Five Collectibles That Will Always Hold Their Value

People collect for many reasons – a personal interest or passion, a family tradition, an investment opportunity. Some types of items will probably lose their market worth in the coming years, while other collectibles will continue to earn value. Below are just five that are likely to hold or gain value.

Limoges Boxes

The famous porcelain trinket boxes were first produced in Limoges, France in the 1700s. To ensure quality control, they are produced in limited quantities. Each box comes custom-designed by master artists and with a certificate of authenticity so customers know they are getting an authentic hand-painted work of art. This tradition of quality goes back to 1764 when Louis XVI proclaimed the issuance of a “royal label of quality” to local artisans producing the boxes. European royals were known for collecting these small, intricate statement pieces. Today, Limoges boxes can be purchased through authorized dealers.

Rare Wines

According to wine connoisseurs, wine tastes best when aged well. With hundreds of types to choose from, it takes a developed palate, as well as a keen eye for trends, to determine which bottles are considered collectible items. Accumulating rare wines has surpassed classic cars in popularity as a passion investment, according to the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index.

Vintage Jewelry

The value of antique or heirloom jewelry increases over the years, especially when a piece has historical value, was commissioned as a work of art, or is embellished with real gems. Pieces from recognized brand names, such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpel, are more in demand.

Fountain Pens

Quality-crafted vintage fountain pens command attention from collectors of fine writing instruments. In this digital age, fountain pens evoke an appealing nostalgia. For modern-day collectors, Montblanc, Visconti, Grayson Tighe and Parker are just some of the well-known brand names. One especially popular model, which has gained a following in recent years, is the Montblanc Meisterstück No. 149, which has been seen in the hands of presidents and the rich and famous.

Brand Watches

Well-preserved vintage watches rank high among collectibles that will always hold their value. Over the years, the market has been dominated by well-known brands that have historically produced quality timepieces, such as Patek Philippe and Rolex. One of the most expensive collectible timepieces is a 1944 stainless steel Patek Philippe wristwatch, which fetched an impressive $2.26 million at auction, while an 1814 Breguet & Fils chronograph sold for $4.7 million in 2012.

While collectible vintage watches have withstood the test of time, modern technology has also enabled counterfeiters to create timepieces that look like the real thing. Thus, collectors always look for certificates of authenticity.