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Modernist 18 Karat Rose Gold and Mandarin Orange Garnet Ring by Peter Barr

Photo Credit: gemcitygems

Modernist 18 Karat Rose Gold and Mandarin Orange Garnet Ring by Peter Barr

Buy It Now Price: $1,700 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)

Pros:

-This is a breathtaking modernist 18 karat rose gold ring set with a vivid 1.65 carat Mandarin orange garnet of excellent quality.

-The ring was designed by Peter Barr, an award winning jeweler who currently operates out of his gallery in Corpus Christi, Texas. He only produces custom designs, so you will never find an identical ring by his hand.

-The ring is hallmarked with “18K” gold and Peter Barr’s maker’s mark.

-This modernist orange garnet ring weighs in at a substantial 11.3 grams. Jewelry that is very heavy for its size often indicates high quality construction. That is certainly the case in this instance.

-With gold currently trading at $1,319.40 per troy ounce, the melt value of the ring is about $360. The Mandarin garnet mounted in the ring is worth anywhere from $150 to $250 per carat, or $247 to $412 for the gem. I estimate the total intrinsic value of the ring between $607 and $772.

-This ring is really a masterpiece of modernist design. Its use of textured rose gold as a subtle contrast to the fine Mandarin orange garnet centerpiece is a stroke of artistic genius. Based on its superlative attributes, this piece of jewelry is almost certain to experience strong price appreciation in the future.

Cons:

-The ring’s $1,700 cost might seem high given that the intrinsic value of the piece is only $772 at most. That means the ring’s intrinsic value constitutes a maximum of 45% of its asking price. But this ring is so well designed and executed that it is worth significantly more than the sum of its parts.

-This ring is relatively recent, having been created no earlier than the 1990s. In fact, it is probably from the early 2000s. That means it will be many decades before this vintage ring completely seasons into a full-fledged antique.

-The creator of this modernist ring is still making jewelry today. It may be possible to buy a similar, although not identical, piece directly from him for less money. I must admit that I find this prospect extremely remote, however. His work will not come cheaply.

Antique English Sterling Silver Creamer and Sugar Set from the Victorian Era

Photo Credit: Nelson-And-Nelson-Antique-Silver

Antique English Sterling Silver Creamer and Sugar from the Victorian Era

Buy It Now Price: $420 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)

Pros:

-This is a photogenic English sterling silver creamer and sugar set with a gilt interior. It was created by the silversmith John Keith in London in 1859, during the heart of the Victorian era.

-Creamers, also known as cream pitchers, (for holding milk) and sugars (for holding sugar) first became popular in the British Isles during the early 18th century due to the rapid adoption of tea as the national drink. A fine sterling silver set would have been de rigueur in the household of any wealthy or well-to-do Victorian Britain.

-The creamer measures 5.25 inches (13.3 cm) tall by 6.33 inches (16.1 cm) long by 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) wide, while the sugar is 4.75 (12.1 cm) tall by 9 inches (22.9 cm) long by 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide.

-The set weighs in at a very hefty 16 troy ounces or 498 grams. That is nearly half a kilogram of sterling silver! At the current silver spot price of $19.75 per troy ounce, the set would scrap for over $292.

-The slightly bulbous shape, massive form and heavy construction of this sterling silver creamer and sugar set are consistent with a mid 19th century attribution. The set’s hallmarks also confirm this time period.

-The set is in excellent condition, with no visible dents, dings, cracks or repairs. It also has a wonderfully mellow, satiny patina.

-Antique silver offers a lot of bargains today because it is often viewed as being “old fashioned” or “out of step” with the modern household. But things that are out of fashion today inevitably come back into fashion tomorrow.

-This sterling silver creamer and sugar set is a phenomenal deal. At the asking price of $420, this 150 year old set is only selling for a modest 44% premium over its melt value.

Cons:

-This sterling silver creamer and sugar set could be an anachronism in your kitchen if you don’t drink coffee or tea. Of course, it would also be just as useful (and sumptuous) accompanying your morning breakfast cereal.

-Sterling silver hollowware was produced in large quantities in Victorian England and is not particularly rare today. Even so, this sterling silver creamer and sugar set is of exceptional quality.

-The monolithic, ponderous tendencies of Victorian silver are not currently in vogue. Although it requires a great deal of patience, this preference is likely to change over the coming decades.

Vintage 1930s Waterman Patrician Onyx Fountain Pen

Photo Credit: Central-Jersey-Estate-Liquidators

Vintage 1930s Waterman Patrician Onyx Fountain Pen

Buy It Now Price: $799 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)

Pros:

-This is a vintage Patrician model Waterman fountain pen with onyx finish. It was produced between 1930 and 1933, during the dark days of the Great Depression.

–Waterman – along with competitor Mountblanc – is considered the Rolls Royce of vintage fountain pen manufacturers. Their pens were consistently made to the highest standards with the best quality materials.

-Patrician fountain pens were meticulously assembled by hand from over 300 individual pieces. They are truly a masterpiece of vintage fountain pen craftsmanship.

-These were expensive, high-end luxury pens, priced at $10 each during a global depression – equivalent to about half an ounce of gold.

-This Patrician Waterman fountain pen exudes stately 1930s Art Deco style. It is made from translucent, mottled celluloid in the so-called “onyx” color.

-Because the celluloid tended to discolor easily, Onyx Patrician fountain pens are difficult to find with good color. This fountain pen exhibits excellent color.

-The hard red rubber parts on the cap and the base of the pen barrel have a propensity to crack easily. However, these red rubber parts are completely intact on this Waterman Patrician.

-This pen’s “furniture” or exposed metal parts, only very show minor “brassing” or wear to its gold plating. This is notable because most vintage fountain pens over 80 years old show moderate to extensive brassing.

-This Waterman Patrician pen has a wonderful, original solid gold alloy nib. These original nibs are highly prized for the fluidity with which they allow the wielder to write.

-This Patrician fountain pen looks fantastic and underscores why Waterman pens are so highly prized in the fountain pen collecting community. Although it isn’t in perfect shape, the asking price of $799 is actually quite reasonable for such an iconic pen.

Cons:

-This pen is unserviced and being sold “as is”.

-The metal filling lever attached to the barrel of this pen is slightly bent. It could be replaced, but a part would have to be sourced and a pen repair specialist enlisted. This would cost additional money and time.

-$799 is expensive for a fountain pen; few other vintage pens cost more than this. Ironically, however, it is still relatively cheap for a Waterman Patrician fountain pen. This model of pen, when in functioning, fully serviced condition easily sells for over $1,000.

-The Waterman Patrician model is known for being somewhat fragile and finicky. This, coupled with its high price tag, effectively disqualifies the pen from everyday use.

Antique 0.32 Carat Fancy Colored Old Mine Cut Champagne Diamond

Photo Credit: MyDiamondZone

Antique 0.32 Carat Fancy Colored Old Mine Cut Champagne Diamond

Buy It Now Price: $169 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)

Pros:

-This is a 0.32 carat fancy colored old mine cut diamond, measuring 4.24 millimeters by 4.37 millimeters.

–Old mine cut diamonds tend to emphasize fire (multi-colored flashes of light) over brilliance (pinpricks of white light). This lends an enticing warmth and charisma to old cut stones that is lacking in modern brilliant cut diamonds.

-The old mine cut was developed in the early 18th century and remained popular until the late 19th century. The quintessential Victorian diamond, old mine cut diamonds look amazing in both candlelight and gas light.

-Fancy brown diamonds are also known as champagne diamonds. This exceptionally attractive stone rates around C3 – a pleasing light chocolate brown – on a scale of C1 (least intense color) to C7 (most intense color).

-This diamond has a relatively round, regular shape which is uncommon for an old mine cut stone. Most old mine cut diamonds are distinctly cushion shaped. Having been hand cut, it also isn’t unusual for old mine cut diamonds to be obviously asymmetrical – a negative trait absent in this specimen.

-Although the inclusions (flaws) look very noticeable in the photo above, in reality they will barely be visible to the naked eye. It is normal for old mine cut stones to be more included than modern cut stones – a factor that should be considered when determining the value of older cut diamonds.

-The buy it now price on this fancy colored champagne diamond is only $169, which works out to a mere $528 per carat. That is remarkably inexpensive, especially for a fancy colored diamond with so much eye appeal and charm.

-I don’t normally do this, but I’m going to reiterate how ridiculously cheap $169 is for an old mine cut champagne diamond of this caliber. Pricing typically trends from $300 to $500 for a stone of this size and quality.

Cons:

-This diamond, at 0.32 carats, is definitely on the small side for an investment grade stone. It is generally not advisable to purchase old mine cut or old European cut diamonds smaller than 0.25 carats for investment purposes.

-The seller claims this stone has a clarity grade of SI2 (better) to I1 (worse). I believe it falls closer to I1 clarity. This is on the edge of the acceptable range for investment grade old mine cut diamonds. However, given the fact that the diamond’s flaws don’t interfere with its optical properties, it is still a desirable stone.

-Some people prefer their diamonds to be as white as possible. If you are that person, a champagne colored diamond – old mine cut or not – isn’t for you.

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