May 2017 - Page 2 of 3 - Capetown Capital

Determining Vintage Jewelry’s Value

Knowing your jewelry and its history helps determine its value. With periods like the Edwardian era, Art Deco and Mid-Century design, it’s easy to misdate your vintage beauties.

art deco saph dia ring

The worth of an estate piece depends on what style is popular at whatever time the owner decides to sell. For instance, the Art Deco period has become fashionable again, so jewelry from that period is worth more because there are more potential buyers. Some classic styles are more resistant to the ebbs and flows of fashion, like pendent necklaces or single-stone engagement ring settings. A vintage piece that is out of fashion will rarely be worth more than the gems and metals of which it’s made.

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What makes Patek Philippe stand out

There is only one Patek Philippe, and something about it catches collectors’ attention like no other luxury watch brand.

It might be the scarcity of the Swiss company’s timepieces and the technological innovation behind each watch. It might be the company’s long history and spotless reputation.

But really, it might just be the looks.

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The Patek Philippe name is synonymous with high-end timepieces, and the brand’s watches are some of the most desirable pieces to own. Throughout the company’s nearly 200-year history, its watches have been crafted by generations of family members, worn by royalty and broken records at auction houses.

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How to sell your Tiffany & Co. jewelry

Anyone presented with the iconic Tiffany blue box knows to expect something special. Tied with a satin white bow, the little box symbolizes the timeless elegance of Tiffany & Co. The brand is a mainstay in classic American style, and has maintained its popularity for nearly 200 years through innovative design and advanced technology. Tiffany & Co. pieces practically sell themselves! tiffany bag

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Championship Rings Make Great Loan Collateral

Even if you are not a football fan, it probably didn’t escape your notice that this past weekend everyone around you was obsessing over all things football. Whether you were on the edge of your seat watching every play, or were only there for the food, parties for “The Big Game” have become an American tradition . Everyone becomes obsessed with all things football even if it’s just for a weekend.

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And if your are a jewelry fan you can’t wait to see the latest over the top ring created just to commemorate winning this event. Championship rings are unmistakable, usually very large, and incorporate lots of metal and sometimes hundreds of diamonds, especially those created for the winners of “The Big Game”.

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Rolex Deepsea D-Blue Dial: A Celebration of Human Exploration

Rolex has long been dedicated to the “spirit of adventure” and has a long history of exploration. They were the first watch on the top of the world and the first watch on the bottom of the ocean.

In 2012 movie director and deep-sea explorer, James Cameron, was the first man to reach the deepest known part of the ocean, the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, on a solo dive. As part of the expedition, Rolex engineered a special watch, The Deepsea D-Blue Dial, which went on the expedition with Cameron. Only two other individuals have made this dive, Jacques Piccard and U.S. Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh, on the Bathyscaphe Trieste expedition in 1960. Rolex was also a part of this pioneering expedition when they set the record, still held today, for the deepest depth, 10,916 meters (35,814 feet) achieved by man.

rolex deepsea blue dial

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Sell Your Jewelry: Bulgari Serpenti Collection

Sotirio Bulgari founded Bulgari in Rome in 1884. He was inspired by his Greek heritage and the city of Rome. Many of the brand’s collections today are still influenced by Greek & Roman history, architecture and culture.

Due to Bulgari’s very distinct style, their jewelry is easily recognizable making it very trendy. One of their most recognizable collections is the Serpenti. The central motif of this collection is the snake, which symbolizes rebirth and transformation. They began making serpent jewelry in the 1940’s using a technique called Tubogas, which was inspired by an ancient Roman technique to make jewelry. This technique was perfect for wrapping jewelry around the arm. They utilized it in watches, using this technique for the band and a watch face where the head of the snake would be.

A Bulgari watch that utilizes the Tubogas technique, circa 1990s.

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Who will design the next iconic watch? You

The fact that a luxury Swiss watch house is reissuing one of its classic vintage timepieces isn’t a surprise. The fact that they let you design it is.

Luxury Swiss watch houses are famous for keeping their secrets closely guarded. Brands carefully screen employees and visitors, count watch parts daily and close their factory doors to the public. For many consumers, the secrecy enhances the appeal of the product and makes it even more exclusive. But one watch company is changing that by giving its customers a stake in their design.

Autavia cup

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What you need to know to invest in gold

Capetown Capital Lenders Partner & Diamond Banc Founder and President Mills Menser

There are two ways to invest in gold and precious metals: stocks in mining companies and taking physical possession of the metal, in the form of gold or silver coins and bars. With the constantly-changing market, precious metals are one of the most reliable investments available.

Capetown Capital Lenders partner and Diamond Banc founder and president, Mills Menser, has tips for investing in gold and what a first-time investor should expect.

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How to resell your sterling silver David Yurman jewelry

At Capetown Capital Lenders, our biggest asset is our expertise. As a leading reseller and lender in the jewelry industry, we’re constantly following trends and designers to better serve our customers.

Take David Yurman, for example. The brand’s pieces, like the iconic cable bracelet, are only growing in popularity. But since many of the most popular pieces are made of sterling silver, other jewelry buyers won’t even consider making an offer. However, at Capetown Capital Lenders, you can get between 15 and 25 percent of the retail value of your sterling silver David Yurman jewelry.

David Yurman sterling silver cable bracelets.

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Three things to know about selling sterling silver

Sterling silver is a popular material because it is the brightest fine metal but also one of the least expensive. Its low cost means that styles change more quickly, and sterling silver pieces might be replaced more often than gold or platinum pieces. If you have sterling silver you no longer want, make sure you know the three basics about selling your silver:

John Hardy sterling silver woven bracelet.

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