Antique jewellery dealers are seeing robust demand from Asians who have become more educated and discerning buyers over the years. 

Germany-based Gemolithos, for instance, sold to customers from China, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and India at a Hong Kong jewellery show in June. 

Ioannis Alexandris, antique jewellery specialist and founder of Gemolithos, said buyers were interested in a wide range of items, from Art Deco jewellery to more expensive Art Nouveau pieces. 

Market demand has also evolved over the years. He explained, “The market has changed from 10 years ago. Chinese buyers back then would purchase everything. Now, they have become more selective and educated.”

A more knowledgeable client understands quality and the true value of an antique jewellery piece, which makes it easier to sell, added Alexandris. 

Demand for antique jewellery in Asia rose exponentially during the Covid-19 pandemic, revealed Gilles Zalulyan, founder and director of Palais Royal Hong Kong Ltd. Chinese buyers are leading the growth, he noted.

“There was a massive growth in demand at the time because people had more time to study and learn about antique jewellery,” he explained. “Customers have become more interested in wearing one-of-a-kind jewellery, so they favour bespoke antique pieces.”

Zalulyan also pointed to continuing consumer education as a game changer in the antique jewellery business. “Chinese clients are very quick learners. We see a shift towards antique pieces. There is more interest in the market,” he noted.

Buyers also view antique jewellery as an investment piece that can be passed on to future generations, specifically among Asian customers. This is a stark contrast to US clients who typically buy jewellery and resell it after two years.

There is ample room for growth as Chinese buyers become increasingly more sophisticated and refined in their luxury choices. Zalulyan noted, "I expect stronger demand from China this year compared to 2023. I often travel to China and I see that the potential is still there, especially for high-end, expensive pieces."