Why buy vintage over new?
The simple answer is you receive more value for your money. All the things that you pay for when buying new jewelry (like expensive labor and cutting) no longer exists when buying vintage. Beyond that there is the craftsmanship & design that simply no longer exists on that level. The best example of this is that in the 1920's or 30's Cartier would spend hundreds of hours on a single bracelet. Today this same attention to detail is simply economically not feasible. Subsequently the art dies away.
What is signed jewelry and why does it matter?
Signed jewelry refers to pieces that are marked with the signature of the brand, such as Harry Winston, which identifies their origin and infers the quality and craftsmanship associated with that brand. At Yafa, we specialize in jewelry from the world’s most respected houses, such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Bulgari among others. The signature on a piece is more than just a name—it tells the story of a distinguished jeweler and its illustrious history, this ensures that you're acquiring not just a piece of jewelry, but something of enduring value and quality. In short, a store of value.
Why is buying signed jewelry important?
Purchasing signed jewelry is important because it guarantees a level of craftsmanship, design & overall quality. Renowned signed pieces are such because they have stood the test of time as the best of the best. They are items that typically increase in value & are sought after by sophisticated buyers.
How important is documentation when buying vintage signed jewelry?
Documentation is good to have if it is available, but with items of age that is not often the case. Most important is the reputation of the seller. At Yafa, we bring 40 years of expertise and relationships to our clients. We ensure that every piece we offer is a true original and we stand by that with our policies.
What are the most valuable brands to buy?
All of the renowned brands hold value; Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Bulgari to name a few. They all have broad
collector audiences that clamor after their best pieces. However, when we help
a client build a collection, we feel it is most important to make decisions based on your taste. Jewelry is a very personal choice, and you need to love the item every time you put it on.
Is signed vintage jewelry an investment?
Vintage signed vintage jewelry is absolutely an asset class. Historically it has demonstrated a strong rise in prices over the years. We very often re purchase items from client’s years after selling them for a higher amount than we sold them for. This is because as time goes by the consumer audience grows and these items become scarcer. Our mission at Yafa is to continue to acquire items that meet our exacting standards of quality, craftsmanship, and design.