Wearable History: Antique Jewelry from Marie Antoinette to Modern Collectors
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Antique jewelry is gaining attention as ‘wearable art’ in the luxury auction market. Once confined to paintings and sculpture, major houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s now feature rare jewels, watches and handbags as collectible art with investment value. True antique pieces—defined as more than 100 years old—carry deep historical and artistic significance distinct from vintage items (20–100 years old). Styles such as Art Nouveau (1895–1915) and Art Deco (1920–1939) remain influential, and luxury brands continue to reinterpret these aesthetics. For Korean collectors, local galleries, vintage shops and auction houses (K Auction, Seoul Auction) offer entry points, while global auctions provide wider variety but higher barriers like customs and shipping. Experts advise verifying provenance, hallmarks (진품 증명) and condition reports, and starting small to build a curated collection that balances emotional value and investment potential.
