Pricing of Antique Jewellery - Aesthetic and Economic Factors

There are several aspects that are looked at when it comes to valuing antique jewellery. As several factors may apply to one piece, each of these are carefully assessed to reach a fair and accurate value.

The Quality of the Gemstones

The first is the intrinsic value of the gemstones. At Berganza we invest in only the finest quality gemstones, namely those that are natural and untreated. Rare to find today, these account for only 5-10% of all gemstones on today’s market and are coveted for their depth of colour and natural beauty which treated gems simply cannot obtain. In addition to this, many of our gemstones come from old mines, such as Kashmir, Ceylon and Colombia which have long been depleted but are renowned for having produced the finest quality gems.

The Quality of the Diamonds

Our buyers look at the size and quality of each diamond using traditional grading methods when it comes to applying value. Diamonds of a larger carat weight and higher quality will command a higher price.

Craftsmanship

With each piece in our collection created by hand, many showcase an incredible level of technique and craftsmanship. From delicate enamelling and fine goldwork to impeccably carved intaglios and skillful gem setting, these are all taken into consideration.

Signed Pieces

If an antique or vintage piece has been signed by a jewellery house, such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels or Boucheron, these will command a premium. Highly sought after by collectors and investors, the pieces that were being created in these past eras were the ones that gave these jewellery houses the name and reputation they have today and are of exquisite quality.

History and Provenance

The pieces in the Berganza collection date back thousands of years and many of these ancient pieces are particularly valuable, especially those featuring museum quality craftsmanship. It is unusual to know the provenance of antique jewels as such details are often lost over the years. However in rare instances where this information is known, this can increase the value, especially if the original owner was someone of importance.

Rarity

Rarity can be applied to many individual aspects of antique jewellery. Some gems are particularly scarce, such as Kashmir sapphires and Golconda diamonds with their value reflecting this. Jewellery from certain eras, such as original Georgian pieces and medieval jewels are also incredibly rare to find, and can command a higher value than pieces featuring similar precious metals and gems from other eras.

The Investment Aspect

You can rest assured that by investing in a piece of antique jewellery it will not only hold its value, but will most certainly appreciate over the years as these pieces become harder to source and the gemstones within them are becoming increasingly rare and coveted.

We regularly assess the pieces within the collection to ensure the prices are in line with current market values and recommend that upon purchasing a piece from Berganza, you request updated valuations every 3-5 years to ensure that you have it insured for an appropriate sum.

FAQs

How is antique or vintage jewellery valued?

When it comes to the value of antique jewellery several key factors need to be considered. These include the size and quality of gemstones and diamonds, craftsmanship, whether the piece is signed, provenance, and more.

What aspects of antique jewellery are particularly rare?

Rarity can be seen in certain techniques, gemstones and eras. As each piece would have been handcrafted, no two are alike, thus each antique jewel is one of a kind.

How does the size and quality of gemstones affect pricing?

Typically, the larger the gemstone, the higher the value. Higher quality stones can also fetch a higher price, even if they are smaller than a larger gem of lower quality.

The Pricing of Antique Jewellery

Berganza Antique Jewellery