Fine Jewelry is the next "IT Bag"?

[escamillo]

Interesting discussion. During the pandemic, it seems like there was a sharp increase in interest in both branded luxury jewelry/watches and antique/vintage jewelry. But there’s an increasing concern around the economy and crime, so I think we’re due for a resurgence of “stealth wealth,” i.e. recognizable branded jewelry and bags will trend down and unbranded and antique/vintage/estate fine jewelry are likely to fill the void.

Personally, after growing up in the logomania era, I’m wary of anything too recognizable. Fortunately, the universe of recognizable jewelry is much smaller than the universe of recognizable bags, and much of it is more IYKYK vs. mass awareness. So my disposable income has long gone toward jewelry/watches and not at all toward bags.

 

[Plus Sized Luxury]

I love both luxury handbags and fine jewelry; I think both are still really hot right now! I do worry that Cartier and VCA have become over saturated on here and other social media platforms though; I hope influencers start to branch out a bit and introduce their audience to other brands. I think jewelry makes for great video content though! I love learning about the history and meaning behind the designs. Different from colorful bags, but just as fun imo.

 

[chaerimk]

I love jewelry because once you branch out, you can find pieces that are so unique that, unlike bags, can give you a very special feeling. Also, fine jewelry can be refurb cheaply to look like new. It's harder and cost more to refurb a bag that doesn't evolve changing something about the bag significantly ( repaint, recolor, etc).

I am all for people to get into jewelry, it is something that will hold it value for a long time and pass down without degrading significantly like leather.

 

[Swanky]

It is an interesting subject, interesting replies! I've always been into jewelry so nothing has changed for me, but I can see how other's shopping habits seemed to have morphed.
Is it from growing up? Spending threshold changing? Priorities changing? Social media influence?

 

[7h5f921]

I started with a love of fine jewelry. Bags were second. While my desire for new bags has waned tremendously, I still love and admire my fine jewelry and that of others. I love custom made for me that are pieces crafted with a purpose and meaning. Even the luxury (branded ) 18K and Platinum jewelry I wear has special meaning for me.

 

[chaerimk]

I feel like it is everything above. The older generation, like Millenials (the biggest group of young demographic now with high income), is all about that nostalgia now, hence why the old 80s, 90s, and 2000s are coming back in full force. I think jewelry plays a vital role in some of this generation growing up. I am a Millennial, so this speaks to me a lot. I am no longer chasing bags as I realize besides some of the ridiculous overpriced bags that we think as classic, most of them are now like fast fashion. Nothing hold true value as gold or silver or plat.

The exposure of Cartier and VCA is only very recently. These brands know that the market is open up to them. Fashion brands know that the market is shifting and I think that is why they are going steady toward Fine Jewelry nowaday.

Also, I can't remember where I got this information, but research shows that humans are fascinated by sparkly and shiny things. We can't seem to get enough of it. That is why our fascination with gold has been around for ages. A sparkly piece of jewelry will always bring more joy to me when I see them under the sun or admire them on other than a colorful bag.

 

[leechiyong]

I know I've transitioned more to fine jewelry in the past few years, but it's more tied to getting married, trying to put together a cohesive jewelry collection, and approaching satisfaction with my bag collection. There's also the fact that I can only wear one bag at a time while I wear my bridal set, two other rings, and necklace, plus a bracelet or earrings at any given time. Jewelry was something I could still wear even at home during the pandemic too, so that's played a role.

I do feel like bag prices have started to eclipse jewelry prices which has led to a shift as well. I remember the increase in popularity of the Chanel Flap from it being carried on "The Hills." It was under $3000 back then. It's tripled since and I look and think I could get two 5 motif bracelets from VCA for the same price. I'm sure prices will increase with jewelry and things will level again, but for right now it seems like the better buy, especially considering jewelry durability over bags and raw materials value, even if only a fraction of the cost.

With the push by big fashion houses, I'm sure we'll see similar price increases in the future, but in the meantime, I'm going to go buy some jewelry I've been dragging my feet on.