A PIECE OF HISTORY

The renewed interest in vintage and antique jewellery reiterates its timeless elegance. Bazaar India decodes the know-how of investing in one.

- RICHA GOYAL SIKRI

The allure of vintage and antique jewellery has been steadily on the rise. Postpandemic, it has drastically surged even on the global stage. Various factors contribute to this trend. Some point to the escalating price of gold, which has made jewellery manufacturing more expensive, while others highlight the sourcing challenges faced by jewellers because of mining and supply chain disruptions during the pandemic years. These practical considerations have undeniably fuelled the increased demand for vintage and antique pieces.

Yet, beyond these pragmatic reasons, vintage jewellery offers consumers the chance to acquire an exquisite piece of history. Whether it’s a double-clip platinum brooch from 1925, adorned with the most beautiful diamonds, or a tiara previously worn by royalty, each piece encapsulates a timeless story, making it a truly unique treasure.

The term ‘antique’ usually refers to jewels that are over 100-year-old, whereas ‘vintage’ may have different connotations. Some consider jewels post 1925 till the eighties deserving of the title ‘vintage’. Others use the term only for old jewels that are of top quality but are not antique pieces.

One of the biggest challenges when buying vintage and antique jewels is authenticity. The best safeguard against fraud is due diligence. “A good place to start is with the book