Brand Guide

Hermès

Hermès Jewelry's History—From a Harness Workshop to Parisian Fine Jewelry

In 1837, Thierry Hermès opened a harness workshop in Paris, crafting harnesses and saddles for horse-drawn carriages. The discipline of saddlery — making every piece strong and precise enough for horse and rider — remains the foundation of everything Hermès creates today. Since 1880, the house has been based at 24 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, and the functional forms of its equestrian past — buckles, bits, stirrups and chains — later became the signature motifs of Hermès jewelry.

Hermès jewelry was born from these objects. In 1923, a collar made for a client's bulldog became the Collier de Chien, which was transformed into a women's belt in 1927 and later into a bracelet. In 1938, Robert Dumas of the Hermès family designed the Chaîne d'Ancre, inspired by the anchor chain of a ship. Made of oval links crossed by a central bar, this chain has endured for more than 80 years as the most iconic motif in Hermès jewelry.

Since 2001, Pierre Hardy has led Hermès jewelry. Starting with silver, he expanded the house into gold and diamond fine jewelry, and in 2010 he presented Hermès's first high jewelry collection — pieces such as a necklace inspired by a riding whip and a ring shaped like a horse's hoof, reimagining the house's equestrian heritage in diamonds. With the Kelly line, which turns the turn-lock clasp and clochette of the Kelly bag into jewelry, Hermès continues to translate its icons into the language of jewelry.

Today, Hermès offers a wide range of jewelry centered on fine jewelry in 18k gold and diamonds, alongside silver, enamel and high jewelry. Rather than chasing trends, signature collections such as Chaîne d'Ancre, Kelly and Collier de Chien have stayed true to forms born from the house's long history — which is why they have been cherished across generations and hold their value strongly on the resale market.

Horseman statue holding two scarf flags on the rooftop of the Hermès building at 24 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, Paris, against a blue sky
The horseman atop Hermès's historic home at 24 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, Paris, holding flags made from Hermès silk scarves. Photo: Polymagou / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Collections

Hermès's Most Iconic Collections

CollectionKey FeaturesBest For
Chaîne d'AncreThe anchor-chain motif designed by Robert Dumas in 1938 — oval links crossed by a central bar — in 18k rose, yellow and white gold, including diamond-set models such as Enchaînée and ContourBuyers who want the Hermès icon in gold, unisex and everyday wear
KellyThe turn-lock clasp and clochette (key holder) of the Kelly bag, in 18k rose or white gold, plain or diamond-setHermès bag lovers, gifting, signature pieces
Collier de ChienThe pyramid studs and O-ring born from a 1923 dog collar, in 18k rose and yellow gold rings and bracelets, with pavé diamond modelsBold, statement styles and collectors

ONE OF ONE's Insight

Hermès jewelry enjoys steady resale demand thanks to the strength of the brand. 18k gold Chaîne d'Ancre and Collier de Chien gold bracelets and rings are the most actively traded pieces, and diamond-set Collier de Chien pieces find new owners especially quickly when priced right.

Material changes value dramatically, even within the same design. Hermès often releases the same motif in both 925 silver and 18k (750) gold, so always check the hallmark to confirm a piece is gold before you buy. For gold pieces, gold weight and diamond setting are what drive value.

On gold jewelry, deformation matters more than surface scratches. Stretched links, dented bangles, missing diamonds and a history of resizing all affect the price. Heavier vintage gold Chaîne d'Ancre pieces and discontinued designs can even command a premium.

Keeping the original orange box, pouch and proof of purchase such as the receipt is recommended, both for buyers to know exactly what they're getting and for sellers to get full value for their piece.

Chaîne d'Ancre

In 1938, Robert Dumas designed the Chaîne d'Ancre, inspired by the anchor chain that holds a ship in place. Its oval links crossed by a central bar create a simple, powerful form that has defined Hermès jewelry for more than 80 years.
  • Bracelet

    Hermès Chaîne d'Ancre — Bracelet
  • Ring

    Hermès Chaîne d'Ancre — Ring
  • Necklace

    Hermès Chaîne d'Ancre — Necklace
  • Earrings

    Hermès Chaîne d'Ancre — Earrings

Kelly

The Kelly collection carries the details of Hermès's legendary Kelly bag into jewelry. The turn-lock clasp that opens and closes the bag and the clochette that holds its key shine like small sculptures on rings and bracelets.
  • Kelly Ring

    Hermès Kelly — Kelly Ring
  • Kelly Clochette Ring

    Hermès Kelly — Kelly Clochette Ring
  • Kelly Bracelet

    Hermès Kelly — Kelly Bracelet
  • Kelly Cadenas Pendant

    Hermès Kelly — Kelly Cadenas Pendant

Collier de Chien

Born from a collar made for a client's bulldog in 1923, the Collier de Chien became Hermès's boldest icon with its pyramid studs and central O-ring. After the belt and leather bracelet, it was reborn as a gold bracelet in 1949, and today continues as fine jewelry in 18k gold and diamonds.
  • Ring

    Hermès Collier de Chien — Ring
  • Diamond Ring

    Hermès Collier de Chien — Diamond Ring
  • Bracelet

    Hermès Collier de Chien — Bracelet
  • Diamond Bracelet

    Hermès Collier de Chien — Diamond Bracelet

Authentication

Authentication Guide

Hermès Authentication Guide →

Hermès Care Guide

How to Care for Your Hermès Jewelry

Hermès gold jewelry is built to be worn every day, from the anchor links of Chaîne d'Ancre to the pyramid studs of Collier de Chien, and a little regular care keeps each piece looking its best.

Daily Care Tips

Put your jewelry on after perfume, hair spray and lotion have dried, and take it off before swimming, exercising or cleaning. Avoid knocks that can dent a bangle or stretch the links of a chain bracelet.

Cleaning Your Hermès Jewelry

Wipe gold pieces gently with a soft, lint-free cloth, or rinse briefly in lukewarm water with a mild neutral detergent and dry thoroughly. Clean diamond pavé on Collier de Chien pieces and the spaces between the studs with a very soft brush, since dirt collects in the recesses.

Storage Recommendations

Store each piece separately in its soft pouch or a lined case so that diamonds and metal do not scratch other pieces. Keep chain bracelets and necklaces closed and flat to prevent tangles.

Professional Inspection & Polishing

Have clasps, toggle closures and diamond settings checked by a professional about once a year, and polish the gold only when needed, since polishing removes a very small amount of metal.

Maintaining Long-Term Value

Keep the original orange box, pouch, receipts and service records together. Avoid unnecessary resizing or alterations, since original condition and complete papers help at resale.

Shop Authentic Pre-Owned Hermès Jewelry Worldwide

If you're looking to buy authentic pre-owned Hermès jewelry online, visit the ONE OF ONE eBay Store.

We offer a carefully curated selection of genuine Hermès necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. Every piece is professionally authenticated by our in-house luxury specialists before being offered for sale and is securely shipped to customers worldwide through eBay's trusted international marketplace.

Whether you're searching for Chaîne d'Ancre, Kelly, Collier de Chien, or other Hermès gold jewelry, you can shop with confidence knowing that authenticity is our highest priority.

Every Hermès piece is carefully inspected using our proprietary authentication process, developed through years of experience handling thousands of authentic luxury jewelry and watch creations. From verifying hallmarks and craftsmanship to examining gemstones and construction details, our goal is to ensure that every piece we offer meets the highest standards of authenticity.