As my collection has grown from individual pieces into complete demi-parure and grand parure sets (Juliana, VRBA, Miriam Haskell, Czech, etc), I'm realizing that valuing a collection is much more complicated than pricing a single brooch or pair of earrings. For example, I understand that I can research completed sales on eBay, Worthpoint, LiveAuctioneers, Etsy, Ruby Lane, and dealer websites to estimate a replacement cost or current market value (I wish Whatnot would have this available, or do they??). But those are historical sales, not necessarily what a comparable collection would sell for today or what it would cost to replace if it were lost. What I'm struggling with is understanding how experienced collectors and dealers determine the value of an entire collection or complete set. If I own a rare Juliana demi-parure or grand parure that might be valued around $3,000–$5,000 as a complete set, how is that figure actually determined? Is it based primarily on the last comparable sale, rarity, collector demand, replacement cost, or some combination of those factors? I'm also curious how you account for market fluctuations. For example, if only one complete set is available, scarcity can drive the price up. But if two or three collectors decide to sell comparable sets at the same time, buyers suddenly have options. How do professional appraisers, dealers, and experienced collectors adjust for those changing market conditions? Finally, for those of you who insure significant vintage costume jewelry collections, do you obtain formal appraisals? If so, what type of appraiser do you recommend, how often do you update valuations, and do you insure individual pieces, complete sets, or the collection as a whole? I'd really appreciate hearing from more experienced collectors. I wanted to post here, but I will be reaching out to some large sellers for their opinions, too. Tysm!

Today's tip may be a bit of tough for some... No customer cares what you paid, nor do they want to hear it. It's an instant vibe killer. Your customers want to know they are getting the lowest price possible. If you disclose you paid $50, can you truly expect it to sell for $85? If you paid $50 then that's the market price, why should they pay more? Why are you a better single item buyer than your customer? You are a bulk or wholesale buyer, and you may have a cost average assigned to each piece in a lot, but don't single out a single item and flap your arms while clucking on about how hard it was to buy or that you're in too deep on it... Your customers will exit the room, I promise you that. I will occasionally share a price paid with the room simply as an interesting talking point, but never from a mentality of "I paid $50 so I need to make $75". I still start the item at $10 and let the room dictate what it's actually worth. I understand you may not have 50 people in your room, so start it at half market price so you don't take a huge hit. You will ALWAYS sell some items at a loss. If you aren't missing on a few pieces every show, you're not growing. The following phrases I hear all the time, and I urge you to cut every one of them out of your sales flow: - I paid up for this - I paid X dollars for this - I need to get AT LEAST X dollars for this - This was expensive - I paid too much for this - I got carried away on this one - I don't have much room on this Set an asking price, start the auction, tell everyone why they should buy it, hit the gas and if you don't have a different item in your hands in 22 seconds, you're in the wrong industry. Fondly written with 🐢 noises and NOT ai, Brad/threefortytwo

Hey friends! Saw this TikTok and found it soooo good for dating cameos but also need to find this book now. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTSh6Nxuv/

Hi Everyone, I’m new on the Florenza Skool Wagon. This looks similar yet different. Yes or No? Thank you 🙂

Hi friends, I’m on a hunt to purchase the Ann Pittman Juliana reference book.. anyone have one for sale or know the best place to find one? 🩷. Thank you