From classic gold pieces to stunning antique engagement rings, building a collection of fine jewellery can be a delightful experience. But if this is a new venture for you, you may be wondering where to begin and how to invest in fine jewellery.
Fine jewellery has been revered since the Ancient Egyptians and it still holds a place in the hearts of many collectors. As well as offering an enjoyable pastime and adding a touch of elegance to an outfit, fine and antique jewellery can be a worthwhile financial investment.
Know your materials
When starting to invest in fine jewellery, one of the first things to consider is the material of the items you choose. Costume and fashion jewellery can be aesthetically pleasing, but it’s the metal and stones used that set fine jewellery apart. Whereas fashion jewellery tends to be constructed from low-value materials — gilded metals, steel and glass, for example — fine jewellery is crafted from high-quality metals and authentic gemstones.
When investing in fine jewellery, always look for hallmarked designs. A hallmark is a symbol struck into the metal to certify its purity and authenticity. By recognising different hallmark meanings, you can be confident in the quality of the items you invest in and make sure you don’t overpay.
If you decide to sell your items, it’s worthwhile getting a jewellery valuation so you can know what price to sell at.
Keep your fine jewellery safe
Precious metals and gemstones are long-lasting and can stand the test of time — providing they are cared for and stored safely. On the whole, even though fine jewellery may be more expensive to buy initially, it can be a more worthwhile investment than purchasing lower-quality fashion items. Even if a piece of fine jewellery becomes damaged, you can usually get it repaired.
That said, it’s important to store your jewellery safely to limit any damage. Some jewels, such as pearls, are sensitive to chemicals and cosmetics, so it’s best to avoid spraying perfume on them or wearing them in the shower.
For items you don’t wear every day, you might like to get a jewellery box to protect them from direct sunlight and exposure to the elements. In addition, having a suitable polishing cloth to hand can keep your pieces in good condition and prevent tarnish from building up.
You may also like to look into insuring your jewellery to give you peace of mind in the event of damage, loss or theft. If you decide to insure your items, you can have them valued to make sure you get the right level of cover.
Look for timeless designs
As with any clothing or accessories, jewellery fashions do change over the years. The beauty of fine or antique jewellery is that you can find some beautiful, timeless designs.
When you start to invest in fine jewellery, it’s a good idea to look for items that you know will be a joy to wear in years to come — whether that’s an elaborate diamond ring or a delicate pendant. By that same token, if you decide to sell your invested jewellery, you can be sure that timeless designs will be highly sought after.
Susan Rumfitt jewellery
Whatever style you decide on, fine jewellery can make a wonderful investment. If you’d like to start a collection, you’ll find an array of stunning and unique pieces in the Susan Rumfitt Gallery. And if you have any questions or need specialist jewellery services, you can always get in touch, too.