Losing Our History: American Antique Jewelry Disappearing Forever

I just wanted to share a thought with you all out there that I have been thinking about a lot lately. As someone who cares about our history and respects objects made by artisans of the past and present, I am seeing a trend in the estate jewelry business that is in my mind criminal. Through the normal process of wear and tear many pieces of antique jewelry are lost every year. Some just wear out, others break, or get left behind in some way shape or form. This is what in my opinion makes it so special. But for those you you who do not know the market, gold, silver, and platinum is at record highs. Because of this fact, every day pieces of antique jewelry are melted down by those who value the quick cash they can get from refining it over the value of the superb workmanship and history associated with these pieces. I understand recycling something that may be broken beyond repair, but I am seeing beautiful pieces of our history being destroyed every week. The fact is that once these pieces are gone they cannot be recovered. Over the years the price of precious metals fluxuates but the beauty of a finely crafted antique will always outweigh its value of raw materials.
As an individual and a designer I try to save what I can but I am only one person. I try to educate those around me about the true value of antique pieces. I strongly urge everyone to invest in these pieces because not only are they being melted down and destroyed, but also with the relatively low exchange rate, foreign investors are buying up American Art and Jewelry. For those of you who care, we need to do out part to preserve our history.

J. Wass

J. Wass Original Designer Jewelry: Everyday designer necklace and wedding jewery selections www.jwassoriginals.com