Handy Tips For Ancient Jewellery Collectors
Holding or wearing a piece of jewelry worn by ancient civilizations has a magical quality to it. It’s a rich statement about change and longevity, apart from the fact that it’s a gorgeous peek into the long gone past. But how does one authenticate and handle ancient jewelry properly? Here are some tips.
Identify high-value items
Gather as much information as possible as to where the piece came from, looking for original receipts, letters, notes of purchase, and the responsible individuals. Look for marks such as maker’s marks or foreign assay marks. Note big jewellery houses such as Cartier and Tiffany’s, whose pieces made in the first half of the 20th century are much sought after. When in doubt, seek valuation services.
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Pay attention to symbols
There are intaglios depicting various gods, portraits, as well as animals, and mythological or historical figures are often used repeatedly. Athena, for instance, was a popular subject for ancient jewellery, and readily so, given she was the goddess of wisdom and war and was extremely powerful.
Respect the age and material of pieces
Ancient gold has a delicate nature, so it should be handled gently particularly when being worn. Bead necklaces are more stable, although the composition may change if it has been re-strung recently.
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Buy what you love
Go for quality over quantity when investing in ancient jewellery. Buy what you love, and rest assured that while trends and markets change, the exceptional and beautifully rare ones are here to stay and retain their value. Jewels, vanity cases, and cigarette cases can also be explored for collections.
Sadigh Gallery specializes in the handling and selling of ancient art works and coins from around the world. Read more on this page.
