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Investing in Jewellery | 3 Factors to Consider
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Jewellery can be as important as clothes and shoes when it comes to personal style. For me, it’s a finishing touch that helps to make someone look put together. I very often admire jewellery on others and believe in its power to really complete a look. With so much on the market at such diverse price-points, there are several factors to consider when investing in jewellery.
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Jewellery is one of the easiest ways to pull an outfit together and to appear as though you’ve made an effort. Once you’ve created a capsule collection of classic pieces, you can keep things fresh by adding in and alternating seasonal trends. My collection is something I take great pride in. Over the years I’ve learned a few tips when it comes to investing in jewellery. Here are three factors that I like to consider.
MATERIAL
Alongside price, material is perhaps one of the most important considerations when it comes to investing in jewellery. Whether you prefer gold, silver, or are noncommittal, the material will dictate longevity. Real gold, silver, platinum and diamonds may be more of a financial investment, but treat them right and they’ll last forever. I’d recommend utilising these materials to form a capsule collection. We all have our preferences but I don’t like to commit to any one metal and I don’t play by the rules. Mixed metals can look stunning. I’m certainly not going to give up classic gold because of my white gold wedding rings.
Sterling silver and gold plated jewellery make great additions to a collection. They should stand the test of time at a much more affordable price point. These materials are great for slightly more trend-led style pieces which may not become heirlooms, but that will elevate your personal style and help make a statement. These gorgeous gold vacation-essential starfish studs are a great example of statement jewellery to add a more exciting feel without breaking the bank. There are plenty of wonderful small businesses that offer stunning jewellery made of good quality metals. I typically avoid the cheaper end of mass-produced jewellery from the high-street as I’ve seen too much of it tarnish too quickly. Little Grey Moon is one of my favourite independent brands that I’ve recently discovered and I love to browse jewellery pieces on Etsy.
ORIGIN
The rise in popularity of moissanite and lab-grown stones has highlighted the savoury origin of some jewels. It is important to do your research to minimise the risk of being involved in any unethical practises.
When it comes to purchasing diamonds and other precious gems, I often shop in antique stores. Not only can you often find real bargains, you’re also repurposing and promoting sustainability.
UNIQUENESS
Uniqueness is controversial. Whilst some prefer to wear jewellery that others can instantly recognise (Pandora, I’m looking at you), others would rather wear something completely unique. There really is no right or wrong. The preference of all jewellery wearers fits somewhere on the spectrum between mass-produced and unique. I personally fit somewhere in the middle. Although I take inspiration from others and will happily wear something that someone else is wearing too, I also see the value in owning something a little more rare.
Having a piece of customised jewellery is a sure way of knowing that you have a truly one-off piece. I’ve been gifted a couple of pieces that have been engraved, which made for such special gifts. I also own a few pieces of jewellery that I’ve had a local jeweller custom make. Sometimes customisation is purely more cost effective. For a relatively reasonable price most independent jewellers will transform a large diamond from an old ring into a beautiful necklace. It can also be completely sentimental, maybe a loved one left you a ring that would never fit. Once the stone is turned into a necklace you’d never take it off.
Uniqueness also ties into simplicity versus statement jewellery. I like to combine both. I’ll often wear one more statement or logo piece like a Dior bracelet with multiple pieces that are more simple, like a silver ingot.
INVESTING IN JEWELLERY
Making sure you’re buying jewellery that is right for you and your collection is the most important thing. Getting carried away in somewhere like Primark and buying very affordable jewellery that will tarnish within a month isn’t something I’d recommend. The best jewellery makes you feel good, will last a decent length of time and can be properly lived-in.