The Market: Estate and Antique Jewelry

Written by: Andrew Fabrikant

Estate and Antique jewelry are in very high demand.  Turn of the century diamond and floral jewelry is the hottest segment of the market.  The size of the
jewelry does not seem to matter as much as the style, condition, craftsmanship and the material used to make it. Well made pieces are in demand.  Jewelry items in poor condition have cooled.

Gold still holds strong at $1,700 per ounce and above. I suggest that if you are considering selling gold now is not a bad time. Cash is king!

Antique Jewelry

Diamonds are acting with strength. On average fine diamonds are holding on to their 25% gains over the course of the last year and three quarters.  Larger diamonds over 5 carats have done tremendously well considering the fears expressed by the market just a few months ago. Prices are back to their highest in history for these bigger stones as there seems to be a shortage on the market. One carat diamonds of all shapes have slightly backed away from all time highs but are still within 5% of absolute highs.

I will try and update market conditions more regularly but I do not expect much to change before the end of 2011.

Christmas will be better than the individual jewelers expected but not as good as in years past.

Peter and I and the whole staff in our offices wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.