When we think about the significance of jewellery, it celebrates milestones, carries a history, and is often passed down through generations. As people have started to look into alternative investments, vintage jewellery has caught the attention of collectors and style hunters. The real question: is vintage jewellery really worth collecting as an investment?
Why Vintage Jewellery Holds Its Value
One of the biggest reasons vintage jewellery holds its value is craftsmanship. These pieces were often handmade, with intricate details and techniques that you don’t see in mass-produced designs today. The materials themselves add to their worth. Some of the gemstones were sourced from mines that may no longer exist and metals, making them even harder to come by now.
The rarity factor is another significant reason. Vintage pieces have a long history and once they’re in someone’s private collection, it can be hard to come by them again for years. This means long-term value and that is what makes vintage jewellery so appealing to investors and collectors.
The sustainable factor
With a growing awareness of sustainability, people are choosing to take a more eco-conscious approach to fashion. Buying vintage avoids a lot of the environmental and ethical issues tied to modern mining and manufacturing. People are keen to do their bit for the planet and when you can own a rare piece, with detail that isn’t found as easy in today’s market, it feels like a no brainer.
What Affects Value?
Not every piece will skyrocket in price, but there are certain factors that tend to make them more valuable. The era they were created in is one of them. The jewellery maker is another factor. As artists, their reputation makes a difference so anything from a prestigious jewellery house will hold more value.
The condition is also important. (Although I personally like a bit of wear and tear on my pieces. It adds to the character). A piece with an untouched setting and the original stone will generally be worth more than another one that has been altered.
Jewellery with a traceable history can also add value. Especially if it comes with proper documentation to certify it or if it was owned by someone famous. Trends are also crucial and knowing when is the right time to invest isn’t easy but if you look at what’s popular, you’ll instantly notice a spike in their value on the resale market.
Building a Collection
Learning how to authenticate hallmarks and gemstones, buying from trusted dealers, and keeping documentation of provenance all help safeguard investment value. Most importantly, vintage jewellery should be approached with a long-term mindset.
If you’re thinking about collecting vintage jewellery, I think the best advice is to start with buying what you love. Even if it takes some time for the value to show, you’ll still enjoy owning and wearing the piece. It’s also worth learning how to read hallmarks and check for authentic materials. If you’re unsure, you can always buy from trusted dealers who can guarantee authenticity. Keeping any documentation or certificates will also help if you do decide to sell your pieces later down the line.
So is it worth it?
So, is vintage jewellery a smart investment? It definitely can be. One one side, you’re dealing with a tangible asset that you can still wear and enjoy while it appreciates. It also tends to hold its value well against inflation due to the materials used. When you add in the sustainability factor, vintage jewellery becomes even more desirable in today’s market.
But there are a few things to keep in mind. The market can shift depending on fashion trends, and you do need some knowledge (or expert guidance) to avoid replicas or overpriced pieces.
If you’re keen to find out more, feel free to head over to my Instagram @magpie__store and drop me a message – I’d love to chat and see some of the pieces in your collection too!