Why people collect jewellery

People collect jewellery for many reasons. Some people use jewellery as a status symbols. Others use jewellery for utilitarian reasons, like cuff links or pins. However, most people probably collect jewellery because they enjoy its beauty as a works of art. Jewellery reflects the workmanship and the style of both the designer and owner. What other collectible can you proudly display on your own body?

Jewellery also has high sentimental value. People become nostalgic for a piece of jewellery that looks like something their grandparents, parents, or favourite relative used to wear. Jewellery is often closely associated with major life events. Watches are common gifts to mark an important event. The famed engagement ring brings back memories of the time when two people privately decide that they want to be together forever. They then publicly announce their intentions and wear the symbols of devotion, their wedding rings. When a loved one passes away, they often bequeath their jewellery to others, and the jewellery serves as a token of remembrance.

As a collectible, a piece of jewellery can be a relatively pricey item. The jewellery collecting tradition has not been around as long as doll collecting or glass collecting. For example, collecting costume jewellery is a recent trend. But in recent years, the collecting of both high-end and low-end jewellery has been very active, keeping those collectible markets quite stable.

There is a current trend toward pieces made of karat gold and gemstones. There is always a segment of buyers for karat gold and diamonds, since these precious materials have their own intrinsic value, regardless of what the piece of jewellery looks like. Another trend is the appreciation of antique jewellery, especially Victorian jewellery. People value the beauty, history, and workmanship of old jewellery. Ethnographic jewellery and jewellery from the Arts & Crafts period have also become quite popular.

No matter what the collecting trends are, collect what you like, and buy the best you can afford.

The previous article was written using information from Warman's jewellery by Christie Romero.