As a collector and dealer of antiques and vintage and collectible jewelry for nearly 20 years, I've learned that while stocks rise and fall, investing in items you enjoy and that retain value is to have greater financial security. (Even though it won't make you a millionaire.)
In the current economy, things are as volatile as they've been in quite some time. On a personal level, I started a college fund for my son 3 years ago only to see it lose one half of its value.
The only thing that has helped give me some security in an otherwise insecure economy is my investments over the years in antique items of beauty and rarity. I'm not talking about huge investments. In general, if you shop around and purchase vintage and antique items when needing a dresser for your child's room or a pair of earrings or a watch for an upcoming event, you will more than likely save money and have something that will either appreciate or retain its value. If I had invested my son's $4,000 college funds in estate jewelry, even Bakelite jewelry, at the very least I'd still have $4,000 worth of items, not including the enjoyment of wearing the pieces. And I could possibly sell them for a healthy or modest profit.
Many people have a preconceived notion that antiques are always expensive. That is generally not the case. For example, do you need an armoire? Check out a solid maple reproduction French-Victorian piece at a high-end department store. Chances are you'll spend thousands of dollars for a mass-produced piece with particleboard backing and low quality workmanship. The clincher comes a few years later when you redecorate. The repro piece sells for $75 at your yard sale, $300 if you're lucky.
If you had gone to your local flea market or antiques gallery and found a nice quality armoire for $1,500, it would likely resell for $1,000 or more 3 years later. Even if you don't re-sell for as much as you paid, you still were able to enjoy and use the piece for a small "rental" fee. Try that with a new piece. I've never regretted buying a rare or unusual piece of jewelry or furniture; my only regrets have come from the pieces I did not buy.
Similar instances exist whether you're referring to jewelry, art, collectibles, or other items. Year after year, I have seen that if you buy things you really like and invest in the very best that you can afford at the time, you won't regret it. And even in a tough or sluggish market, the most rare and high quality pieces will continue to retain the most in value and enjoyment!
Buy the best you can afford of investment quality antiques and collectibles and you will always have something to fall back on, as well as to enjoy over the years.
