Invest in Tomorrow's Collectible Jewelry Today

Wouldn't it be great to have a time machine that would allow you to go back and buy today's collectible jewelry at yesterday's prices? You can do the next best thing by buying jewelry today that will become sought after in the future. Here are eight tips to help you in your search for tomorrow's collectible jewelry.

1. Quality and craftsmanship


Quality pieces command quality prices. Cheap jewelry is a dime a dozen at flea markets and resale shops. But quality pieces with crystal stones that still shimmer and faux pearls that have retained their luster paired with metal that hasn't had its finish rubbed or flaked off, will always hold appeal for collectors.

2. Pieces hallmarked with the designer's name

A designer's name or mark on a piece adds instant value. It gives an item the cachet of the entire breadth of the designer's work. Look for a hallmark on the back of pins or brooches, near the clasp of necklaces and bracelets, or on a separate hanging tag in the same finish as the metal.

3. Name recognition

Not every designer becomes well-known. Every collector of vintage jewelry probably has at least one piece in their collection with an obscure hallmark they can't identify, and that's fine if they like the piece. But when they come across a piece with an instantly recognizable name, they don't hesitate to scoop it up. They know they've found something special -- and they know they'll be able to sell it in the future to someone who will appreciate the name as well as the style.

4. Small production per piece

The fewer pieces of an item there are in existence, the higher the demand and price. Opt for the offbeat or unusual -- as long as you like it -- over a generic piece with mass appeal. While both will have resale value if they're made well, the unique piece should prove harder to find, thus driving up its resale price. If a more expensive item captures your heart, remember that fewer people buy a higher priced item which can create increased demand in the future.

5. Limited Edition pieces

A Limited Edition eliminates the guesswork of how many pieces were made. Limited Edition pieces should be stamped with both the total number in the Edition and the number of each particular piece. For example, piece number 12 in an addition of 250 will most likely be stamped on back "Ltd. Ed. 12/250". If you buy a piece that isn't stamped with the actual edition, but instead has a Certificate of Authenticity with that information, be sure to keep the Certificate with the item to ensure you get the optimum resale price in the future.

6. Thematic pieces

Look for pieces that will have crossover appeal to at least two groups of collectors. For example, Christmas jewelry is sought after by both jewelry collectors and Christmas collectors. If it's an angel, you'll add angel collectors to your list of potential buyers as well. The more people you have vying for an item, the higher your selling price will be.

7. Assurance of authenticity

Buy from a reputable retailer. Designers in all fields are plagued by knock-offs. An Authorized Reseller protects your investment by ensuring that you're getting the genuine articles you're paying for.

8. Buy what you like

This is the Cardinal Rule for collectors. You'll never go wrong buying what you like. Today's joy won't be diminished if you aren't able to sell something at a profit tomorrow. And if you truly love something -- you probably won't want to part with it anyway!

By Sue A. Richardson