People often inherit antique jewellery. This jewellery may be valuable, but often it’s dated in style – and opportunities to wear such ornate jewellery may be few and far between.

So, is it worth hanging on to? We take a look at the ins and outs of antique jewellery as an asset.

Having antique jewellery valued

The first step, whether you intend to keep the jewellery or not, is to have it valued. This will help you set a price if you intend to sell. If you want to keep the jewellery, your insurance company will need to know its value as well.

Key factors that affect the value of antique jewellery are its condition, the period when it was made and its type. The South African Antique Dealers Association (SAADA) has a list of dealers in different areas on their website, some of which will be able to value your antique jewellery.

Just bear in mind, the value of your piece isn’t necessarily what someone would be willing to pay for it. Antiques often sell at a price below their actual value because the buyers’ offers are lower.

Also note that there are different types of valuations, and these may vary significantly in value. For more details, see our article on understanding jewellery valuations.

Some types of antique jewellery

Baroque

The Baroque style was the opulent and ornate jewellery of the 17^th century, most popular in France, Italy and later Spain. The style featured a lot of colourful gemstones and pearls.

Regency

The jewellery from the Regency era between 1811 and 1820. At the time, ornate jewellery was considered vulgar so designs were simple and understated.

Victorian

Victorian jewellery differs significantly depending on which era within this time period it belongs to; romantic, grand or late. Common motifs were flowers, trees and birds. Later designs were more gothic.

Edwardian

Jewellery from the Edwardian era, 1901 – 1910, is finer and more delicate due to advancements in platinum fabrication at the time. Ribbons, bows, wreaths and lace were popular motifs.

Art nouveau

The art nouveau era was short-lived but innovative. It incorporated new materials, such as glass and enamel, and was heavily influenced by nature.

Where to sell antique jewellery

If you prefer to sell your antique jewellery, there are a number of ways to go about this. Local antique dealers will often appraise and buy your antique jewellery it has a decent resale value.

If you’re quite certain it could fetch a good price, you can also approach an auction house. They will be able to advise you on whether or not it’s worth auctioning your piece.

Lastly, if you know what you’re doing and have had the piece valued, you can choose to sell it privately, for example via an online platform like Gumtree. This method is the riskiest, so be sure you take the necessary precautions to avoid being scammed.

Using antique jewellery to secure an asset-based loan

Like most other assets, antique jewellery can be used to secure an asset-based short-term loan.

Asset-based loans are secured through a valuable asset, such as a piece of valued antique jewellery, that you provide as collateral. Once you have repaid the loan and agreed interest, the asset is returned to you.

These loans are typically quicker and simpler than bank loans because there is no need to check your monthly income or any other information about your financial status. The loan is secured by the value of the asset that’s provided.

Asset-based loans from Lamna

At Lamna, we offer fast, discreet loans against the value of a wide range of assets, from luxury watches and jewellery to vehicles or artwork. We’re a registered financial service provider and our interest rates are in keeping with the National Credit Act.

For more information about using an asset to secure a short-term loan, contact us on 086 111 2866 or simply complete and submit our online application form.