Last-a-Lifetime Accessories

Drop $25,000 on Hermès' Cape Cod 1928 Watch, and you're likely to get more than jealous stares. In 25 years, the limited-edition timepiece with a rose gold face and Havana crocodile strap should still be ticking  – and still be in style.

It's one of a crop of new accessories that are expected to remain wardrobe staples over a lifetime.

In Pictures: Last-a-Lifetime Accessories 

What makes them classic? Like an Hermès Kelly bag or a pair of Tiffany knot cuff links, the new pieces  –  including Marc Jacobs' envelope clutch and Ferragamo's leather penny loafers  –  have distinctive, but understated, designs. Construction of such future classics is key. Buyers should note whether a piece was made by a machine or sewn by hand  –  like the Jacobs clutch  –  and how much time was put into crafting the piece (the Ferragamo loafers require about 25 hours of labor.)

"If you want a piece you're investing in to last, you need to think about the innate quality of the item," says fashion writer Kathleen Beckett, founder of Beckett's Black Book, a personal-shopping service. "These pieces have a refreshing edge that's not going to be lost."

Bochic's chocolate-pearl necklace also fits the bill. Colored strings now top bright whites as many women's pearls of choice and have earned classic status within the last decade. This set of Tahitian high-luster multicolor pearls are rare, and the price proves it: $36,000 for a string.

"Pearls are a great investment, as they're becoming harder and harder to harvest," says Beckett. "However, nobody wants the little safe white-pearl choker anymore."

Though a steep $975, Ralph Lauren's 1.25-inch-wide black American alligator dress belt is the ultimate in versatility, and alligator skin is always in style. It may be worn during the day with a smart suit and in the evening with an elegant jacket. The classic square buckle comes in polished sterling silver.

Cool but classic sunglasses are a staple as well. Persol makes timeless plastic and rimless styles in a range of colors. The new rectangular 2834 S is available in tones ranging from sunny yellow to traditional tortoise. Color is fine in such small doses, but Beckett says that the pop-art inspired, rainbow-colored shoes, handbags and ties seen on the Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 runways won't stand the test of the time.

"Unless you're someone who loves the retro-chic look," she says, "stay away from bold colors when buying investment pieces."

"It's also wise to invest in well-known brands," says Stephanie Phair, vice president of merchandising and business development at Portero, an Internet luxury-auction site. Phair says that when scouting modern accessories, she pays attention to the maker in addition to quality and craftsmanship.

"Certain brands will always hold their value," says Phair, who adds that pieces from Hermès, Marc Jacobs and Cartier are sure bets.

These lines don't come cheap. But pay up now, and you'll almost certainly benefit later.

In Pictures: Last-a-Lifetime Accessories