Jewellery and gemstone collecting for beginners

More and more art galleries and auction houses are expanding their activities to include the sale of jewellery and gemstones, which are of increasing interest to collectors. The art market is constantly offering auctions of jewels, sometimes very rare and exceptional ones. The jeweller is no longer the only source of these precious jewels; today we can acquire unusual rings, necklaces, or minerals through art-related institutions. Treating jewellery as a work of art and putting it up for auction makes the object even more valuable and carries investment potential. What is worth looking out for and what is important to know when collecting jewels? What challenges does a potential investor in jewellery and gemstones face? 

Why do we collect jewels? 

Building a jewellery or gemstone collection is a fascinating and rewarding process. Each additional piece added to the collection has its own individual character and is another form of representation of beauty. Many collectors choose to invest in gems precisely for aesthetic reasons. Visual appeal is a major asset of jewellery, while its variety in terms of style, design, or technique is an expression of the uniqueness of a particular item. Unique jewellery specimens, such as those made from rare gemstones, are increasingly being offered by auction houses, as putting such an object up for auction allows the seller to obtain a fair expert opinion and the fairest price. Another reason for collecting jewellery is its history and cultural significance. When creating any collection, it is useful to set guidelines for the specifics of the items to be collected. One popular way to systematize is to focus on jewellery from a chosen historical period or a specific cultural area. We may collect rings from the 1920s from Warsaw jewellers, 18th century French bracelets or 'fresh' sapphires, but only those mined in Sri Lanka. This categorization allows the collector to develop a knowledge not only of the jewellery, but also of the historical moment and geographical area of interest. A third reason for collecting gems is the desire to invest. Both gemstones and jewellery themselves can increase in value over time, making them attractive items for investors. Many of us already have a jewellery collection (or at least the beginning of one): a ring inherited from a grandmother, a vintage necklace from the market, a family signet ring—all these objects have value. This can be determined, among other things, by an expert working in an auction house, who will also help you sell your jewellery at the best possible auction price or advise you to wait with the transaction until a time offering a higher return on investment. Finally, a rather obvious but very important asset of jewellery collecting, namely its use. This small work of art can accompany us wherever we go, be part of our styling, represent our taste, and show our knowledge of the value of jewellery precious. Collecting jewellery or gemstones is strongly linked to the individual interests, preferences, and goals of the collector. For some, it is a way to express themselves and enjoy beauty, while others will appreciate the opportunity to invest or explore knowledge. 

The origin, characteristics, and symbolism of selected gemstones 

If you are thinking of creating or expanding your jewellery collection, or gemstones, it is worth first learning more about the individual minerals, specifically their origin, characteristics, meaning and symbolism. The following list presents the most popular stones used in the manufacture of jewellery, along with brief descriptions of their specific characteristics. 

• Diamond—the most well-known and valued gemstone. Known for its hardness, brilliance, and clarity. Diamonds are mined all over the world, including in Africa (e.g. South Africa, Botswana), Russia, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and India. The diamond symbolizes steadfastness, strength, purity and eternal love, as well as wealth and status.
• Ruby — a variety of the mineral corundum with a distinctive and intense red colour that gives it its unique appeal. Rubies are primarily mined in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Myanmar (former Burma), Sri Lanka, as well as in Africa (e.g. Tanzania, Kenya). The ruby symbolizes love, passion, energy, and courage. It is also considered a stone of luck and protection.
• Sapphire—also a variety of the mineral corundum, but found in different colours. The most well-known colour variant is, of course, blue. Sapphire is a stone prized for its durability and beautiful deep colour. It comes from the same regions as ruby, namely Southeast Asia and Africa. Sapphire is a symbol of truth, loyalty, and wisdom. 
• Emerald—a green variety of the mineral beryl. Its intense green colour and unique inclusions give it a unique charm. Emeralds are usually mined in countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. They symbolize rebirth, hope, harmony, and courage. They are also a symbol of fertility and youth.
• Beryl—comes in a variety of colours, including green (emerald), blue (aquamarine), pink (morganite) and gold (heliodor). It is prized for its clarity and variety of colours. Beryls can be found in Colombia and Brazil (emeralds), as well as in Pakistan (aquamarine). Beryl is a symbol of purification, protection, clarity, and renewal. 
• Opal—a gemstone with a distinctive play of colours and changing light reflections that make it a very attractive specimen for collectors and jewellery lovers. Opals are mainly sourced from Australia (the world's main producer of this stone), but are also mined in other regions such as Mexico, Ethiopia, and Brazil. Opal symbolizes creativity, inspiration, hope, and love. It is also considered a stone that brings good luck and protection.
• Amethyst—a purple variety of quartz, known for its beautiful colour and durability. Amethysts are widely available and found all over the world, but large quantities are mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, and Zambia. It is a symbol of peace of mind, emotional balance and spiritual protection. 
• Aquamarine—a variety of beryl with a delicate blue colour. Often mined in countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Russia. Aquamarine symbolizes peace, clarity, vision, and intuition. It is also considered a stone that drives away fear and improves communication.
• Pearl—an organic gemstone formed inside the shells of certain species of bivalves. It symbolizes beauty, innocence, and harmony.

Famous jewellery and gemstone collections

The largest collections of collectible jewellery belong to royal families, wealthy families, museum institutions and private individuals. Among monarchical collections, one of the most famous is the Royal Collection of Great Britain. This impressive collection contains crowns, diadems, necklaces, brooches, and other royal jewels that have been passed down through generations of British royalty. Historical jewellery rarities can also be found in the massive royal collections of the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. As far as museums are concerned, the most substantial jewellery collection can be found at the Washington Museum of Natural History, while an example of a private but spectacular jewellery collection is the Elizabeth Taylor Collection, containing exceptional jewellery specimens personally assembled by the legendary actress. The most famous gemstone collections can be found primarily in museums and scientific institutions, but also in the private collections of jewellers and mineral enthusiasts. Institutions with huge gemstone collections include the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the Natural History Museum in London and New York, and the Gemological Institute of America (California). One of the more important private gemstone collections belongs to Eileen Guggenheim.

As you can see, by completing your own jewellery or gemstone collection, you will be joining a distinguished group of collectors. Start your search for a new piece to add to your collection by visiting the sub-site of the Collector Jewellery Department and the Gemstone Department at Artbidy. We offer a wide selection of beautiful jewellery specimens in both categories.