Aug 5, 2025
Age Isn’t Just a Number in Jewelry Valuation
When people ask, “Is my vintage jewelry worth more than something I bought recently?” they’re really asking:
“Which pieces in my collection have the most equity potential—if I were to sell or take out a loan?”
It’s a smart question.
Because while age can add value, not all vintage jewelry is created equal—and not all modern jewelry is destined to hold value.
At Xammany Luxury, we help clients unlock the true worth of their fine jewelry, whether it’s an Art Deco diamond ring from the 1920s or a brand-new Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra pendant. This guide will walk you through:
What defines “vintage” and “modern” in the jewelry world
The key factors that influence equity value
Examples of vintage and modern pieces with strong loan/resale performance
How to determine which of your pieces have lasting financial potential
What Counts as Vintage or Modern Jewelry?
Vintage Jewelry: Generally 20 to 100 years old. Think Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro (40s–50s), and Mid-Century styles.
Antique Jewelry: Over 100 years old. Victorian and Georgian pieces fall here.
Modern Jewelry: Typically made within the last 10–15 years, often branded or trending in current retail spaces.
While modern jewelry is often purchased new from a retailer, vintage jewelry may have been inherited, bought at auction, or sourced from estate sales. And both can carry substantial financial value—depending on key traits.
Factors That Influence Jewelry Equity Value (Regardless of Age)
Whether vintage or modern, your jewelry’s equity potential is based on a combination of:
Brand / Provenance
Vintage signed pieces from Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, or Bvlgari hold strong value.
Modern branded pieces from the same houses (especially limited editions) are also highly loanable.
Craftsmanship & Materials
Hand-fabricated vintage pieces often display intricate, lost-to-time craftsmanship.
Modern pieces with flawless finishes and higher gold content (18K vs. 10K) perform well.
Stone Quality
Diamond and gemstone grading still applies: cut, color, clarity, and carat.
Vintage diamonds may have Old Mine or European cuts, which appeal to collectors but may appraise differently than modern GIA standards.
Condition
Mint condition vintage pieces can command a premium.
Modern pieces that show heavy wear may drop in value—even if relatively new.
Market Demand / Trends
Art Deco and Retro pieces are trending.
Contemporary minimalist diamond bands are also hot on resale platforms.
Example 1: Cartier Panthère Brooch (1980s)
Original Retail: ~$10,000
Current Auction Value: $20,000–$35,000
Why: Highly collectible, iconic motif, brand pedigree, and rising rarity.
Example 2: Art Deco Diamond Ring (circa 1925)
Retail Today: $3,000–$5,000
Loan Value: 50–70% of appraised resale value
Why: Original settings, platinum craftsmanship, and collectible Old European cut stones.
Example 3: Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Vintage Cuff
Resale Demand: Extremely strong
Equity Loan Value: Comparable to current retail of new Tiffany
Why: Scarce production + recognizable design = asset-grade jewelry
When Vintage Wins
Signed by a known designer or brand
Excellent condition and original parts
Historically significant or collectible style
Includes paperwork or box (when available)
Modern Jewelry: Fresh Styles with Strong Resale Power
Example 1: Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace (Current)
Retail: ~$5,500
Current Resale Value: $4,000–$4,800
Loan Value: ~60–70% depending on condition
Why: Iconic design, consistent demand, easily authenticated
Example 2: Cartier Love Bracelet (New, with Screwdriver)
Retail: ~$7,350
Resale: $5,500–$6,500
Why: Timeless branding, strong buyer demand, excellent loan collateral
Example 3: David Yurman Cable Bracelets
Resale Range: $300–$1,200
Loan Value: Lower but reliable for repeat clients
Why: Brand visibility, mid-range luxury appeal
When Modern Wins
Popular, recognizable designs (e.g., Cartier, VCA, Tiffany)
Condition is pristine or like-new
Paperwork, boxes, receipts included
Market demand remains consistent
So… Which Has More Equity Potential—Vintage or Modern?
Vintage Jewelry Wins When:
It’s branded, rare, and in excellent shape
It tells a story (e.g., Art Deco, Victorian)
There’s collector demand or auction interest
Modern Jewelry Wins When:
It’s from a powerhouse brand
It’s still trending or limited release
You have documentation, and it’s in mint condition
Age doesn’t determine value—relevance, rarity, and quality do.
How Xammany Luxury Evaluates Vintage vs. Modern Jewelry for Equity Loans
At Xammany, we use a dual-lens approach:
Market-Based Appraisal: We evaluate your piece against current demand, brand history, and past auction results.
Emotional Context & Intention: We understand that jewelry isn’t just gold and stones—it’s memory and meaning.
Whether you’re looking to loan against a Cartier vintage ring or sell a new Tiffany necklace, we provide:
Transparent evaluations
Confidential consultations
Fair loan terms based on real market insight
White-glove service, every step of the way
Not Sure Which of Your Pieces Are Worth the Most? Let’s Talk.
You might be sitting on significant equity—whether it’s a grandmother’s Art Deco cocktail ring or a barely-worn Bvlgari modern pendant.
Our expert team will walk you through what’s valuable now, what might increase in value, and how to unlock liquidity without letting go—unless you're ready.
