Holiday Shopping: Vintage Jewelry Makes Unique Gift with Superior Quality, Priced Less Than New
Rare Coin Shop Displays $65,000 3 ct. Diamond With Platinum Setting by Tiffany ($100,000 value)
COLONIE (11/24/17) -- For holiday shoppers looking for unique gifts and great deals, a local jeweler says vintage "estate" jewelry is more affordable than new and with superior craftsmanship.
"Most modern jewelry is machine made, whereas the vintage pieces have more intricate, handmade designs that makes them unique. You also see vintage styles that no longer exist because it would be too expensive to make today," said Brian Bucher, head of the jewelry department at Ferris Coin Co. "All of that craftsmanship adds to the value, but vintage jewelry is priced by the weight of the silver or gold and the quality of the stones. That means you can buy some incredibly exotic jewelry at very affordable prices."
Bucher founded Brittany Jewelers in Colonie in 1987 and served as president until selling the company, now located in Glenville, this June. This fall, Bucher became the newest staff member of Ferris Coin Co., the Capital Region's oldest rare coin shop that relocated to 199 Wolf Road this fall.
Founded in 1930, Ferris Coin buys and sells gold and silver bullion, coins, flatware and paper currency, as well as gold and platinum jewelry, whether old, new, broken or complete. The business sells much of these items in bulk as "scrap" to refiners who make new jewelry and other precious metal products. But Bucher selects the finest pieces for restoration and resale.
"Some of our vintage jewelry come from estates, after someone has passed away. But people sell their jewelry to us for a variety of reasons," Bucher said. "We keep our clients' information private, so it's up to you to imagine the story behind this jewelry and who might have owned it."
One of the most impressive items currently on display for sale at Ferris Coin is a 3 carat round diamond, mounted in a classic Tiffany platinum setting, which was purchased from an estate in Connecticut.
"I called Tiffany and they have a nearly identical diamond and mounting," Bucher said. "They're selling theirs for $105,500. We're selling ours for $65,000."
Bucher said now is a great time to purchase vintage bridal and engagement jewelry from Ferris Coin because all items are priced to sell for the holidays.
"Before you pop the question, come in to see what we have," he said. "You might find something very special for your special someone."
For those looking for extra cash for the holidays, Bucher noted that Ferris Coin is always buying gold and silver bullion, coins, flatware and paper currency, as well as gold and platinum jewelry, whether old, new, broken or complete.
HOURS & INFORMATION
Ferris Coin is located at 199 Wolf Road. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The store phone number is (518) 434-3860. Email: info@ferriscoin.com
For information and updates, visit http://ferriscoin.com or https://www.facebook.com/FerrisCoinCo
ABOUT FERRIS COIN
Brian Bucher, Jewelry Manager
Trusted since 1930, Ferris Coin buys and sells gold and silver bullion, rare coins, flatware and paper currency, as well as gold and platinum jewelry for resale, repair or recycle. Four in-house experts offer appraisals for personal and estate collections, including diamonds, and can assist with getting each piece proper insured.
In 1930, husband and wife Charlie & Arlene Ferris opened Ferris Stamp in downtown Albany, N.Y. at 402 Broadway. Later they incorporated coins into their business model as Ferris Stamp and Coin. In the 1960s, after her husband died of a heart attack, Mrs. Ferris sold the business to Wendell C. Williams who relocated the shop to Lark Street before relocating again to 114 Central Ave. in 1976.
The business re-opened in its third location at 199 Wolf Road this August. Ferris Coin is now co-owned by Geoffrey Demis, a long-time employee, Mike Dozois and gemologist James Naughter. The newest Ferris Coin staff member is Brian Bucher, who founded Brittany Jewelers in 1987 and served as president from 1987 until selling the company this June.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Duncan Crary, (518) 274-2723
DCC@DuncanCrary.com
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