The “Hot” New Collectibles An article written by Laura Thykesonm freelance writer and website owner about recent trends in the antiques and collectibles markets.
items, without quite as much emphasis on the signatures or hallmarks. Sure it’s nice to own a full parure of Miriam Haskell jewelry. But, I am more content with an unsigned, unique sterling pin for a fraction of the price, that I can actually wear and show off for a fraction of the price I would have paid for the Haskell name.
Of course, Haskell jewelry is and always will be a hot collectible in the jewelry market, but consider this. The majority of people collect her items because of the artistic appeal, unique designs and quality of the piece. Shouldn’t we judge all items we consider purchasing by those same rules, no matter who made them? I think so. I also feel that in the long run, as time goes by, those purchases made with the heart and the eyes will be the ones that we grow to love the most. Sure, Haskell jewelry is a great collectible, sure to increase in value as time goes by. But who is to say that that little pottery vase made with great form and design by a student in an art pottery studio or class will not someday be worth a small fortune? Plus, as it increases in value, if it does, you will have not paid a small fortune for it, you have admired and loved it since you bought it, and your family may now already arguing over who gets it one of these days when you go to that great auction in the sky, regardless of the market value! Items we acquire through life, if well loved and worn or displayed with pride and love, develop a value all their own. How do you think the collectibles market began? For instance, we have in our family, a beautiful and very large ewer. For years and years, it has been passed down from my grandmother, to my mother, and now my sister and I are determined that this ewer will never leave our family, if we can help it. Turns out that this ewer is a Rookwood or Roseville, and most likely worth a small fortune! Do you think that my Grandmother purchased it because of the name? No, she bought it because it was pretty and she loved the way it looked. Names meant nothing to her, she just loved the look and feel of the pottery, and it has been on constant display in our family, in one home or the other, because of where it came from, not who made it! To us it is priceless, no amount of money could ever get it away from us. To the collector, it has a set price, although it may be a large price, but that is no matter to us. We will never sell it because of the memories it holds. I always get a little giggle (not to offend anyone, it’s just my strange sense of humor...) when a dealer lists something as “An important piece
