Investing in timeless, high-quality jewelry pieces is more cost-effective in the long run compared to buying trendy costume jewelry
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The Long-Term Benefits of Investing in Classic Jewelry
Jewelry does more than accentuate your outfit and impress other people. It says much about your style, your self-confidence, and your eye for beauty. Buying fashion jewelry is fun and gives you a contemporary look. There is nothing wrong with following current trends. These pieces will rarely hold their value or increase it, and it’s unlikely they will last long enough to be passed down to your heirs.
Fine jewelry is often timeless jewelry. Investing in these pieces is more budget-friendly in the long term and has other advantages as well. It always stays in style and can be worn with almost anything. Your appreciation of it grows because of its many benefits. And classic jewelry holds its value and usually appreciates in value. It costs far more than costume jewelry when you purchase it, but over its lifespan, it is worth much more.
What is Timeless Jewelry?
Timeless jewelry pieces are often simple and elegant. Diamond studs, a twisted gold chain, and natural pearl strands are examples of timeless pieces. They are made with superior metals and stone, are often uncomplicated, and look at home in any era. With care, they will last generations and become prized family heirlooms.
In contrast, costume jewelry is frequently trendy, so that it may go out of style in a year or so. Even the best pieces are not made with the care of fine jewelry and use lower-quality gold, imitation gems, and other cost-saving elements. This approach is sensible when a piece is not meant to last. Of course, some of these items may be recycled if 80s fashion comes back around.
Cost
Timeless jewelry pieces are usually more expensive than costume jewelry or other “on-trend” pieces. A natural pearl necklace will cost thousands while you can buy a cultured pearl necklace for several hundred dollars(depending on its quality). Natural pearls age well and gather luster over time, often increasing in value. Cultured pearls never quite achieve the loveliness of natural ones, and antique pieces don’t sell for nearly as much. An antique natural pearl necklace is worth quite a bit if it’s in good shape. Fake pearls only have decorative value and no real sale worth.
Classic gold jewelry is usually 18 karats or higher and has clean lines and perhaps authentic jewels. Gold prices fluctuate, but they often trend upward. Currently, the price of gold is quite high, which means any gold piece in your home is worth more than it was last year. 18K and 24K will bring you the best price, but 14K can be resold as well. With gold jewelry, the style doesn’t matter if you are selling it to a gold dealer who plans to have it melted down. If you have a classic gold piece, you should have it appraised by a jeweler. If it is a quality piece, it will have more value in its current form.
You can buy an attractive piece for $200 and have its value be almost nothing in a few months. Or you can spend more for a classic piece that can make you money as the years pass. This is the case with most classic jewelry.
Craftsmanship
Timeless pieces are made well and will be more durable as a result. As you’ve probably experienced, costume jewelry is fun and flashy but often falls apart quickly. Pearls drop out, gold strands break, and brooch pins break.
Timeless pieces are created with top materials and the craftspeople work to create art
pieces. That takes time and attention to detail. Their purpose is to make things that last and that will be passed down in families. Timeless pieces last because they are well-built and beautiful in any era.
Appreciation
Timeless pieces appreciate over time. Luxury watches are an excellent example. A Rolex watch is usually worth 113% of its initial value/price on the resale market.
Good quality diamonds also appreciate, so it pays to purchase those with excellent cut, clarity, carat, and color. It may be tempting to purchase a small flawed diamond, but you should realize that it won’t bring much if you try to sell it. The market for larger, quality diamonds is much stronger, and the money you spend on them should be considered a long-term investment.
Jewelry from respected brands such as Tiffany Co., Hermes, and Chanel will likely appreciate more than fine pieces from unknown brands. Buyers find certain brands more valuable because of their style and their name. The name helps ensure a higher price when reselling.
Heirlooms
You want to leave your children valuable items but also ones with sentimental value. A timeless piece of jewelry fulfills both goals. An antique gold ring from the 1900s has monetary value, but it is also a symbol of family love and affection. And in many families, the piece will be passed on to many generations. That process alone is worth investing in fine pieces, the monetary worth is a bonus.
Timeless Care
Even the best-crafted pieces need regular maintenance. Stone settings must be checked to make sure diamonds and other precious gems are not lost. This jewelry should also be cleaned professionally to keep it looking its best. Take your timeless pieces to an expert for maintenance and repair. It’s an essential step in keeping their value and preserving them for future generations.
Why Timeless Jewelry?
Investing in better pieces just makes sense financially. They will retain their value, and in many cases, increase it. Timeless jewelry is always in style, and if you do need to sell it, you should find plenty of buyers. You will want to wear this jewelry and not keep it stored in a safe.
Inexpensive or trendy jewelry is fun to buy and wear, but it’s not meant to last. It won’t be on trend for long, and it won’t last centuries. Before buying jewelry, consider investing in top-quality, well-designed items that will be worth more next year than they are today. In the long run, it pays to buy the good stuff.
