Innovative trends in Vintage Jewelry Investment

The combined value of sales of jewelry by Christie and Sotheby in 2018 was $906.3 million, where the total value gained by Christie was $492.3 million and Sotheby $414 million. This value was 17 per cent low, in comparison to, 2017. The sale of Christie fell 11.5 per cent and Sotheby fell by 25 per cent. Overall an increase in demand of fancy colored diamonds, white diamonds, Burmese rubies, Kashmir sapphires and Colombian emeralds was seen, particularly, the pieces belonging to royal families were in high demand.  

Asian vs. West Demands 

A number of Asian buyers invest in such items due to superstitions and religious factors. They are not interested in knowing who owned it previously. In the West, the sets worn by Elizabeth Taylor are much loved but it is difficult to find and verify such items.  In 2019 Golden Globes, plenty of new and traditional jewelry designs where bracelets and earring in diamonds, and vintage diamond necklaces were sported by actresses. Lady Gaga wore a Tiffany platinum necklace. Earlier people used to buy branded sets, mostly, for the stones but now a number of such items are altered where the original stones are replaced with a new colored stone of lesser value. The price of whole piece remains the same, even in condition, when the original has been altered; nevertheless, it is difficult to get the original item without any modification. 

Vintage jewelry had become a great gift during Christmas, which was earlier a key trend in Asia. Asian buyers invest in such items, mainly, due to uniqueness and most seek simple buying guidelines. 

How to identify the Value and Invest?

If interested in buying such items at auctions, keep a record of auctions, exhibitions and the dealers. One should try to gain information related to designs belonging to different eras e.g. Victorian era, Edwardian, Art Deco, Regency, 20th century and 70s. Most traditional items and designs of 1960s, 1970s and 1980s find a comeback, and the new trends include the colored stones and pieces made on materials like coral or wood. 

Collectors should try to gain access to information related to each era and get pieces from diverse periods.  One can hire a specialist or consultant who is expert in such items. There are many dealers who handle a number of such customers. Try to gain all the paperwork and receipt related to the piece to be able to identify the time period, authenticity, Hallmark, price, description and provenance. 

Workmanship and metal value add to the price and the sets where the designs can be linked directly to the artists are iconic sets. Sometimes, unbranded quality pieces can be accessed at markets for a lower price.

Information related to such items can be gained online, or one can directly contact the dealers or look into the online catalog of jewelry sellers to get an idea about the price of different types of designs. Latest auction price should be investigated and authenticated. One can take advice from an appraiser before spending on such items as an investment. 

To find out more about vintage jewelry investment, check 99 Alternatives at (http://www.99alternatives.com).