5 Liquidatable Assets You May Have Never Considered

When we think of liquid assets, wealthy woman, it is usually cash, stocks, and perhaps real estate which often come to mind. However, there are hidden gems (oftentimes in plain sight) in the world of personal assets that can be converted into cash—often without you realizing their potential. Whether you're facing an unexpected expense or just looking to tap into underutilized value, here are five lesser-known assets that can be liquidated, including art and jewelry.

  1. Liquid Asset I: Small-Format Original Artworks

    Art can function as an alternative investment asset, much like stocks, bonds, or real estate. However, when it comes to assets that are easily liquidated, large-scale investment art and art from blue-chip artists does not qualify. Nevertheless, here is a short overview of how high net worth, elite individuals may use art as an alternative investment asset. Following this overview, I share how you may use small-format, original artworks as easily liquidated assets in your portfolio, wealthy woman.

    Treating art as an asset means buying, holding, and potentially selling artworks with the expectation of financial return. This means the art is bought and held for more than just for personal enjoyment and perhaps for no personal enjoyment.

    Investors consider factors like artist reputation, historical performance, rarity, and provenance to determine potential value appreciation.

    Why Women Invest in Art

    1. Capital Appreciation

      • Certain artworks increase in value over time, especially those by blue-chip artists (e.g., Picasso, Warhol).

      • Contemporary and emerging artists may offer higher upside (but higher risk).

    2. Portfolio Diversification

      • Art has low correlation with traditional financial markets, which helps reduce overall portfolio risk.

    3. Inflation Hedge

      • Tangible assets like art often hold value during inflationary periods.

    4. Cultural Capital & Prestige

      • Owning prestigious works can confer social status and access to exclusive networks.

    How Art Is Bought and Sold as an Investment

    • Private sales or auctions (Christie’s, Sotheby’s)

    • Galleries or art dealers

    • Art funds (pooled investment vehicles for art ownership)

    • Fractional ownership platforms (e.g., Masterworks), where you buy shares of high-value artworks

    Key Risks and Considerations

    • Illiquidity: Art can take months or years to sell.

    • Valuation uncertainty: Unlike stocks, art doesn’t have a transparent market price.

    • Market trends: Tastes and reputations change.

    • Storage, insurance, and maintenance costs

    • Forgery and authenticity risks

      Small-Format, Original Artworks

    When the masses think art, it is usually Van Gogh or Picasso that come to mind, but you will be pleased to learn, wealthy woman, that small original artworks — particularly from emerging or mid-career artists with some gallery presence — are increasingly sought after by collectors.

    These pieces are typically priced under $5,000 and can be sold quickly via platforms like Artsy, Saatchi Art, or at local art auctions.

    The liquidity of art often depends on the market of the artist, but works with a clear provenance and condition record can sell quickly, especially if they are sized conveniently for shipping and display.

2. Liquid Asset II: Designer Jewelry with Recognizable Branding

Designer jewelry from brands like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, and Hermès is increasingly seen not just as luxury fashion but also as a tangible, appreciating asset. This how and why:

What Is Designer Jewelry as an Asset?

Designer jewelry as an asset refers to high-end, branded jewelry pieces that retain or appreciate in value over time and which can be bought, sold, or passed down as financial or legacy assets.

Think of it like this: designer jewelry is wearable wealth that combines beauty, brand prestige, and long-term investment potential.

While heirloom jewelry may carry sentimental value, modern designer jewelry from brands like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, or Van Cleef & Arpels is highly liquid. These pieces retain value due to brand recognition, craftsmanship, and ongoing demand in both resale and auction markets.

Many luxury jewelry resellers and online platforms like The RealReal, Worthy, or even Sotheby’s have streamlined the appraisal and resale process, often offering cash within days. If you have a designer piece gathering dust in a drawer, you might be sitting on thousands in accessible funds.

Why Women Invest in Branded Designer Jewelry

  1. Brand Power

    • Established names like Cartier or Van Cleef command global trust and high resale value.

    • Limited-edition or iconic collections (e.g., Cartier Love bracelet, Van Cleef Alhambra) often outperform generic fine jewelry in resale markets.

  2. Resale Market Strength

    • Secondary markets (The RealReal, Sotheby’s, 1stDibs) have created liquidity and visibility for branded jewelry.

    • Some pieces retain up to 80–100% of their retail value, and others increase in value over time.

  3. Inflation Hedge & Wealth Preservation

    • Gold, platinum, and diamonds are traditional stores of value. Branded jewelry enhances this with collectible appeal.

  4. Portable & Private Wealth

    • Jewelry is easily transportable and doesn’t require disclosure like some financial assets.

Key Investment Considerations

  • Brand recognition matters: Generic fine jewelry depreciates; designer pieces retain more value.

  • Condition & Documentation: Original packaging and certificates significantly boost resale value.

  • Materials: Platinum, gold, and high-quality diamonds are more resilient to market changes.

  • Timeless Design: Classic styles outperform trendy ones in long-term resale.

How You Can Buy & Sell Designer Jewelry as an Asset

  • Retail Boutiques: Buy new for collection and long-term hold.

  • Auction Houses: Sell rare or vintage pieces for premium value.

  • Luxury Resale Platforms: For more liquidity and global reach.

  • Estate Planning: Passed on as generational wealth.

Risks to Consider

  • High markups on retail pricing can delay value appreciation.

  • Fads and trends can make some pieces less desirable.

  • Storage and insurance add costs.

  • Authentication is critical—counterfeits do exist.

Branded designer jewelry is more than adornment—it is a hybrid of luxury consumption and financial strategy. When chosen wisely, it can serve as a wearable, appreciating asset with long-term value, cultural cachet, and resale potential.

Top Investment-Grade Jewelry Brands & Their Most Valuable Pieces

1. Cartier

  • Love Bracelet (especially in gold with diamonds)
    Highly sought after, iconic since the 1970s; resells for up to 80–90% of retail or more depending on condition.

  • Juste un Clou Bracelet
    Modern, edgy appeal; gaining popularity on the resale market.

  • Panthère Collection
    Classic vintage pieces can be highly collectible, especially those with enamel or precious stones.

2. Van Cleef & Arpels

  • Alhambra Collection (Vintage Alhambra necklaces & bracelets)
    Highly liquid on secondary markets; universally recognizable and frequently appreciate in value.

  • Frivole and Perlée lines
    Elegant, timeless, and desirable among collectors.

  • High Jewelry Butterfly & Floral Designs
    Limited releases and unique stone combinations can command premium resale.

3. Tiffany & Co.

  • Schlumberger "Sixteen Stone" or "Bird on a Rock"
    Highly collectible and sought-after by vintage jewelry investors.

  • Tiffany T Collection
    Modern iconography; popular with younger luxury buyers.

  • Tiffany Setting engagement rings
    Hold value well due to branding and craftsmanship, especially in platinum.

4. Bulgari

  • Serpenti Collection
    Recognizable and bold; vintage and limited-edition models often appreciate strongly.

  • B.Zero1 Collection
    Striking design; consistent resale demand.

  • Parentesi or Monete lines
    Seen as collector’s pieces in certain markets.

5. Hermès

  • Collier de Chien (CDC) Bracelet in precious metals
    Originally an equestrian accessory—now a fashion staple with investment appeal.

  • Chaine d’Ancre Jewelry
    Classic French design; vintage pieces increasingly sought-after.

3. Liquid Asset III: Rare Handbags or Accessories

Luxury handbags and accessories—especially rare or limited-edition pieces—have become a recognizable, high-performing asset class in the world of alternative investments. Some even outperform traditional markets like the S&P 500 in certain periods.

What Does It Mean to Treat a Handbag as an Asset?

Treating handbags as an asset means purchasing rare, iconic, or highly desirable bags with the expectation that they will retain or increase in value over time, and can eventually be resold for profit—similar to investing in art, jewelry, or classic cars.

Why Rare Handbags Are Considered Assets?

  1. Brand Scarcity Strategy

    • Top brands like Hermès and Chanel deliberately limit supply of key models, creating artificial scarcity and high resale demand.

    • Example: Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags often require waitlists or boutique purchase history.

  2. Price Appreciation

    • Some rare bags increase in value over time, even if used.

    • A well-maintained Birkin can sell for 2–3x retail, especially in exotic leathers (e.g., crocodile, ostrich).

  3. High Resale Liquidity

    • A growing resale market (Fashionphile, Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Rebag) makes these assets easier to liquidate than ever.

  4. Low Depreciation on Key Items

    • Unlike cars or tech, certain luxury accessories hold 80–120%+ of retail value over time.

  5. Inflation Hedge

    • Tangible, rare items often retain value when currencies lose purchasing power.

Top Investment-Worthy Handbag Brands & Models

Hermès (Gold Standard of Investment Bags)

  • Birkin Bag

  • Kelly Bag

  • Constance

    • Exotic skins (crocodile, alligator, ostrich)

    • Limited colorways or special hardware (e.g., rose gold, palladium)

    • High resale potential; consistent auction performance

Chanel

  • Classic Flap Bag

  • Boy Bag

  • Limited Seasonal Editions

    • Older Made in France and 24K gold-plated hardware models are highly collectible.

    • Prices have been rising steadily, especially after Chanel’s frequent price hikes.

Louis Vuitton

  • Capucines, Petite Malle, Multicolor Takashi Murakami Collection

    • Collaborative or discontinued styles are often resold at a premium.

Dior

  • Lady Dior (vintage and special editions)

    • High craftsmanship, celebrity association, and brand revival increase resale appeal.

What Increases a the Value of a Handbag Over Time?

Factor= Impact on Value

Brand: Hermès and Chanel dominate the market

Material: Exotic leathers and rare finishes increase resale

Color & Size: Neutrals (black, gold, beige) are safer; rare shades perform better

Condition: Pristine or unused bags (with full set, box, receipt) resell higher

Rarity / Limited Edition: Short-run releases or seasonal designs gain cult status

Celebrity/Cultural Ties: Bags featured on icons or in pop culture surge in demand

Risks & Considerations

  • Storage and Maintenance: Must be stored carefully to avoid devaluation.

  • Authentication Risk: Fakes are sophisticated—always buy from verified sources.

  • Market Trends: Popularity can shift; stick to timeless pieces for lower risk.

  • Liquidity Variance: Not all rare bags sell fast—market timing matters.

4. Liquid Asset IV: Mint Condition LEGO Sets (Retired Models)

LEGO sets—especially retired, sealed, and rare models—have become a surprising but high-performing alternative asset. In fact, some studies have shown LEGO appreciating faster than stocks, gold, or art in certain timeframes.

Niche? Yes. But extremely liquid in the collector world.

Unopened LEGO sets — especially rare or retired ones like the Millennium Falcon (UCS), Modular Buildings, or Technic Supercars — command premium prices on the secondary market. Some sets have appreciated 5x–10x over retail price.

Collectors and resellers watch for sealed sets daily, and marketplaces like BrickLink or eBay make selling incredibly easy.

What Does It Mean to Treat LEGO Sets as an Asset?

It means buying new, sealed LEGO sets, particularly ones that are discontinued (retired) or limited edition, and holding them for future resale as their value appreciates—much like collectible toys, sneakers, or trading cards.

These sets are part of the collector's market, where rarity, condition, and nostalgia drive long-term demand and pricing.

Why Retired LEGO Sets Appreciate in Value

  1. Artificial Scarcity

    • Once a LEGO set is retired, it’s no longer in production.

    • Demand remains high while supply dries up—driving prices up.

  2. Cultural Relevance & Nostalgia

    • Sets tied to Star Wars, Harry Potter, Modular Buildings, or Creator Expert series often become highly collectible.

  3. Condition Matters

    • Mint condition (new, sealed in box = NISB) can result in exponential gains over time.

    • Boxes with no dents, discoloration, or fading are far more valuable.

  4. High Collectibility

    • LEGO fans are both adult collectors and parents, fueling multi-generational demand.

Top Performing Investment Categories in LEGO

Category Examples Why Valuable

Star Wars Millennium Falcon (10179), huge fan base,

UCS sets Iconic, consistently appreciating

Modular Buildings Café Corner, Limited run,

Green Grocer adult collector appeal

Creator Expert / Icons Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Technically impressive,

Saturn V Rocket large-scale sets

Licensed IP Sets Harry Potter, Nostalgia + limited

Lord of the Rings lifespan

LEGO Ideas Voltron, Ship in a Bottle Community-

designed + shorter

production runs

How Much Can They Appreciate?

  • Millennium Falcon (10179)

    • Retail: ~$500 (2007)

    • Resale (sealed): $3,500–$6,000+

  • Café Corner Modular (10182)

    • Retail: ~$150 (2007)

    • Resale (sealed): $2,000–$2,500+

  • Taj Mahal (10189)

    • Retail: ~$300 (2008)

    • Resale (sealed): $1,500+

    • (Note: Value dipped after LEGO reissued it in 2017—re-releases can impact older sets)

Investment Considerations

Pros:

  • High returns on retired sets

  • Long shelf life if stored well

  • Strong global resale market (eBay, BrickLink, Facebook groups)

  • Tangibility: Like gold, it’s a physical, non-digital asset

Risks:

  • Re-releases: LEGO sometimes reissues popular sets, which can decrease older set value.

  • Storage sensitivity: Boxes must be kept in pristine, climate-controlled conditions.

  • Niche liquidity: Not as fast to sell as stocks or crypto—requires collector audience.

  • Fakes and missing parts (for open boxes)

Pro Tips for LEGO Investing

  • Prioritize retired or retiring soon sets.

  • Keep them sealed, upright, and away from sunlight/moisture.

  • Track potential value via BrickEconomy or PriceCharting.

  • Watch for LEGO’s EOL (End of Life) product lists to buy before prices spike.

5. Liquid Asset V: Gold and Precious Metal Coins or Bars

What Does It Mean to Treat Gold and Precious Metals as an Asset?

Treating gold and precious metals as an asset means purchasing physical bullion (coins or bars)—typically made of gold, silver, platinum, or palladium—to store wealth outside of the traditional financial system, hedge against market volatility, and protect purchasing power over time.

This is different from trading paper gold (like ETFs or mining stocks)—this is about owning the actual metal.

Why Women Invest in Physical Precious Metals

1. Wealth Preservation

  • Gold has held value for centuries, unlike fiat currencies that can inflate or collapse.

  • It has no credit risk and doesn’t rely on a third party to hold its value.

2. Inflation Hedge

  • When currencies lose value (especially during inflation), gold often gains purchasing power.

3. Safe-Haven During Crises

  • Investors flock to gold during geopolitical tension, economic crashes, or banking instability.

4. Portfolio Diversification

  • Gold typically has low correlation to stocks and bonds, reducing overall portfolio risk.

How Precious Metals Appreciate

  • Long-term value: While gold may not “explode” like stocks, it steadily appreciates during economic stress.

  • Premiums: Coins can gain collector value beyond metal content (numismatics).

  • Spot price rises: When the global price of gold increases, so does the value of your bullion.

Key Considerations & Risks

Pros

  • Tangible: You physically own it—no digital or paper exposure

  • Highly liquid: Easy to sell worldwide

  • Tax advantages in some jurisdictions (like holding in IRAs in the U.S.)

  • Universal value: Trusted across cultures and economies

Risks

  • Storage & Security: Needs a vault or secure storage (can be costly)

  • No yield: Unlike stocks or bonds, gold doesn’t pay dividends or interest

  • Volatility in short term: Can dip during periods of strong market optimism

  • Premiums & dealer fees: Buy/sell spreads can reduce profits

Best Practices for Investors

  • Buy from reputable dealers with authentication.

  • Store in insured vaults or safety deposit boxes.

  • Keep documentation for provenance and resale.

  • Focus on highly liquid, recognizable products over obscure or numismatic coins (unless you're a collector).

Gold and precious metal coins or bars are real, resilient, and globally recognized assets. They are designed for preserving and protecting wealth over time. When managed carefully, they form a strong core of a diversified investment strategy, especially during economic downturns or inflationary periods.

The END

I hope that this blog post helped you to think about the opportunities all around you, wealthy woman.

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