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EN You collect vintage jewellery, but where did this passion come from? This passion goes way back to my childhood. We lived above the family-run jewellers in Tourcoing. On Sundays, my father would often work on skilled pieces that he didn’t have time to do in the week. It was alongside him that I discovered all our customers’ old jewels. I saw some absolutely extraordinary pieces. And that’s what made me want to become a collector. These pieces have a rather distinctive history and were made in a particular way, making them so
unusual.
And the desire to share it with your customers?
Over the years, I acquired a collection of antique jewelry that still arouses great interest. The idea came quite naturally to me, to put my passion and my experience to- gether, in this field to the service of our customers by proposing an offer of vintage jewels.
Where do you find these pieces of jewellery?
Mainly from private sellers. When I make a valuation, the client often asks me if I’m a buyer. I also work with a few professionals whose job it is to seek out vintage jewellery and hunt for bargains throughout the whole of France. Some fellow colleagues from the north of France who aren’t collectors send me their clients. It’s important to be passionate about jewellery, and to understand this complex universe including all the different periods in order to develop this part of our profession. It’s about a cultural axis.
Are more and more people beco- ming interested in vintage jewel- lery?
Yes, as this type of jewellery is incredibly fashionable these days. The question is: is it good quality? This of- ten poses a problem, so it’s important to get the jewellery authenticated by a professional.
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