Statement Investment Pieces That Improve with Age
If you’ve managed to accumulate a little bit of money, then you might already be wondering what to spend it on. Certain investments will appreciate over time, and provide worthwhile protection against inflation. Others might provide you with pleasure in the here and now.
But there’s a third option: investments that not only appreciate over time, but that also improve your quality of life in the present. Here we’re talking about designer watches, collectables, artworks, and wearable items. In particular, high-quality clothing can often make a far better option as far as investment is concerned. These items will last longer and resist wear and tear. If you know the right tailor, you can even get them adapted to fit you – even as the shape of your body changes over time.
What are some common investment pieces?
So, exactly what kinds of items are worth considering as an investment? There are a few to consider. Dresses tend to work nicely, as do certain kinds of high-quality jewellery. At the top of the tree, however, are designer handbags. These are highly sought-after by collectors, and they tend to resist wear and tear, especially if you invest in a hook with which to hang yours from the table when you sit down for a coffee.
Why do some pieces appreciate in value over time?
Certain items will tend to appreciate, while others plummet in value. Why is this?
If you’re considering making a large investment, then you’ll want to reacquaint yourself with the laws of supply and demand. The greater the demand for an item, relative to the supply, the more you’ll be able to charge for it in the future. Thus, sought-after items that are in very short supply tend to be valuable.
Would-be buyers have only limited knowledge of the quality of your item, of course, and so they’ll often use known qualities, like the manufacturer’s name, as a shorthand for quality in general. Thus, a no-name bag will tend to depreciate in a way that a Chanel one does not. The same principle ensures the value of Rolex and Tudor watches.
Why is it important to look after pieces of value
Of course, even an item from a reputable name might lose its value over time if it isn’t looked after in the right way. Scuff marks, loose mechanisms, and discoloration can all contribute.
Proactive maintenance, and the right storage, can be viewed as a way to protect your investment. In the case of jewellery, you’ll want to track down a box that’s lined with velvet and that restricts the movement of the items you’re storing.
It’s particularly important to consider the environment you’re taking an item into, and the kinds of activity you’re doing. Don’t play sports while wearing a rare football shirt. Don’t go swimming while wearing a designer bracelet.
