Real examples of what we’ve bought before

Over the years, our specialists have handled an extraordinary variety of pieces. We’ve bought single Victorian signet rings found loose in drawers, entire collections of mixed costume and fine jewellery from downsized homes, and inherited boxes containing everything from pearl strands and enamel brooches to jet necklaces and coral pieces.

We regularly see antique lockets still holding original photographs, Art Deco bracelets set with diamonds and coloured stones, and early plastic jewellery from the 1930s that owners assumed had no value at all. Broken chains, single earrings, tangled necklaces, and damaged rings are also commonly purchased, as age and material value often outweigh condition.

Trinket boxes, vintage jewellery boxes, tie pins, stick pins, and gentleman’s accessories are frequently included in mixed consignments and can be surprisingly sought after by collectors.

More than just jewellery

While jewellery is a major focus, Antique Buying Collective also buys a wide range of related antiques and collectables. Watches, silver and silver-plate items, medals and militaria, vintage cameras, coins, small decorative antiques, and mixed estate items are often sent together for assessment.

Many customers choose to send everything in one box rather than trying to identify individual items themselves — a sensible approach, as unexpected pieces often turn out to be the highlights.

Jewellery Brands & Makers we’re always interested in

Alongside age and craftsmanship, maker and brand recognition can play an important role in determining value. Over the years, the Antique Buying Collective has bought and sold jewellery from many well-known names, as well as lesser-known workshops whose quality speaks for itself.

Signed pieces from prestigious houses are consistently sought after. Jewellery by Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Boucheron, and Van Cleef & Arpels often attracts strong interest, even when items are worn or incomplete. Early pieces from these makers, particularly from the Art Deco and mid-20th-century periods, are especially desirable.

British jewellery houses also feature regularly in collections we assess. Work by Asprey, Mappin & Webb, and Garrard is frequently encountered, sometimes in understated designs that owners don’t immediately recognise as significant.

Designer gold jewellery from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s is another area of growing interest. Pieces by Bulgari and Chopard often appear in mixed consignments, as do bold statement designs influenced by modernist and retro styles.

Importantly, a lack of signature doesn’t mean a lack of value. Many antique and early 20th-century jewels were produced by highly skilled workshops that never marked their work. Our experts assess these pieces on construction, materials, and design — an approach long advocated by respected antiques authorities such as Eric Knowles, who has consistently emphasised the importance of understanding the object itself, not just the name attached to it.

If you think you may have a signed piece — or something that simply looks well-made — it’s always worth having it checked by a specialist.