The Collectable Value Of Jewelry

Some of the most valuable and sought-after treasures of the modern world can be held in the palm of your hand. Jewelry made from rare gems and designed by world-famous artists have fetched record prices at auction houses and private sales in recent decades. And there's no wonder; history itself shaped many of the world's most valuable and distinctive pieces of jewelry. A savvy collector with an eye towards long-term investment can make few better acquisitions than jewelry with a strong provenance and bright future.

The Basics of Jewelry Collecting

Jewelry collecting is somewhat different than the collecting of art, rare books, or wine. In some ways, collective jewelry is more akin to collecting fashion; indeed, many of the biggest names of the fashion world enjoy equal prominence in the world of high-end jewelry.

Unlike wine, art, or books, jewelry requires very little in the way of environmental considerations. That is, while temperature, humidity, and light levels are of particular concern to the art lover or bibliophile, they are of less concern to the jewelry collector. While pieces of jewelry with exceptional age are almost certain to require special storage conditions, unless a collector specifically seeks out these items it is unlikely that he or she will need to address matters of climate control.

The collectable worth of jewelry is weighted by several factors. Many new collectors are surprised to discover that age is not the sole determining factor in how valuable an item of jewelry is, nor is the content of rare minerals or gems; unless a piece of jewelry contains a remarkably large amount of a rare mineral or includes gems of unusual quality or characteristic, these features alone may not boost the value of a piece a considerable degree. Condition of the piece is heavily considered, as is craftsmanship.

A Little Piece of History

The history of a piece of jewelry is another important part of its collectable value. If a piece of jewelry has been passed down through generations inside a single family, that family will have rich stories about that item. Documentation, transcripts of family lore, and old photographs featuring the item adds considerable interest to the piece and can dramatically increase its value. Even if you have acquired a piece of jewelry that's brand new or without a known history, you can begin the world of documentation. Save sales receipts, news clippings, store information, and any other ephemera related to the purchase of your new piece of history.

Spotting New Acquisitions

For many collectors, the thrill is in the hunt. Experienced collectors have sources and dealers they trust to connect them with pieces that match their interests; they may collect jewelry connected with a certain region, time period, or fashion trend. They might be drawn to the work of certain designers or even unusual histories. If you're new to jewelry collecting, don't worry about choosing a focus right away. Many collectors find their emphasis shifting over time, so there's no reason to commit to any particular mode right now.

Start small. If you like mid-century costume jewelry, antique stores are rich troves of such pieces. There are many publications that can help you identify a piece's manufacturer and country of origin. Fine jewelry requires more of an initial investment, though if a designer's work speaks to you, pursue! As designers gain fame, you will have a greater chance of your initial investment increasing in value. Whatever you choose to collect, do it for pleasure; if you let your heart guide your acquisitions, you will never be unhappy with your choices.