As Antique Jewelry is 'Really' based on the 'Collectability' and Style of an item, it is hard for clients to appreciate the 'Craft' involved in Handmade work, as they only see the Gold value or Diamond Value fluctuate over the years.
If Gold goes up or the older something gets, the value increases, right?
No. Not always. It depends...
Antiques and Collectables are a 'subjective' thing too.
Supply and Demand plays an important part in the ways we Invest.
Good quality is always going to be good quality.
Just because something is 'OLD' doesn't make it worth a lot of money. A hundred year old bucket, is still an old bucket - right? Unless it has 'Historical' significance, of course.
Take these for example:
Antique Stickpins in Gold or Silver.
Do they have all the right qualifications. Maybe? They are made of precious metal, may be adorned with gemstones and could be stamped and dated to be more than one hundred years old.
But are they 'Valuable' - 'Collectable' - Are they worth Investing in?
To some people yes, but in general terms they have NOT been the great Antique Investment we would wish for.
There are exceptions to this of course. Certain Stickpins can be very expensive, but the general, run-of-the-mill stuff we see everyday are so common, so profuse, they have hardly shifted in price over many years.
In fact, some have gone backwards, especially since gold dropped from its peak at over $800 per ounce, to the current $420's per ounce (approximate).
It could be argued then, that Stickpins 'SHOULD' be collected, as they are currently undervalued. An Antique Bargain and there is some truth in this.
However...
Our advice has always been to buy what you personally like.
Get the very best examples of it, in the very best quality, and hopefully, wear it and enjoy it. It's that simple.
An Antique dealer can Invest in Jewelry because they are 'on the pulse' of what's happening in the world, know what their clients want and can get it for them. They invest Time and Effort but pay lots of incidental costs the general public cannot do.
Why? In the majority of cases, because they love their jobs.
But there are NO Dealers who can devote all their time just to one style or type of Antique Collectable and know as much as the avid amateur collector. They don't have the time.
But know what - YOU DO!
Invest then into something which appeals to you. Become your OWN expert. You will certainly get Bargains that way.
Over the years (remember Antiques are a Time Share Commodity) you will come out on top. Promise...
If you are going into the Buying and Selling (aka Investing) Antique Jewelry, doesn't it make sense you enjoy it too?
You might want to start with - heck, maybe... Stickpins!
There are several other SPECIAL REPORTS available through our eMail-on-Demand subscription box at the website, so please take some time to visit.
There is a timely warning on Security issues. It's good advice, plus there is some great tips on Investing in Jewelry, Insurance guidelines and other notes on selling, Hallmarking tips etc., and they are being added to all the time.
And the best bit is they are FREE...
Thank you for taking the time to read this special report. If you thought it interesting, useful or found it helped you in any way I would appreciate your comments via email at the address shown below.
This is my personal email address and I read every comment - good or bad.
Alternatively: why not pass it on to a friend. I'm sure you can think of someone who might benefit from this useful information. Treat it as doing me a big favor. I will certainly appreciate it.
regards and please watch the road. David Foard F.G.A.A. Fellow of the Gemological Association of Australia and former member of JATVC - The Valuers Council (retired).
P.S.
If you administer a website or publish an ezine, please feel free to use this article as long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed below. Just send me an email at gemmo1@online-jewelry-appraisals.com and let me know if and where you used it. If you need other great content - complimentary of course - then drop me a line at the email address given - 'cause I've got Gallons of the stuff...
David Foard has spent over 30 years in the Antique Jewelry Trade as a qualified gemologist and member of the Valuers Council. Get a FREE 3 part 'Hallmarking Report' on How to Identify your Jewelry Hallmarks at Home or Work by going to ==> http://www.jewellery-antiques.com and grabbing yourself a
fistfull of Hints - Tips and Secrets.
gemmo1@jewellery-antiques.com
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