There was a time when Chinese women would frown upon buying anything old or previously worn, especially jewellery. But times are changing as vintage and antique jewellery have come into the spotlight.
Sotheby's Asia will host an exhibition from Friday to Sunday that features a selection of more than 60 pieces from London antique jeweller SJ Phillips after a long absence from Hong Kong.
Patti Wong, chairman of Sotheby's Asia and Sotheby's Diamonds, says the demand for period and vintage jewellery has grown tremendously in Hong Kong.
'When we first brought SJ Phillips over [about six years ago], only a small group of clients were interested in period jewellery. Now our clients have expressed a growing interest for unique pieces and we wanted to offer them more outside our traditional twice-yearly sales,' she says.
Chris Del Gatto, chief executive of Circa Jewels, which specialises in buying diamonds, watches and jewellery from the public, says the company has seen a big increase in Asian collectors buying vintage or antique jewellery.
'Asian buyers are more sophisticated in their tastes and they want value for money. This type of jewellery has a craftsmanship that is hard to find in today's market. A lot of the old stereotypes are being broken down, and the younger market who are making money want to spend it on unique antique pieces,' he says.