7 Things the Super Rich Buy To Signal Their Wealth

Vasyl Dolmatov / Getty Images

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

The ultra-wealthy don’t just live in the lap of luxury, they take out real estate ads for it. What’s the point of having a ton of money unless you can spend it, or better yet, show it? With endless resources at their disposal, and platinum credit cards burning a hole in the pocket of their Bottega pants, the rich often make extravagant purchases that send a clear signal of their financial prowess.

Unless you’re looking at Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos, you may be left wondering whether or not someone has a substantial bit more than pocket change to their name. You don’t necessarily have to do too much detective work; simply pay attention to their things. Some will be obvious signs of money, others will be more subtle. Here are just a few items that ultra-high-net-worth people buy to signal their status.

Designer Jewelry

Sometimes the diamond is so big you can almost see where the Titanic hit it. Other times it’s the quiet luxury of a known designer’s custom piece that makes it a truly investable asset. Either way, expensive jewelry often speaks louder than bank accounts.

It doesn’t always have to be a statement piece for a high-net-worth individual, as often knowing something is valuable is half the appeal when trying to peacock your wares. The weight of gold, even just linked around your neck, lets everyone know you’re willing to invest in your look.

Luxury Watches

Everyone has time for a nice watch, but if you’re wearing a Rolex Daytona or Patek Perpetual, then you are letting everyone know you’re in a different zone. Simply put, if you are willing to spend anywhere between $30,000 to $4.6 million for a wristwatch, then you probably aren’t living paycheck to paycheck.

Private Jets

You know you’ve arrived when you do so in a private jet. For billionaires and multi-millionaires, a jet is more than just a mode of transportation — it’s a mobile office, a vacation home in the sky, and a symbol of their general dominance over time, space and money.

The ability to bypass commercial flights entirely and dictate their own schedule shows their supreme control over both their time and lifestyle.

Megayachts

It’s not a yacht, it’s a superyacht, everyone. The super-rich opt for these floating mansions that can measure up to 400 feet long and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. These yachts come equipped with everything one could ever want, such as pools, helipads, movie theaters, spas and even submarines.

An Entire Island

If having a mansion in the most exclusive part of the city isn’t enough, the super-wealthy take things a step further by purchasing private islands. Owning an island isn’t just about luxury — it’s about privacy, exclusivity and control over an entire ecosystem.

Billionaires like Richard Branson and Larry Ellison are known for their island retreats, where they build luxurious homes, resorts and even entire self-sustaining infrastructures. For the ultra-rich, having a sanctuary far from the public eye is the ultimate demonstration of power and independence.

Rare Art and Collectibles

The art world has long been a playground for the wealthy, but today’s billionaires have taken it to new heights. High-profile art collectors routinely spend tens of millions of dollars on rare pieces, including works by Picasso, Monet or Basquiat. Owning such masterpieces not only highlights cultural sophistication, but also acts as an investment vehicle that appreciates over time while it hangs casually over their mantelpiece. 

Beyond paintings, some incredibly wealthy individuals flaunt their wealth through rare collectibles like vintage cars, historical manuscripts or unique artifacts. These purchases elevate their personal status and place them in a global circle of elite collectors.

Big Real Estate in Prime Locations

Owning property in the world’s most coveted locations — think penthouses in New York City, mansions in Beverly Hills or villas on the French Riviera — is a surefire way to flaunt one’s wealth. These properties often come with sky-high price tags, but that’s part of the appeal because it instantly lets anyone who knows the housing market know just how much money they have.

The bottom line here is that the bottom line for rich people is much further than for others, and wealth is often about more than just money in the bank. Big purchases and even bigger spending power not only provide comfort and luxury, but also communicate success and elite status in a way that is hard to miss.

Share This Article: