Jewelry Of Yesterday Funds Tomorrow March 23, 2000 – Posted in: Press
Guest Author: TOBINA KAHN
Published: March 23, 2000
Skyline News
Everyone’s life has become increasingly dominated by the frantic dictates of the working calendar. Cell Phones, fax machines, e-mails, and the quest for quicker internet connections only seem to emphasize the fast paced millennium. In fact, technology developments of recent years underscore the idea that faster is better and this attitude has profoundly affected the average person’s approach to living.
Jewel heirlooms, like these, are being cashed in.
A generation ago, greater consideration was given to seemingly minute details such as entertaining and how one dressed for it. The everyday woman was much more formally attired. A luncheon suit and hat were considered common place. Jewels, opulent, sparkling bracelets and necklaces were worn to cocktail parties or nights our dancing.
Today, formal clothing and big bold jewelry has been left by the wayside. Many adhere to an easier to maintain pared down style. With commitments to home and work, the modern woman’s life is fast paces and intersects different public and private spheres. Consequently, her style has become simpler and more streamlined. Working women and busy mothers alike prefer chic, low maintenance fashion when it comes to dress or jewelry that both works from the office and out to dinner, emphasis is on practicality.
Though appreciation for the fine jewelry is still widespread, people no longer wear overstated showpieces on a regular basis. As a result, individuals have decided increasingly to trade in their mother and grandmother’s jewels. Likewise, antique items such as sterling tea sets and tureen are now being sold for cash. While life has become more hectic, people have found ways to simplify it and make it more manageable. This included taking inventory of what is and is not necessary or useful.
I don’t get out the way I used to.” says an older customer, “And I don’t entertain like before, if my children had a use for my type of jewelry, I might give it to them, but they don’t. Instead of letting those beautiful pieces accumulate dust, cluttering my closet in boxes or on my dresser, I decided to get rid of what I no longer use.”
The money paid for estate jewelry and antique items can be considerable. If brought to a private buying office such as the House of Kahn in downtown Chicago and in Palm Beach, Fla. a check can be issued the same day for an exchange.
People choose to liquidate their assets for a variety of reasons. Most commonly they want to fund ventures in the stock market or invest in their children’s education. On the other hand, individuals may simply want to empty their closet or safety deposit box. Whatever the reason, people often discover there is quite a market for older jeweled pieces that no longer serve a purpose in everyday life, except to cash it in and watch the investments grow.