Statement Investment Pieces That Improve With Age
‘Investing’ isn’t the most approachable term for the average person. It conjures to mind the inscrutable graphs, charts and tickers of the stock market, and scrupulous day traders using arcane knowledge to broker big-money deals; a far cry from the various financial avenues with which households are more familiar – and comfortable – with engaging.
But savings accounts aren’t a reliable plan for financial longevity, past storing value. Interest rates are variable, and tending to the small side once again. If you want not just to store your money, but to see it grow, you need to invest it. Yes, there are vehicles by which you can benefit from the movements of markets around the world, but a more accessible starting point might be investment in assets. Your house is one such asset, but what about something a bit more liquid? Here, we’re talking about investment pieces.
What are some common investment pieces?
An investment piece is simply a high-value personal item you buy and keep. The most common kinds of investment pieces are wearables – typically jewellery or timepieces –, but there are other high-value possessions that can also be an excellent store of value. Lighters, for instance, enjoy a healthy second-hand market.
Watches, though, are an especially exciting form of investment piece – thanks to an active market, a continued interest in upholding old watchmaking traditions, and a low barrier of entry for people new to collecting or investing. Rolex watches are amongst the most famous on the planet, and many older Rolexes are phenomenal long-term investments.
Why do some pieces appreciate in value over time?
Now, there is a difference between buying vintage curios as a hobby, and making serious long-term investments in statement investment pieces. If you are shrewd enough, such an item can be a good store of value – meaning it won’t depreciate in value over time, owing to continued interest in it and its qualities. Investment pieces, though, are pieces that appreciate in value over time, whether due to increasing scarcity or interest.
Spotting investment pieces that will give you such returns isn’t easy. It requires significant research into the niche you’re buying from – and, likely, a significant initial investment, owing to the existing value of such a product. There’s also no guarantee that such returns will be realised; what if more of that item are discovered, diluting the market? This is the risk you accept when investing in statement pieces with financial gain in mind, and one only somewhat mitigated with good foreknowledge of your niche.
Why is important to look after pieces of value
It shouldn’t come as any surprise, then, that statement pieces like watches and jewellery need to be kept in their best possible condition, to ensure at least a retention of their value. Regular cleanings are non-negotiable, even if you aren’t the type to wear your pieces; metal can corrode if left to its own devices, and complex mechanical systems can corrode or fuse if not properly checked-up.
Top photo by Tahlia Doyle via Unsplash
