Your money or your life! It’s a stick up! Okay I am no wild west, gun toting bandit but I am definitely aware that times are changing. With the pandemic affecting the way we spend money and most places now refusing cash, figuring out new ways to perform transactions have been an essential part of our transition.

One thing that has yet to be established is the true economic impact the Pandemic has had on the global economy. Some analysts have compared it to The Wall Street Crash of 1929, also known as the great depression which lead to the global economic collapse. Fabulous!

So where are the opportunities? In April 2020 we have seen minerals like crude oil crash completely, with huge amounts being given away for free as stocks were over flowing! Fiat currency was printed at the royal mint at such a rate that it’s current value has been considerably reduced.

In light of these catastrophes the smart money looks to be in gold and silver. While other minerals have lost their value the smart money is on these two heavy metals.

I remember when I left my boyfriend of 7 years and moved into a flat by myself in Muswell Hill. I was 24 and had to sleep in a sleeping bag for 2 months before I could afford to buy my bed. ??‍♀️ …Yep! Can you imagine, at the time I was a manager in Selfridges? But a few months later, bed bought, I decided to treat myself to a little ? diamond ring from 225 The Jewellery Exchange in Muswell Hill.

This little gesture of independence also made me evaluated how I spent my money, when it came to jewellery. At a mere £85, I could buy real gold with a tiny diamond setting that would have cost me £500-£1000 on the high street? I also made the decision in that moment, that I would only buy vintage pieces or jewellery that was an investment and never looked back.

On the high street you have many jewellers fleecing people of their money. Thomas Sabo, Pandora, Monica Vinader, Links of London to name but a few. These brands hike up the price of silver and base metals, plated in precious metals, for the same price as a savvy shopper could walk away with the real thing for a fractional the price. I got a rude awakening years ago when my Tiffany heart tag pendant was valued at £12 by a pawnbroker despite having a store value of £270!

So why not just buy the real thing?

There’s no hiding the fact that this pandemic has highlighted how shaky the ground is. What it also highlighted was how the value of our commodities can rise and fall.

Gold and silver are currently valued at an all time high. Fiat currency which isn’t backed by gold or silver but speculations made by banks, is suddenly loosing value all over the western world. Interest rates in the UK are now at their lowest, meaning that saving money in the bank is more or less inconsequential. Banks are now stockpiling gold and silver, while oligarchs who own gold mines are selling while share prices are high.

So what can you do? I advise stop wasting money you can’t afford to waste. Start looking at brands where you can make an investment even if it’s small.

Tiffany’s, Cartier, Bvlgari, Chopard, Van Cleef and Rolex all have a high resale value. These brands also trade hands the most, so you can pick up great second hand pieces at competitive prices.

In fact in 2017 Cartier’s chief executive Cyrille Vigneron underwent a wide scale buyback strategy of time pieces, to stop them being sold at knockdown prices. This strategy has helped continue to maintain a exclusive street value for this particular luxury brand. Which means investing in Cartier is a win win for anyone even considering buying a second hand piece.

For those who don’t have the money to invest in big brands like the fore mentioned labels, there’s plenty to choose from but my advice is buy 750 – 18ct gold, 925 – silver, 916-22ct, 990-25ct, 950- platinum or nothing.
Time is too short to buy something that’s worth nothing. And for those of you waiting for Prince or Princess Charming to get down on one knee with that elusive engagement ring…. You may be waiting an eternity? Why not feel empowered and just go buy it yourself!

Main Image; Vintage curb link Italian silver necklaces; Tiffany & Co. necklaces; A Tiffany & Co. bracelet, 2 vintage silver Ingots on chains, a vintage 9ct solid gold ingot pendant and a Cartier Trinity Ring. Blue dishes Urban Outfitters