Sylvie Teitgen, as auctioneer at the head of the Anticthermal auction house, what is your view of the current gold market? And what advice would you give to anyone who owns one?
“I had never seen gold rise so high. A few years ago, it sold for between €3 and €4 per gram; today, we are between 25 and 35 €. I can’t promise it won’t go even higher. But if a country like Russia, owner of gold mines, suddenly came to put a lot of it on the market, that could change the situation. Which leads me to say: it’s better not to take the risk and sell now. »
But how to sell? Would the value of the yellow metal be reduced to its weight on the scale?
” Not always. And this is precisely where it becomes interesting to speak to specialists. A gold merchant will buy by weight and only by weight. In an auction room, other criteria will be taken into account, which can add sometimes substantial added value. »
An example to give us?
“Let’s take a gold coin: its numismatic value can generate a significant bonus. Recently, moreover, a piece offered by us which would have brought in 150 € per weight in gold turned out, after expertise, to date from the 15th century. Which earned him to go for € 1,700 at auction! Even imperfect, a piece can show singularities that will encourage collectors to bid higher. »
And for jewelry, again, it is better to choose to subject them to a discerning eye?
” Of course. Often, during an inheritance, people find themselves with jewelry among which they do not really know how to distinguish between gold and fantasy. You shouldn’t have a problem getting help. »
According to what criteria can the value of a jewel vary?
“It will take into account in particular the quality of jewelry, and its portability. A signet ring enclosing a coin is no longer very trendy, for example. On the other hand, at the moment, large jewels from the 50s and 60s are in great demand internationally. In France, we will see amateurs more interested in the 1930s, with art deco jewelry. Art Nouveau is also doing well. »
What can also make the difference at auction
“Perfectly. Recently, in a fairly classic lot of gold jewelry offered by one of my clients, we spotted a bracelet made by a great jeweler, which allowed it to go for 10 times its price by weight! When the object is signed Chaumet or Cartier, we necessarily change dimension. But you still have to be able to spot it. »
So, to use an anthology quote, “he’s the gold, monsignor”, let’s sell!
“Yes, that’s my advice. And on this subject, anyone who has a gold watch can really study the question: given the quantity of metal composing this type of object in general, even by weight, it is a safe bet that an interesting sum will be able to be fired! »
Next jewelry appraisal session at Anticthermal, September 8; next jewelry sale on the 15th.
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