Collecting Antique Lockets
Lockets evolved from ancient amulets and really became popular in the Elizabethan era. Elizabeth I wore a locket ring, containing her own portait and that of her mother, Anne Boleyn. Elizabeth was in the habit of giving jewel encrusted lockets to the likes of Francis Drake and others of her favourites. Mary Queen of Scots is supposed to have presented her servant with her locket on the eve of her execution – it is known as the Penicuik locket and is now in the Scottish National Museum. The images in antique lockets were hand painted by the leading artists of the day and could only have been afforded by the wealthy.
While we often imagine the antique locket as a token between lovers, the 17th century brought another dimension. It was not uncommon for people to wear a concealed locket containing the image of Charles I, to signal opposition to Cromwell. In the following century the Jacobite supporters would wear hidden lockets of the young Pretender. Continue reading »
Filed under Jewellery and Watches | Tags: antique lockets, Cartier, collecting antique lockets, faberge, lady hamilton, lockets, mary queen of scots, nelson, prince albert, queen elizabeth, Queen Victoria, regard locket | Comment (0)Collectable Watches
The main factor in collectability is to buy a quality brand with a long history in watch making, although just because you have bought a Cartier or Rolex does not guarantee a collectable watch, as not all models are desirable. The square Cartier Santos is always in demand but the hexagonal model is not considered to be desirable.
Brands that have always been popular with collectors are Patek Philippe, Breguet, Vacheron, Constantin and Audemars Piquet. These makers have never mass-produced and this limited supply keeps the prices high. However, you do not need to start at the top if you want to start collecting watches. The 1960s steel Omega Seamaster can be bought from about £300, while a Cartier Must Tank is around £500 and a Rolex steel Oyster Precision would cost upwards of £600. Continue reading »
Filed under Jewellery and Watches | Tags: , Audemars Piquet, Breguet, Cartier, Cartier Must Tank, Cartier Santos, collectable watches, Constantin, Omega Seamaster, Omega Speedmaster, Patek Philippe, quartz, Rolex, Rolex Oyster, Vacheron, watch, wristwatch | Comment (0)