Tips for Choosing Antique Jewellery
Antique jewellery is highly investable but even the most experienced collector can sometimes feel overwhelmed when looking to add to their range of jewels – especially when trying to work out the difference between antique, vintage and estate jewellery. Here’s a guide to help if you are considering investing in these prized, timeless possessions.
Antique Jewellery Buying Guide
It’s important to remember that jewellery should be worn. There is no point in buying a piece that will languish in your safe or your sock drawer. If you’re the sort of person who doesn’t have the opportunity to dress formally regularly but still want to enjoy the charms of antique jewellery, then a simple pair of stud diamond earrings may work best. Stud earrings are a ubiquitous modern style, but using antique diamonds means these remain unique one-offs.
Review your current jewellery collection
We also recommend reminding yourself of what you already have. Pieces in your existing collection should guide your next investment. If you’re a lady who loves diamonds, it might be worth looking at other precious gemstones. Natural, unheated vintage sapphire jewellery is increasingly scarce, so picking up one of these can bring variety to your collection without comprising its overall quality.
Diversify your collection with different types of antique jewellery
It’s not just the stone in a piece of jewellery that can provide variety, choosing types of jewellery that you don’t already own is also a good tip to diversify your collection. When you’re next looking to treat yourself to a piece for your collection, choose a new earring style or opt for a luxurious piece of gold jewellery to join your extensive modern silver collection. Looking for classic engagement rings if you have plenty of unique jewellery, or unique engagement rings if you have lots of classic jewellery is a good way to go!
Make a statement
Don’t be scared to go bold. The more unusual the piece, the more desirable to collectors. Statement rings – such as this 5.5-carat aquamarine and diamond ring – are, by modern standards, a little ostentatious, but their beauty and uniqueness make them collectable. Nothing is more important than authenticity; knowing a piece has not and will not be recreated means it will likely hold its value.
Buy the best you can afford
Another tip we always try to pass on is: buy the best you can afford. The quantity of your jewels is much less important than the quality; invest in one good piece rather than several lesser pieces. Checking a piece’s hallmark is an excellent way to establish quality, and our dedicated blog will help you do just that.
It’s always worth considering what occasions are coming up. Anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and – of course – engagements are all events that can (and we think should!) be marked by jewellery. A good collection tells the story and has its own narrative. We have a vast array of engagement rings – and we think that choosing an antique engagement ring is a perfect choice.
Hopefully, this has given you some inspiration on how to pick a piece that you will treasure for a lifetime. If you need any further help with our jewellery, feel free to get in touch; we’d be delighted to help.