s classic nylon finish and its logo bags are among the many styles that create a treasure trove of bags. Authenticity can be determined by locating the stamp from a designated zipper manufacturer that is found on the underside of the zipper. If one isn’t there, the purse is fake. Also, look at the Prada logo plaque because the background of the Prada plate should be the same color as the bag.
Gucci is the ultimate example of Italian glamour and has risen to become one of Italy’s most successful luxury fashion exports. Founded as a small Florentine luggage company by Guccio Gucci in 1921, the brand expanded to other leather items like handbags and shoes alongside silk scarves with numerous designs. Its iconic bamboo handbag handles were introduced in 1947 and have adorned some of their most coveted designs. The horse bit snaffle detail was born in the 1960s and functioned as an alternative fastening on handbags. Gucci’s monogram GG print and hardware was introduced in 1964, and in 1966, the brand designed the iconic floral print ‘Flora’ for Grace Kelly that still influences the designs. Block panels, burnished accenting and occasional offbeat prints elevate Gucci Vintage bags. On genuine Gucci bags a serial number can be found on the reverse of the interior Gucci label. When featured on a Gucci handbag, the hardware will be made of solid metal and will not flake or chip. Some pieces may be engraved and if so, the engraving will be clean with a high quality finish. Some Gucci handbags feature the double GG Gucci logo on the exterior. The left G faces forwards and the right G faces backwards. New Gucci handbags feature a code tag on the interior. The tag itself features a QR type code. Older styles and vintage handbags will not feature this tag.
Hermés was established in 1837 and is most famous for its luxurious handbags, the Birkin and Kelly, that, today, are among the most coveted handbags in the world. Hermés leather bags combine high fashion and superior style using a variety of materials including Togo, Clemence, and Epsom. The bags also use leathers as well as crocodile and alligator skins obtained in strict compliance with the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). A favorite of celebrities and professional women, each Hermés bag is a handmade work of art, created by expert French artisans. There is a beautiful Hermés for every occasion. Popular styles include the classic Black Epsom with Gold Hardware, the Gris Tourterelle, and the Electric Blue Crocodile.
Christian Dior presented his first collection in 1947 using his New Look aesthetic. It changed the rules of elegance and today the French fashion house continues to produce bold, creative ready-to-wear and accessories. Christian Dior’s most iconic items include the lady bag, saddle bag, and the diorama bag. The Christina Dior handbag collection is dramatic while remaining timeless. From the classic quilted Lady Dior to more contemporary designs, this iconic fashion house specializes in making bags for classic women who like to be noticed. Maria Grazia Chiuri was appointed the brand’s first female artistic director in 2016 and has infused the collections with striking statement handbags. Notable examples include the Dior Oblique bag that takes its inspiration from the shapes of Dior’s 1970’s signature lines, the Lady Dior handbag (possibly the brand’s most famous handbag model) with soft lambskin style, topstitched with the renowned Cannage motif, and the J’adior flap bag by Maria Grazia Chiuri that has become Dior’s statement bag. The bag’s striking metallic J’adior lettering embodies the house’s new codes while the chain strap lets it be carried by hand or over the shoulder.
Burberry is a heritage brand known for its innovation, craftsmanship and quintessential British design. Expertly crafted traditional classics can be found with the leather belt tote and bucket styles. The instantly recognizable Nova check is seen on backpacks and vintage style barrel shoulder bags. The brand’s famous check print with its tan, navy and red stripes is synonymous with its accessories. The two most popular Burberry patterns are the Classic Check and the Nova Check. The Classic Check has a tan background, with black, white, and red stripes that are either horizontal or vertical. The Nova Check pattern is slightly different. The background has a light yellow undertone and the lines that are red on the Classic Check here have a pinkish hue. A Burberry label or stamp can be found inside most Burberry handbags. The font is very distinctive. The left side of the U and the Y are slightly wider and the R’s have small tails. The logo is centered and its stitching is aligned and neatly finished. Since taking the helm in 2018, Creative Director Riccardo Tisci has made his mark by introducing a monogram designed by renowned artist Peter Saville and a host of new signatures, including deer, cow, gorilla prints, and slogans inspired by Shakespeare.
Fendi was established in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi as a fur and leather goods shop in Rome. Since 1946, five second generation sisters (Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla and Alda) have joined the company. Over the years Fendi has grown into an icon of Italian luxury especially known for its signature Baguette and Peekaboo handbags. Karl Lagerfeld joined Fendi in 1965 as creative director for fur and women’s ready-to-wear. He created the famous ‘double-F’ Fendi logo. Silvia Venturini Fendi, daughter of Anna, joined in 1994 and is the creative director for accessories. Since 2001, Fendi has become a multinational brand and a member of LVMH group. Like many other designer handbag companies, Fendi offered horse saddles and carriage fittings. It wasn’t long before the leather and fur shop added hand-stitched handbags to its line. As a result of shortages during World War II, the Fendis took to making handbags out of hard materials like wood. In the ’70s, the earth-toned logo bag became the thing to have so Fendi produced a whole line of muted chocolate-and-caramel striped bags with the double-‘F’ logo on the front. During the early ’90s, Silvia found the company’s line of post-’80s bags to be “plastic, normal, plain, [and] ugly.” She revived the hand-stitched handbag tradition of Adele Fendi with the Selleria line that featured naturally treated cowhide and was characterized by a somewhat bumpy surface and big, obvious saddle stitches. Her 1997 creation, the Baguette Bag ushered in a new era for Fendi. This purse, which is small and designed to be carried under the arm like a baguette bread, was offered in hundreds of colors, patterns, materials, and textures. With the big double-F logo front and center, they’re meant to be noticed. Customers can purchase a Baguette in silk velvet, fur, snakeskin, crocodile, raffia, or printed faux pony. It might be beaded, adorned with Swarovski crystals or paillette sequins. Some employ Northern Native American or Aztec patterns, Scottish tartans, or denim. The logo can be shiny metal, beaded, or also encrusted with crystals. Some Baguettes were embellished with feathers or mirrors. The style has been seen on the arms of Madonna, Naomi Campbell, and Meryl Streep tossed one around in the film, “The Devil Wears Prada.” Fendi introduces a new Baguette style every six months and has made a smaller version of the Baguette called the Croissant that is about the size of a grapefruit wedge and only useful for carrying a cell phone or wallet, It is intended to be carried inside a bigger bag. In 2005, the brand introduced the Fendi Spy, a soft leather bag with a curved sack-like shape. Favored by Kate Moss, this bag has hidden compartments and double-braided leather handles. A year later came the B Bag characterized by two large belt buckles on the front. The ‘B’ is made in everything from calfskin and snake to straw and patent leather.
Dolce & Gabbana are two of the most iconic figures in fashion. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have been celebrating the glamor and culture of Italy through clothes and accessories since the ‘80s. Often thematic and tongue-in-cheek, their collections are defined by opulent embellishments, retro femininity and vibrant prints. In the last couple of years Dolce & Gabbana handbags have made huge progress in design and gained its ubiquitous popularity. The market reacted by increasing prices in reselling channels like eBay and Amazon and offering more and more fakes. Miss Sicily is the most popular, most searched and thus most replicated Dolce & Gabbana handbag. Dolce & Gabbana has two main brands: the main Dolce & Gabbana (upscale and more expensive) and the secondary D&G line (more mass market with lower pricing and quality). To identify authentic Dolce & Gabbana handbags, inspect the build of the bag. The weight should be proper for its size and the pockets should be neat and well sewn to the bag. The threads and stitches of Dolce & Gabbana bag should be neat and clean and there should not be any loose threads. The insignia of an authentic Dolce & Gabbana handbag is on the handles, zippers and metal rings. If the insignia on a Dolce & Gabbana bag is missing or coming off, then the handbag is a knock-off. An authentic Dolce & Gabbana handbag is usually leather. If the leather is extremely smooth or shiny, then the bag is a knock-off. The colors of the threads should coordinate well with the color of the bag. Many knock-off Dolce & Gabbana handbags only use a tan thread. Determining the authenticity of a Dolce & Gabbana bag can also be done by examining the logos. On an authentic bag, the logos do not overlap one another and are not blocked by the bag’s seams. An authentic Dolce & Gabbana handbag costs at least $500. Celebrities known to carry Dolce & Gabbana bags include Kate Middleton and Kim Kardashian.
Michael Kors Corporation bags are all about simple, ladylike luxury. Working in styles from signature totes to jet set crossbody bags, Kors puts a creative twist on classic bag styles to create timeless examples. The Michael Kors’ handbag line features canvas and leather made bags along with the popular Hamilton satchel and Jet Set tote. Michael Kors purses have garnered a cult following due to their supple leathers and relaxed shapes. The ‘Jet Set Travel’ tote features a gold-tone MK logo medallion. The brand namesake’s creations are so popular that counterfeits have started popping up. Michael Kors bags are synonymous with Saffiano leather which is calf leather with a fine crisscross pattern machine stamped into it. An original feels structured and rigid. Original Saffiano leather will also have a slight gloss to it. Michael Kors typically uses two different logos: the expanded one and the circle emblem. The expanded version should be precisely cut with sharp edges, and the letters should be evenly spaced. Inauthentic versions of this logo tend to stand out from the leather while legitimate logos are embedded into the leather, and perfectly centered. The letters should be distinct and surrounded by a perfect circle. Logo hardware should feel heavy and substantial not like coated plastic. From time to time, Michael Kors does use a plain ‘MK’ to embellish the bags. An original Michael Kors bag should use sturdy hardware to fasten the handles to the bag. The handle of an authentic tote must be made from premium leather and shouldn’t wrinkle around the foam tube. Additionally, leather tabs should neatly conceal the handle’s edges instead of exposing the edge stitching. Authentic Michael Kors zippers have a brass finish, and are usually paired with an elongated zipper pull. The expanded Michael Kors logo is engraved cleanly onto the pull. Michael Kors has recently been using the expanded logo on all its newer bags. On larger totes like the Hamilton, one side of the lining will have a zipper pocket with a piece of leather framing the zipper. Michael Kors bags often usually feature a lobster clasp made for attaching keys. All newer Michael Kors bags have date codes inside the bag. Look for the small, clear plastic tag. It states the country of manufacture (e.g. with the words “made in China” or “made in Vietnam”) followed by letters and numbers. Like all designers, Michael Kors changes details constantly, so it’s good to keep updated on new products and releases every season. It’s well-known that most of Michael Kors’ products are sourced from China. However, if you see a “Made In” tag that lists a country other than China, note that Michael Kors also produces authentic goods in Italy, Turkey, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Korea. Michael Kors bags fall within the range of $50 to $18,000.
Coach, Inc. started as a family-run workshop in New York City in 1941. Its six artisans set out with a simple goal: to make beautiful, functional items in modern shapes from the finest leathers. As a pioneer in leather goods and accessories, the brand went on to establish itself as the Original American House of Leather. The Coach bag was a new kind of purse for a new era. Unlike the handbags of the 1950s, it was built to wear and hold a lot. Its original design was based on Depression-era paper bags that designer Lillian Cahn’s mother used to run her noodle-making business. Cahn’s family were Hungarian immigrants who ran a variety of small businesses from their home in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. These shopping bags inspired Cahn to create the first Coach purse. Today, Coach purses feature standout color blocking, versatile muted colors and creamy pastel shades with glimmers of iridescent accenting. They also come in boxy shapes and carefully structured silhouettes with enough space for essentials. The handbags are finished with refined burnished detailing. In 1962, the Coach Company hired Bonnie Cashin who breathed new life into the company. She was considered a pioneer in American sportswear due to her use of industrial hardware and organic materials such as leather, wool, and jersey. Cashin is credited with both the brass toggle hardware on Coach bags and the Coach duffle bag. In 1979, Lew Frankfort, transformed Coach from a little-known leather goods manufacturer into a world-renowned brand. He is often credited with the emergence of Coach in the 1990s as the affordable luxury brand. In 1993, the company hired Reed Krakoff, a sportswear designer who had worked at Tommy Hilfiger. Like Cashin, Krakoff brought a unique vision to the collection. He is credited with changing the image of Coach from a sturdy, basic collection of tan, burgundy, black, and navy briefcases, to a more hip, stylish collection with new colors and styles every season. Krakoff also added interesting new accessories including watch straps, wallets, wristlets, and cell phone cases. In 2001, the company launched the Coach Signature collection. This collection features a bold ‘double C’ design. The collection was timed to capitalize on the logo mania then sweeping the fashion industry. The signature collection was done in a wide variety of styles and colors. Coach is bringing back some of the classic favorites that launched the brand, with simpler designs and minimal hardware. As of 2017, Coach had over 900 directly operated stores worldwide as well as additional boutiques within select department stores and outlets. The company remains a global leader in luxury handbags and accessories.
Marc Jacobs is an American fashion designer and designs for his own fashion label, Marc Jacobs, and formerly for Marc by Marc Jacobs that was produced for approximately 15 years and discontinued after the 2015 fall/winter collection. At one point there were over 200 retail stores in 80 countries. Jacobs was the creative director of the French design house Louis Vuitton from 1997 to 2014. Jacobs has collaborated with many popular artists for his Louis Vuitton collections, including Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and most recently American artist Richard Prince and rapper Kanye West. Marc Jacobs’ purses feature sumptuous metallic accents and versatile shades ranging from muted natural hues to saturated pop art colors. These handbags also feature contoured shapes crafted from fine leather and come in both textured and lustrous finishes. Despite continuing to design luxury ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, the Marc Jacobs label is no longer perceived as a luxury brand. It is more in line with contemporary labels like Coach and Kate Spade. Even so, the label has a new hit bag: the $295 “Snapshot” with its colorful camera strap. Other Marc Jacobs’ notable handbags include the Marc Jacobs Big Trouble Leather Bag, a simple beige leather with crisp silver hardware, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Heart to Heart Quilted Bag with a dainty silhouette and textured finish, the Marc Jacobs Shutter Camera Bag, a dome-shaped item in rich leather in a cross body style that features a detachable adjustable strap, lined interior and two zip compartments with gold toned zippers, a leather strap and double ‘J’ logo that forms a circle (the symbol for camera), the Marc by Marc Jacobs Blizznezz Bag with a light frame, slim gold-bar-weighted closure and durable exterior, the Marc Jacobs Canvas Chipped Studs Tote with an edgy look that comes in teal, black, or rubino and features a well-made exterior with stud embellishments, the Recruit Chipped Studs Zip Phone Wristlet that fits ID, credit cards, and phone – all attached to a leather strap that also comes with stud embellishment and the brand name embossed on the front, and the Marc Jacobs Aged Python Shoulder Bag with its stylish embroidered patches, handcrafted from Indonesian python skin, then hand painted, buffed and embroidered with original patches from France that feature suede lining, a mirror case and one zip pocket with a flap top closure designed to include the interlocking hardware. As late as 2016, Marc Jacobs’ advertising campaigns featured celebrities that included Sandra Bernhard, Bette Midler, Juliette Lewis, and Christina Ricci.
Givenchy fashion accessories include jewelry that was sold then, as it is now, by fashionable department and jewelry stores worldwide and through boutiques. A limited number of designer pieces were made in the first years of Givenchy’s business. He marked his jewelry with a sometimes stamped “GIVENCHY” in the metalwork or marked it with a “G” on the clasps. In 1953, when Givenchy’s designs first appeared, they attracted some of the world’s most notable women of the time including Wallis Simpson (the Duchess of Windsor) for whom Givenchy created special Wallis blue garment bags. In 2005, Italian fashion designer Riccardo Tisci became the artistic director of womenswear. Responsible for launching strong yet feminine shoulder bags such as the Givenchy Antigona and the Pandora purse, Tisci delivered an inspiring output. Though no longer at the helm of Givenchy (he was succeeded by Clare Waight Keller), his bag designs live on and are part of the wardrobes (and wish lists) of many designer bag collectors. Over the years, Givenchy offered a wide range of handbags that capture the brand’s dark allure and streetwear aesthetic. From chic Egyptian print clutches to metallic embossed totes, Givenchy bags lend allure to any outfit. Subtle and sophisticated or bold and becoming, the label’s handbags have earned a rightful place in fashion and pop culture. Givenchy’s iconic logo is immediately recognizable with its four geometric G’s. Givenchy handbags are relatively few but offer variety both in terms of colors and textures. Also, although similar, all bags’ sizes showcase different personalities, meaning that a small Antigona handbag exudes different vibes than a medium-sized one of the same style. Notable Givenchy handbag lines include the Givenchy Antigona that is a medium-sized leather bag complete with a cotton canvas lining available burgundy, beige, and black; the Givenchy Pandora Bag is a compact design that can swing over the shoulder; the House de Givenchy Tote Bag-(also known as HDG) has a cozy interior with plenty of room and has a leather exterior with accenting bottom-studs and silver hardware; the Givenchy Obsedia Shoulder Bag has a style that sets it apart and, while small, this upscale bag is designed with the finest leather accented with a cross and ring closure on the front giving it a grunge look with a splash of gothic attitude. The Givenchy Lucrezia Bag combines everything into one, medium-sized tote that has detailing along the front and sports finishes with enticing stud details along the top and bottom. Other notable models include the Sway Bag, Nightingale Bag, Infinity Bag, Duetto Bag, Shark Bag, and Nano Leather Backpack. A new Givenchy bag debuted in spring 2019. The bag — called the Whip (because its details include leather braiding and knots used in actual whips) is available in four varieties: small, medium, large, and a belt bag. It features classic shades like black, white, natural, and taupe or comes in colors named pale coral, pistachio, or yellow curry.
Kate Spade (1962 – 2018) was born Katherine Noel Valentine Brosnahan on December 24, 1962 and became known professionally both as Kate Spade and Kate Valentine. She was an American fashion designer and businesswoman as well as the founder and former co-owner of the designer brand Kate Spade New York. After working in the accessories department at Mademoiselle Magazine, she and her husband, Andy Spade, identified a market for quality stylish handbags and founded Kate Spade New York in 1993. The handbags Spade designed and produced quickly found popularity because of their sophistication and affordability. While working for Mademoiselle, she noticed that the market lacked stylish and sensible handbags and decided to create her own. She made six prototypes with Scotch Tape and paper, and found a manufacturer in East New York willing to work with a startup to turn them into actual bags. After an early show at the Javits Center, the department-store chain Barneys ordered a few bags for which she put the bag’s labels on the outside, a change that established the brand. The bags – then priced in the US in the $150 to $450 range – quickly became popular particularly in New York. Teenagers with disposable income appreciated the bags’ affordability. At first, the company sold mainly handbags, but soon expanded to clothing, jewelry, shoes, stationery, eyewear, baby items, fragrances, tabletop, bedding, and gifts. In 1996, Kate Spade opened its first boutique. The Neiman Marcus Group purchased 56 percent of the Kate Spade brand in 1999 and the remaining 44 percent in 2006. The Group then sold the label in 2006 to Liz Claiborne Inc. and re-named it, Fifth & Pacific. That company was purchased by Coach, Inc. in May 2017 and both Coach and Kate Spade are now part of Tapestry, Inc. Whether made of leather, nylon, canvas, tweed or other materials, a Kate Spade bag has a distinctive look sometimes described as, “architectural solidity.” The bags are easy to carry and do not overwhelm a woman’s ensemble. Spade’s bags are often seen in bright hues or pastels with vibrantly contrasting linings and simple handles. For many American women a Kate Spade handbag was probably the first designer bag they owned. Most likely that bag was the “Sam.” Of the six different styles that Kate Spade New York offered when it was founded on in 1993, the simple, black rectangle called Sam was the brand’s cornerstone. Prim, yet unfussy, especially in its original waterproof nylon, it was easy for women to take to work or girls to take to school. The bag sold for more than usual at the time, around $200, but it was far from French-luxury-label expensive and combined with its look, made it more attainable and relatable than pedigreed European counterparts. The brand’s products, according to a Forbes article, included “simple nylon totes, pink herringbone carryalls, velvet tiger-print shoppers and burlap satchels with raffia hula-skirt fringe.” While colorful nylon totes seem like a given today, the handbags were unusual when first launched. Kate Spade became recognized as one of the fashion world’s top designers of accessories. Vogue and other magazines featured her creations, and celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow were spotted carrying Kate Spade bags. In June 2018, a housekeeper found Spade dead in her Manhattan apartment; her death was ruled a suicide. The flagship Kate Spade New York store in Manhattan displayed a sign in its front window in her memory. Kate Spade’s newly launched brand at the time of her death, Frances Valentine, continues to honor Kate’s legacy with a collection of designs called. Love Katy. Frances Valentine has many years of Kate’s designs and inspirations in its library and plans to launch many in the coming years. Among Kate Spade items still available are the Dorie Medium Bucket Bag, Sydney Large Double-Zip Satchel, Polly Medium Shoulder Bag, Polly Medium Backpack, Amelia Spade Flower Medium Shoulder Bag, Polly Large Convertible Crossbody, Amelia Large Tote, and the Morley Extra Large Tote. Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan has announced that her next role will pay homage to her late aunt Kate Spade. In January 2019, Brosnahan announced that she is the face of the latest Frances Valentine handbag line, a luxury collection launched by Spade in 2016 and named after her daughter, Frances Beatrix Spade.
Jimmy Choo Ltd. was founded in 1996 by Tamara Mellon, then the accessories editor at British Vogue, with the Malaysian cobbler Jimmy Choo. Its seductive aesthetic style quickly caught the attention of the rich and famous. Mr. Choo left the company in 2001, and Ms. Mellon sold her stake in 2011 after a fallout with board members about how the company was being run. For years, Jimmy Choo was held by various private equity firms before becoming the first luxury footwear brand to be listed on a public market in 2014. Today, Jimmy Choo Ltd. is a British high fashion house specializing in shoes, handbags, accessories and fragrances. It was listed on the London Stock Exchange until it was acquired by Michael Kors Holdings in November 2017. Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat was born in November 1948 and is a Malaysian fashion designer born into a family of shoemakers. The first Jimmy Choo store opened in 1996 in London. Two years later, the company expanded to the US, opening stores in New York City and Beverly Hills. Over the following years, Jimmy Choo expanded its store portfolio by opening directly operated stores and some with local partners. Over 2011-12, Jimmy Choo took control of the majority of its Asian operations in China, Hong Kong, and Japan. Several boutiques are found in secondary outlets in major shopping malls. The brand offers glamorous tote and shoulder bags for everyday wear as well as elegant clutch or mini bags for evenings. Among its offerings are The Madeline Bag, a new Jimmy Choo handbag style that comes as a chic top handle bag with a unique sculptured shape. The Madeline is also offered as a crossbody bag embellished with a delicate buckle molded into a C-shape. Women’s Shoulder bags called, ‘Stevie bags’ go over the shoulder and also include the chain strap Helia Shoulder Bag. The brand sells tote bags and crossbody bags whose styles come in a rainbow of colors and are finished in rose speckled glitter to gold metallic with a leather or chain strap. There are also women’s evening bags, clutches, and Mini-Bags that feature soft leather textures. The company also offers made-to-order clutch bags in the Celeste, Celeste/S, Emmie, and J Box styles. From functional shoulder bags to stand out clutches, Jimmy Choo designs are an array of handbags to suit all tastes and needs. Lavish fabrics, bold hues, and extravagant designs are finished to the highest of quality. For brides, mothers of brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests, Jimmy Choo’s bridal collection offers the perfect bag, shoes and accessories. Examples of popular Jimmy Choo styles include the Lohla Jayne tote that features a large soft shape and fair amount of hardware balancing a simple body. The round hobo is another cherished Jimmy Choo design, with accented hardware and the metal Jimmy Choo letters on the bottom of the body. The Chandra is a perfect example of a ladies Jimmy Choo wallet, complete with embellishments and the hallmark hardware. The Jimmy Choo trademark is very recognizable and the Jimmy Choo logo is printed on an enamel plate. The plate should be a variation of the color purple. The plate will be situated on top of a leather tab that matches the exterior of the bag. ‘Made in Italy’ should be stamped in capital letters just below the enamel plate. Genuine mole-skin is the inside material of choice for JC bags. It is easy to identify the woven cotton and moleskin inner linings of a Jimmy Choo bag as fakes will have a cheaper texture or a different material like satin, suede, canvas, or others. Furthermore, Jimmy Choo hardware is unmistakably high quality. If the zipper is not engraved with the Jimmy Choo trademark and is not a gold rectangular piece, then it is fake. When closing the zipper of an original Jimmy Choo bag, the center of the zipper spine will look like a row of diamonds. Fakes will have cheap zippers without this finishing touch. The screws used on a Jimmy Choo are always flat heads. Originals do not have hanging price tags. In July 2017, Michael Kors Holdings said it had agreed to buy Jimmy Choo for 896 million pounds, or about $1.2 billion, in the latest push by an American high-end fashion house to find new sources of growth. In June 2018, the brand offered a handbag so limited that is was only available in Vancouver, Canada. To celebrate the opening of the brand’s first stand-alone boutique in Vancouver, the company released a version of its popular Lockett handbag design that features woven nappa and metallic leathers. Thanks to its petite, portable size, the Lockett bag can easily be dressed up or down and can be worn cross-body or as a shoulder bag. From stand-out tones to soft feminine hues, Choo designs purses and handbags in a color to suit almost every occasion.
Louis Vuitton was originally known as Louis Vuitton Malletier and is now commonly referred to as Louis Vuitton or shortened to LV. It is a French fashion house and luxury retail company founded in 1854 by its namesake. The label’s ‘LV’ monogram appears on most of its products that range from luxury trunks and leather goods to ready-to-wear, shoes, watches, jewelry, accessories, sunglasses and books. Louis Vuitton is one of the world’s leading international fashion houses and sells its products through standalone boutiques, lease departments in high-end department stores, and online. The company operates in 50 countries with more than 460 stores worldwide. It wasn’t until 1930 that the first Louis Vuitton handbag was created, the classic Speedy. Its name was meant as an homage to the growth of rapid transit. No other Louis Vuitton handbag is more recognizable than the Speedy. In the years after World War II through 2000, Louis Vuitton began to incorporate leather into most of its products that ranged from small purses and wallets to larger pieces of luggage. In order to broaden its line, the company revamped its signature Monogram Canvas in 1959 to make it more supple and allowing it to be used for purses, bags, and wallets. The Louis Vuitton brand and LV monogram are among the world’s most valuable brands. In addition to the iconic Speedy bag, the Neverfull bag is also deemed a classic LV bag. Subsequent styles including the Noé, Alma, and Keepall bags. Thoughtful design and durable materials are the hallmarks of a Louis Vuitton bag. The Keepall, for example, is completely waterproof. Twice a year, Louis Vuitton releases its runway collection handbags. These are known as show bags and are produced in highly limited quantities and made available to VIP clients and offered in the largest Vuitton stores. Often more exaggerated and more complicated than collection pieces, show bags stand out for their intricate materials and craftsmanship. They are generally numbered and always marked with the season and collection in which they were made. Perhaps the most important of these is the 2001 Graffiti, followed by the 2003 Multicolore. In 1997 Marc Jacobs became Louis Vuitton’s creative director and breathed new life into the brand. While staying true to the Louis Vuitton heritage, Jacobs reinvigorated the brand for a younger generation. Louis Vuitton’s relationships with contemporary artists have included projects with Richard Prince who, in 2007, created paint-splattered bags adorned with quotations. In 2013, Louis Vuitton’s menswear designer Kim Jones enlisted Jake and Dinos Chapman to develop a capsule collection known as the ‘Garden in Hell, with a floral print that featured strange creatures resembling a bloodshot eyeball and demonic owl. Louis Vuitton constantly reinvents classic models and often turns to the brand’s archive for inspiration. While some models have been produced for over 100 years, new styles incorporate traditional models and motifs to show the evolution of the brand. For example, the Trunk clutch is a miniaturized version of a piece that made Vuitton a famous, household name. Each season Louis Vuitton produces rare, limited edition bags that are generally only available by reservation through larger Louis Vuitton stores. Many of the company’s products use the brown Damier and Monogram Canvas materials, both of which were first used in the late 19th century. In 1988, the house reintroduced the iconic Damier Canvas as Damier Ebene. All products exhibit the famous LV initials. Painstakingly crafted in limited quantities from the best materials and finished in rich, deep colors, Louis Vuitton Exotics represent the finest quality and craftsmanship. Difficult to find in stores and rarely seen on the auction market, these crocodile, alligator, ostrich, and snakeskin pieces are the height of the Vuitton collector market. The shine on an alligator piece surpasses anything that can be crafted in leather. Recently, Louis Vuitton launched its New Classics bag collection with an advertising campaign featuring brand ambassadors Emma Stone, Alicia Vikander and Léa Seydoux. The bags act as the perfect companion to contemporary lifestyles. In the ads, Emma Stone shows off the Capucines bag, an elegant and classic shape with removable strap made current by its bright hue. In another ad, Alicia Vikander carries the Twist, whose clasp features a functional modern “twist” on the Louis Vuitton logo. Finally, Léa Seydoux showcases a contemporary spin on the 1976 Monogram classic, Dauphine that boasts a mix of Monogram canvas, rich leather, and gold hardware. The Louis Vuitton Company is known for cultivating a celebrity following and has featured famous models, musicians and actors, including Jennifer Lopez, Keith Richards, Madonna, Sean Connery, Angelina Jolie, Mikhail Gorbachev, and David Bowie in its marketing campaigns. There are many replicas that look very similar to real Louis Vuitton bags so it is essential to learn how to spot a fake to prevent wasting money. Many of the fakes are hard to distinguish from the real thing so paying attention to specific details is critical when determining if a bag is authentic. In general, most fake Louis Vuitton bags will have very poor quality hardware. In fact, some have colored plastic. Noting how clean and precise the imprinting is on the hardware is also a giveaway of many fakes. In addition, LV bags are extremely durable. The canvas is easy to maintain and an LV bag can be worn for decades. It’s also reasonably priced for a designer bag and not as expensive as Chanel and Dior. Louis Vuitton bags are also known to maintain their value so the resale value is relatively high.
Céline is a French ready-to-wear and leather luxury goods brand that has been owned by LVMH group since 1996. It was originally founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana. In January 2018, LVMH announced that Hedi Slimane would take over at Celine as its artistic, creative and image director succeeding Phoebe Philo. When, in 1945, Céline Vipiana (1915–1997) and her husband, Richard, created one of the first luxury brands in the industry and opened its first boutique in Paris, the brand was recognized by its logo: a red elephant created by Raymont Peynet. In 1960, the brand decided to change its positioning by focusing its business as a ready-to-wear fashion brand. From then on, the brand offered a range of leather goods such as bags, loafers, gloves, and clothes. Céline Vipiana remained the designer from 1945 until her death in 1997. In 1973, Céline redesigned its logo with the intertwined “C.” At that time, Céline also began expanding by the opening boutiques in Monte Carlo, Geneva, Hong Kong, Lausanne, Toronto, and Beverly Hills. In 1987, Bernard Arnault (the Chairman and CEO of parent company LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) decided to buy into Céline’s capital. However, it was not until 1996 that the brand was integrated into the LVMH Group. In January 2018, LVMH announced the appointment of Hedi Slimane as Artistic, Creative and Image Director. He now directs all Céline collections. In September 2018, Slimane presented an updated Celine logo on the brand’s Instagram account. When Slimane joined Celine, the first thing he did was design a new bag and named his debut Celine creation the 16, after the location of the brand’s headquarters at 16 Rue Vivienne in Paris. The 16, available in three sizes and a range of colors, is a Sixties-inspired style and one of three handbag lines Slimane planned to launch to sit alongside some of the classic styles introduced by his predecessor Phoebe Philo during her 10-year tenure at the house. Carryover styles include the Belt, Luggage, and Box bags. When Lady Gaga was seen carrying the 16 on Instagram, becoming the first celebrity to wear Slimane’s new Celine designs, the house was flooded with inquiries. With its classic design, the 16 reflects the heritage of the house, with details such as a cropped flap and gently rounded sides. More than one hundred leather tests were necessary to finalize the 16’s design. Also reinstated was the hardware within Celine’s leather goods assortment. The padlock dangling from the bag can be used to fasten the zipper on one of its inside compartments. The bag comes in a range of materials: satinated calfskin in five colors; grained calfskin in five colors, and natural calfskin, with prices ranging between 2,900 to 3,500 euros. There are exotic leather versions, including one in a glossy black porosus crocodile skin that can be purchased on demand. Other styles echo Slimane’s fashion vision for the label which he unveiled in a series of campaign images featuring androgynous young artists, musicians and models. Among 2019’s Most Popular Pre-Owned Bags is the Celine Classic Box Bag created during Philo’s decade at Celine. The most notable changes from the original are the clasp as a simple rectangular gold clasp that replaces the horse-and-carriage metal clasp representing the brand’s former logo. Also, the flap was lengthened. There are indicators to determine if a Céline bag is real. Start by inspecting the foremost obvious tag in a Céline bag, which is the front logo that reads CÉLINE and PARIS (in a smaller font) right under it. On the black Céline in drummed leather, the logo is ALWAYS silver with silver hardware. The black Céline in smooth leather always has a gold logo with gold hardware. However, not all Céline purses have the logo heat stamped. Like the Céline Phantom with smooth calfskin, the logo is embossed instead of hot stamped. On the inside of the bag, the tag should be attached to the single flat pocket. The Céline tag on authentic versions appear to be more rectangular with straight cut edges whereas a counterfeit has more rounded edges. Counterfeit bags line the pockets with double stitching whereas authentic bags use single stitching. Each and every Céline bag has a leather tab with a series of serial numbers on it. Unfortunately, unlike other brands, Céline’s serial numbers aren’t unique and can be repeated. Céline counterfeits usually use the prefix “S-GA” on their imitations. The handles on a real Céline and the counterfeit are about the same in height, but on the counterfeit, the handles are much thicker than the real ones. Another obvious indicator is that counterfeits have additional leather lining on the side of the bag, whereas real ones do not. In the pebbled version, the interior should be micro-suede. The smooth leather styles have a matching smooth leather interior. Céline crossbody straps appear identical to the counterfeits, but the real Céline strap’s hardware is more rounded than the fakes. Céline uses an antique-like finish on its hardware. Consequently, authentic ones look rustier. One of the easiest dead giveaways of a fake is the super shiny and new looking hardware. As for zippers, unlike many other fashion brands, Céline does not use a brand name zippers in its bags. The backs of the zippers should be plain and unmarked. On luggage totes, zippers should have an antiqued finish and should never be brassy or shiny. The D-rings on the zippers should be large enough to leave space on either side of the leather pull. The brand owns almost 150 stores worldwide and is distributed through a selective network including department stores including Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods (London), and Galeries Lafayette (Paris).
METIER LONDON BY MELISSA MORRIS
It is not an especially giant step to go from creating handbags to designing luggage especially in the hands of Melissa Morris, the co-founder and creative director of Metier London with Reinhard Mieck. Morris and Mieck met while working for a global luxury brand and decided to set out on their own. Combining their experiences, both professional and personal, into well thought out ideas for luxury handbags, luggage, and travel accessories, they first named their new company, Love Or Nothing Baby (LONB).
In 2017, they introduced the current iteration of their brand, Metier London with a collection of handbags and luggage for men and women. Designer Melissa Morris pairs a passion for classic luxury designs with an obsession for elegant solutions to modern problems. Each of her pieces is known for both beauty and use and as masterworks of juxtapositions—light but lasting; beautiful but purpose-driven; and timeless for being armed with the wisdom of the ages.
Inspired by vintage sports cars, the geometry of Arabic architecture, and the restraint of mid-century design, Melissa engineers every element from scratch. Shapes are worked to achieve the right combination of integrity and slouch. Cleverly compartmentalized and flawlessly executed, the handbags drape against the wearer’s body with ease and balance while conforming to individual needs. All-brass hardware is tough but smooth and appears so attractive that it could have first been seen in a jeweler’s case. Clasps are engineered to close with a click as satisfying as the door of a vintage sports car. Every bag is lined in the house’s signature, Amarone Alcantara.
The luggage draws on the same ingenuity found in the smaller pieces like card-holders and leather clutches with compartments for phones, money, and iPads. Metier London, now a boutique luxury label, offers high quality bags and luggage with a wallet (sold separately) for essentials that clip in and out assuring the user always has what she or he needs.
Currently, Metier London by Melissa Morris is offering, a day bag, called the Vagabond, which ages and softens and has expanded it into a tactile and chic weekender marketed as the Vagabond Duffle and priced at around $3,350. The Duffle has pockets, some of them secret, and is built to last a lifetime.
Métier’s hand-stippled pattern is comprised of 36,000 unique dots in six varying iterations of the same shape. The effect is canvas that comes alive with movement and depth. Métier is made by skilled craftsmen and women in an Italian Atelier. Every detail, from edge paint, to heat-sealed seams, to the precisely varying thickness of each layer of leather when called for is crafted by hand.
The brand’s flagship store on South Audley Street, London feels like being in a mahogany-clad library where it becomes a treat to stop in for some peace and quiet while browsing among handbags and luggage displays.
The best luxury luggage brands also have value. These are brands with decades of experience and that strive for quality in everything they do. Not only do these luggage lines fuse style and function, they are innovative drawing on engineering and technology advancements in other fields to offer the most progressive and beautifully crafted products.Ghurka has been creating quality leather bags and luggage since 1975. Ghurka products show the utmost attention to detail using the world’s finest leathers. Ghurka bags and accessories are handmade by artisans who craft products of the highest quality. Only the best leathers pass the rigorous selection process required to bear the exclusive Ghurka symbol.Globe-Trotter is the epitome of great British luxury design. Established in 1897 in Germany, the brand moved to the UK in 1932 where it remains today. All Globe-Trotter products are designed and handcrafted in Hertfordshire by a team of highly skilled artisans employing manufacturing techniques that date back to the Victorian era. Globe-Trotter products have a unique character and draw on historical designs.TUMI is named after a Peruvian ceremonial knife used for sacrifices and founded in 1975. During the 80s TUMI created the innovative functional black-on-black ballistic nylon travel bags by which the brand became famous. TUMI approaches every aspect of design and product creation with amazing detail. Each component is carefully considered and created from the highest quality materials. The brand looks to a variety of industries for inspiration from aeronautics to sportswear and has over 125 patents to its name.Louis Vuitton is an iconic French fashion brand that is synonymous with luxury travel. Louis Vuitton’s heritage as a trunk maker preceded the modern day brand and this expertise in creating high quality luggage is a linchpin in the brand’s contemporary strategy. One of its most famous advances came in 1886 when patriarch Georges Vuitton created an ingenious closing system that insured locks on travel trunks could not be picked open. Travel remains an important feature at the heart of the house.
MCM was created during the cultural renaissance of Munich in the 1960s and 70s, MCM luggage and bags are most instantly recognizable for their Cognac Visetos monogram pattern – a feature that runs throughout most of their lines. A popular choice in Asian markets, MCM is a modern classic. Every MCM piece has a unique number engraved on a brass plate. The brand is constantly re-inventing their styles and still use only the finest fabrics, leather, and decoration to insure MCM products last a lifetime.Fabbrica Pelletterie has been creating beautiful Italian leather goods since 1946. The brand combines a global outlook with traditional Italian design. They make pieces for the modern traveler, focusing on lightness, security, aesthetics and functionality, while retaining classic Italian chic. Their design details include super-quiet Japanese wheels, fine leather handles, and flexible internal belts that make packing easier. The brand works closely with master designers and seeks new technological advances to create cutting edge contemporary luggage.
Valextra was founded in 1937 by Giovanni Fontana and evolved into a company that combines craft, innovation, and Milanese style. Specializing in leather products with distinctive, contemporary shapes, Valextra designs are influenced by minimal, streamlined architecture. The brand has been a leader in luxury luggage since creating the first ever “Grip” coin purse for men, the first ever ‘hobo’ bag for women, and the “24 Hour” attaché case that won the Compasso d’Oro prize in 1954. In 2000, the brand re-invented itself with new leadership and returned to being recognized as among the most sought after lines of luxury bags and luggage and returning to the brand’s original spirit and style.
Rimowa creates elegant and durable suitcases. Early, pioneering aircraft travel is the inspiration the design behind Rimowa luggage. Although the brand was established by Paul Morszeck in 1898 in Cologne, Germany, it wasn’t until the 1920s that the company’s designs became being fashioned out of light-weight aluminum. Grooves appeared in 1950 to create style for which Rimowa is recognized today. An incredible two hundred single components and more than ninety work-steps combine to make the brand’s finished products. Even so, many processes are still done by hand.
Aspinal of London was founded in 2000 and is an English designer of luxury leather goods for men and women. Aspinal of London offers its customers elegant and superior quality design intended to last forever. Each piece is created by a team of talented designers and each product is handmade by leather craftsmen and women that brings great value at affordable prices.
Goyard was established in 1853 in Paris and was formerly known as Martin. Experienced French trunk and leather goods, the brand is notoriously secretive and refuses to embrace e-commerce or even grant interviews. The brand’s legacy dates back as far back as the late 1700s when the House of Martin was a favorite with the French aristocracy. Goyard creates their products in state of the art workshops using highly trained artisans. The business has the highest standards of skills and style. It shuns trends and fads to focus on high quality craftsmanship.
Chanel was established in 1909 by French designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and, over the years, the House of Chanel has become famous for its iconic designs and avant-garde Parisian style. Under the guidance of designer Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel offered luxurious simplicity with trend-setting, artful accessories that employed its classic quilted design and interlocking logo. From timeless classic flaps to now-iconic Boy bags, Chanel remains a world leader and fashion’s foremost tastemaker.
Do you have leftover coins and currency from your travels? Do you have a jar of old foreign coins that you received from a relative or friend? Most banks and airport foreign exchange counters do not accept small denomination foreign coins and currency. We can easily convert your foreign currency to spendable cash! Send us what you have. We will value it and send you a check!
Do you own a valuable item that you don’t see listed here? If so, please email and ask if we are interested in purchasing it. Collectibles and other items of value are often overlooked or discarded because owners do not know there is a demand for them. If you think you possess such items and want to know if we are interested, please send an email to contact@buymygold.com.
At this time, we do not make offers for small electronics, cell phones, CD collections, power tools, firearms, and sporting goods.
We offer a storage service while we review the items you send to us for review. While we hold these items, they are fully insured, stored in secure, top-rated safes, and under twenty-four hour video surveillance. While your items are in our care, they are as secure as they would be in a bank vault.
© 2001 - 2024 National Watch & Diamond Exchange
We are a member of: National Pawnbrokers' Association, Philadelphia Jewelers' Row Association, ICTA, ANA & the BBB. We are always looking to buy valuables. We are especially interested in estate jewelry, watches, diamonds, antique jewelry and coins.Loans are done by Jewelers’ Row Money Loan, owner of National Watch and Diamond.