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Walking around this year’s Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show was an eye-opening moment for me. What struck me most was just how many stands there were — 231, to be exact.
It was my first time, and I made the assumption — due to the scale of the event — that it must be a hybrid show for consumers and wholesalers. Many trade exhibitions, including Vicenzaoro, GemGenève, and Watches and Wonders, now open up to collectors as well. I put this question to a dealer, who told me no — this was all business.
About 4,000 retailers walked the halls over the course of that edition. I found myself thinking how extraordinary it was that the industry could support so many estate-jewelry wholesalers. As a barometer for this segment of the market, the turnout was a hugely positive sign.
There are so many reasons that estate jewelry feels right just now. These vintage and antique pieces tap into the zeitgeists for circularity and storytelling, the drive for unique purchases, and the move to more considered budgets, especially in these times of sky-high gold prices. This is a market segment with flair and personality — as well as serious commercial potential.
In the latest issue of Rapaport Magazine, we speak to leading dealers and retailers about the who, what, why, where and how of selling the jewels of the past to the buyers of today.
Main image: Rachael Taylor, editor in chief of Rapaport Magazine. (Charlie Merchant)
