Insofar as last week we talked about the five most popular collectible categories for men, it's time for me to get in touch with my feminine side. Thus, I put in another request to my buddy Chet (aka Chat) for a similar but female-centric list, and he/she/it spewed forth some answers. Not surprisingly, it's a very different lineup. Let's do a run-through.
First on the list were premium handbags and accessories. Even guys will recognize the big names in this space: Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and similar. In particular, the Birkin bag, heretofore relatively unknown to the male species, reached outer space in notoriety when the original prototype bag developed by Jane Birkin in 1984 recently brought an auction price in excess of $10 million. And
I thought trading cards were supremely overpriced. Anyway, smaller accessories like scarves and wallets can also sell for big coin, especially those from Miu Miu, Prada and the like. If Granny left any of those behind, it might be time to rummage through her trunk that's gathering dust in the attic.
From there we go to costume jewelry, and I'm back in sync with this one. At our gallery, costume jewelry has been wildly popular for years and continues to be so. Brooches are big at the moment, as is anything with color and glass. Rhinestones seem not as desirable lately, but pieces signed by one of the well-known midcentury designers will sell at a significant premium. This is a vast market, and it makes perfect sense when you consider the cost of precious metal jewelry these days. You can look just as good for a lot less money, and you don't have to lock everything up at night.
The third item on Chet's list is a bit puzzling. "Sentimental sculptures" — whatever that is — occupies this space, and by that I think Chet means three-dimensional decorative decor with a personal theme. Since the operative word here is "personal," I'm not sure all such items have widespread appeal. If you like horses, you might treasure a horse sculpture. If you don't, well, it's probably not going on your mantle. This one is a bit squishy for me.
Next up on the list are two items rolled into one. Popular culture and designer toys make up #4, and that can only mean the kind of stuff many of us hoped never to see again. Names like Beanie Babies, Cabbage Patch Kids, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles evoke shudders, at least in our house. Nonetheless, there are a few icons, the queen of which has to be Barbie. The first Barbie was introduced in 1959, and she still looks pretty darn good at 67 years young.
Last on Chet's list is vintage kitchenware, the likes of which Granny used to make her casseroles and meatloaf. Since I rather liked my granny's cooking, I guess I have to give at least some credit to her choice of pots, pans and utensils. Still, it might have had more to do with her liberal use of butter, sugar and whole milk. What can I say? Stuff just tasted better back in those days. Thanks, Granny.
Mike Rivkin is the former proprietor of Antique Galleries of Palm Springs. His new venture will open later this fall. Contact him at scmcorp@sbcglobal.net.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What collectibles are women looking for? Let's take a look
