Five Facets: An Expert’s Guide to High Jewelry Investing with TheDiamondsGirl, Tracey Ellison

Tracey Ellison is a South Africa born fine jewelry lover, who previously consulted to Fortune 100 companies on winning customer service strategies. While she loved helping companies develop loyal brand ambassadors, her heart lay elsewhere….in jewelry. This passion led her to become the leading jewelry social media influencer known as, TheDiamondsGirl. She shares her love of beautifully crafted pieces through her daily Instagram feed, featuring original content from luxury jewelers including, Graff, Cartier, and Harry Winston as well as creative upcoming talent. With a highly desired opinion in the jewelry market, Tracey has first hand insight into the world of  “HJ”and gives Park Magazine her expert advice on the five facets of high jewelry investing.

 

FACET 1- Can you give buyers/investors insight into current mining conditions and what changes have you seen that are affecting the market?

 

Consumers are more educated – they are questioning origins of diamonds and gemstones and want to be sure they are supporting fair mining practices. Evidence of this market shift can be seen in the recent decision made by Harry Winston to no longer source rubies from Burma, a mining region fraught with reports of widespread conflict and human rights abuses. Mining companies like De Beers are placing massive resources into giving back to mining communities – to ensure the wellbeing of both the people and the environment impacted by the process.

 

…Of course one also needs to keep in mind the significant advances made in technology, resulting in an influx of lab grown diamonds entering the market. This too has an impact on the industry, as buyers have the choice to now purchase larger stones for less. It’s a personal choice – for me, the beauty of a diamond is that it’s been created over millions of years by nature, not in a laboratory in six weeks!

 

 

FACET 2-  What are the 3 main points to investing in jewelry, I.E. stamped, signatures…

 

1. I would never recommend purchasing a diamond over a carat without a reputable certificate, such as a GIA certification. That’s the starting block, and creates transparency so the purchaser is very clear on what they are buying.

 

2. Buy from a reputable source. Whether you are buying retail from a brand like Tiffany or Cartier, or whether you are buying from a smaller, independent jeweler, do your homework and ensure the reputation of the jeweler and the quality of the piece.

 

3. Understand why you are making the purchase. Is it for everyday wear? Is it a significant piece to be handed down from generation to generation? Not every jewelry purchase is an investment. I have purchased pieces because I love the design, and enjoy wearing it. The pleasure derived from wearing a great piece of jewelry that matches your personality is priceless.

 

FACET 3- What are 3 current jewelry trends?

 

1. Pieces that transform – More than ever jewelry houses are understanding that customers want value, and want flexibility. So pieces are being beautifully designed to be worn in more than one way. For example, diamond drop earrings, where the diamond drop can be removed, leaving the wearer with a cluster/stud earring that’s perfect for daily wear. My first experience with jewelry that transforms was with the iconic Van Cleef and Arpels zipper necklaces – each one can be transformed into a bracelet!

 

2. Fancy cut diamonds – More requests are coming through for pear shape, oval, heart shape, and emerald cut diamonds! The days of automatically purchasing a round brilliant cut diamond for an engagement ring are over, and fancy cut shapes are strongly in demand.

 

3. Layering and stacking – A trend I love! Whether it’s an arm stacked up with Cartier bracelets, or a neck with four to five different necklaces being worn at once, there is a sentiment of more is more, and I’m seeing people have so much fun mixing and matching different brands to wear at once.

 

 

FACET 4 – What are 3 estate/ vintage brands to look for?

 

1. Vintage Van Cleef is always treasured, and always in demand. The pieces retain their value, and while jewelry style evolves over time, VCA pieces have that knack of always looking fresh and current.

 

2. It’s not a brand or an estate, but old mine cut diamonds are having such a moment! These rare diamonds can date as far back as the 14th century, and while they have a distinct look about them, each one is unique, as they were cut by hand, and dimensions differ from stone to stone.

 

3. I adore visiting Fred Leighton in New York. They have original, signed Fred Leighton pieces, as well as vintage pieces from houses like Tiffany’s, Cartier, and David Webb. It’s a treasure trove!

 

 

FACET 5 – What are 3 up and coming brands/designers to watch for?

 

1. Alice Van Cal – launched in 2018, Alice creates jewelry that is beautiful, meaningful, and timeless! Every piece relates to a personal journal, and is designed with so much thought behind it. My favorite is the rainbow bracelet, made with princess cut rainbow sapphires and diamonds set in white, yellow, or rose gold.

 

2. Araya – I’ve met this dynamic husband and wife team on several occasions, and each time I’m in awe of their designs and creativity! Dubai based Ashni and Sidhant Kothari are fifth generation jewelers, and launched their own brand, ARAYA, which is a private jeweler specializing in crafting exceptional modern high jewelry. With access to the finest gemstones and meticulous craftsmanship, ARAYA delivers one of a kind pieces of art.

 

3. Sybarite Jewelry – Margarita Prykhodko founded Sybarite in 2012. Russian born, living in London, she has a background in architecture and engineering, and has used her skills and talents to create one of a kind pieces that are beautiful to look at, unique, and also fun! Her creations are full of movement – ballerinas twirl on her rings as your hand moves – and each one is truly a design masterpiece.

 

As trends in the market evolve, the same can be said of demographics. What are your thoughts on “self-purchasing” women and millennials entering the luxury market?

 

Absolutely!!! My very first paycheck went on a pair of small diamond studs, and I’ve continued to purchase and invest in jewelry ever since. I would choose a new piece of jewelry over a new handbag any day! There is no reason to wait to be gifted a jewelry item, if you have worked hard, and can afford to reward yourself, then don’t hesitate.

 

To stay in the loop on the hottest jewelry trends follow Tracey on instagram @thediamondsgirl