There’s a fresh sparkle in the world of antique jewellery – and it’s coming from a new generation of collectors.
As featured in a recent ABC News article by Molly Slattery called “Young couples on a budget are turning to jewellery of the past”, more young people are falling in love with the charm, quality, and story behind estate jewellery. Whether it’s repurposing heirloom diamonds into modern settings or selecting vintage rings for ethical and personal reasons, this trend is growing fast; Abbeys Auctions are seeing this shift with Melbournians and the Fine Jewellery & Timepieces auction.
Melanie Fahey (left), our in-house Jewellery Specialist and qualified Gemologist and Diamond Technologist, says the shift is a welcome one:
“It’s lovely to see so many younger people wanting to retain a piece of the past. Estate jewellery has so much character – and the quality often surpasses what’s available in retail today.”
Buying at auction is a clever way to source quality materials like diamonds, sapphires, and gold at competitive prices. Many buyers now bid on antique rings or brooches specifically to reuse the stones or melt down the gold, creating custom, one-of-a-kind pieces with both personal and historical significance – and often at a fraction of the retail cost. Of course, others simply fall in love with the original antique settings, recognising the craftsmanship and story behind the piece as a whole. For these buyers, it’s not just about the materials – it’s about preserving something meaningful and beautiful that has stood the test of time.
At Abbeys, you’ll find a wide range of antique and vintage jewellery across both our Classics Collection and Fine Jewellery & Timepieces auctions. From Edwardian brooches and Deco-era rings to one-of-a-kind timepieces, each item is a chance to own a unique piece of history – or make it your own.
Our Fine Jewellery Auctions take place every two months – please check out our latest online catalogues to view all jewellery items across all auctions!
