The Value of Lara's Work

Lara's designs are created out of inspiration for each piece she collects. All centerpieces are made from brooches, bracelets, earrings, necklace parts, random vintage parts of jewelry from the 1920's - 1980's combined with antique beads, beads from vintage necklaces, antique glass & crystals, etc... The value of each piece is determined by a variety of factors.

The clues we look for include answers to questions like "What is it?", "When was it made?", "Is it signed?", "What is it made out of?". It can be broken down into a 5-POINT SYSTEM:

1. SIGNED OR UNSIGNED: - Signed pieces have a certain market value that determines how collectible they are. Many famous designers did not sign their work. Value can be researched through identification books; it is based on consumer demand in the collectibles market.

2. DESIGN & ORIGINALITY: - This explains why unsigned pieces can be very valuable. All jewelry, especially handmade, is an aesthetic piece of art, and the design is an integral part of the jewelry's appeal. Well-designed jewelry will always demand a higher price than average or common designs.

3. MATERIALS & WORKMANSHIP: - The quality of the stones, metal and casting are important. Does the vibrancy and glow capture your attention from a distance? The more the piece resembles fine jewelry, the higher it is ranked on the value scale.

4. CONDITION & DURABILITY: - Do the pieces look as if they were made yesterday? Stones can be lost and metal plating can peel away as pieces age.