IN CONVERSATION WITH: SUSAN CAPLAN
Striking and elegant: welcome to the world of Susan Caplan – a luxury vintage collection named after the curator herself.
With couture fashion houses from Chanel and Givenchy to Yves Saint Laurent, Caplan's pieces redefine vintage as a contemporary fashion accessory.
Trying to differentiate between an authentic piece and a knockoff can be tricky, though, so if you can't bring Susan with you on your next treasure hunt, bring along some of her expert advice on how to pick out a prime piece.
FIND THE DESIGNER STAMP
When perusing for an authentic designer piece, first check the manufacturer's stamp. Most quality pieces of jewellery will have been labelled upon production. Chanel branded their pieces with the "CHANEL" logo and at times included a date stamp – they are an example of a label whose stamps evolved over the years. Familiarising yourself with the various ways that manufacturer's stamped their jewellery is a great way to weed out the frauds.
CHECK THE WEIGHT
Don't forget to hold the piece in your hand and feel its weight; an authentic piece of jewellery is more likely to be heavier than its fake counterpart.
OVERALL HEALTH
A good piece of jewellery will age well if looked after properly. Check for general signs of wear and tear when picking out a piece you want to have for years. The item shouldn't have any signs of rust or faulty joints. If the piece has stones in it, don't be afraid to tap it gently on a surface to make sure they're not loose.
INVEST IN THE NEW AND OLD
Susan explains that investing in great contemporary designers is a worthwhile pursuit. "A little patience is key," she explains. So who should we be keeping our eyes out for? Alexis Bittar and Mawi are the brands she would invest in early – their value is continually increasing.
Most importantly, says Susan, "enjoy the jewellery. No matter the designer, if you're not drawn to it, find something that you are".
Susan Caplan is available at stockists worldwide and at www.susancaplan.co.uk
With couture fashion houses from Chanel and Givenchy to Yves Saint Laurent, Caplan's pieces redefine vintage as a contemporary fashion accessory.
Trying to differentiate between an authentic piece and a knockoff can be tricky, though, so if you can't bring Susan with you on your next treasure hunt, bring along some of her expert advice on how to pick out a prime piece.
FIND THE DESIGNER STAMP
When perusing for an authentic designer piece, first check the manufacturer's stamp. Most quality pieces of jewellery will have been labelled upon production. Chanel branded their pieces with the "CHANEL" logo and at times included a date stamp – they are an example of a label whose stamps evolved over the years. Familiarising yourself with the various ways that manufacturer's stamped their jewellery is a great way to weed out the frauds.
CHECK THE WEIGHT
Don't forget to hold the piece in your hand and feel its weight; an authentic piece of jewellery is more likely to be heavier than its fake counterpart.
OVERALL HEALTH
A good piece of jewellery will age well if looked after properly. Check for general signs of wear and tear when picking out a piece you want to have for years. The item shouldn't have any signs of rust or faulty joints. If the piece has stones in it, don't be afraid to tap it gently on a surface to make sure they're not loose.
INVEST IN THE NEW AND OLD
Susan explains that investing in great contemporary designers is a worthwhile pursuit. "A little patience is key," she explains. So who should we be keeping our eyes out for? Alexis Bittar and Mawi are the brands she would invest in early – their value is continually increasing.
Most importantly, says Susan, "enjoy the jewellery. No matter the designer, if you're not drawn to it, find something that you are".
Susan Caplan is available at stockists worldwide and at www.susancaplan.co.uk