This Antique Jewellery Collector’s Archive Is Filled With Symbolism, Stories And Serious Staying Power
From snake rings to cat charms, each piece of jewellery in Jennifer Banse’s collection is rich with symbolism and history.
By Brandon Chia - published
What’s the oldest thing in your closet? A t-shirt from your school days, a watch passed down from your grandparents, or a vintage bag you picked up from a flea market? For jewellery dealer Jennifer Banse, it’s a 179-year-old ring.
Jewellery dealer Jennifer Banse with an open showcase of antique and vintage pieces she has amassed over the years, including a 179-year-old snake ring worn on her left index finger.
Related article: From Grief To Grails: Watch Collector Christina Lim Goes Public With Her Obsessions
“The most cherished item in my collection is an antique snake ring, which has my wedding date, 14 August, but with the year 1847, engraved on the inner shank,” says the jewellery buff. “This is the enchantment of antiques—you often stumble upon such remarkable pieces by chance.”
Luck and love play a significant role in Banse’s sizeable collection of jewels, from necklaces and gold rings passed down from her parents and grandparents, to immaculate treasures found in Europe and the United States.
“I believe in the connection between luck and jewellery. Certain pieces provide me with a sense of comfort and confidence when I wear them,” says Banse.
She adds: “One piece I always have with me is my hamsa pendant—a symbol of protection, good fortune and strength, especially against the evil eye.”
Banse’s personal collection also includes a pocket watch with an enamel portrait of a cat, a thimble and a charm bracelet representing members of her family.
Related article: Peek Into Entrepreneur Sherry Ang’s Blinged-Out Watch Collection
Feline motifs feature strongly in Banse’s trove. Lauded as guardians or familiars in some cultures, and coupled with their cute charm, cat-themed pieces are irresistible to her.
“The one piece I could never part with is my cat charm bracelet. It took me years to source each charm and assemble the collection. The fact that these charms span different eras—from Victorian to retro and vintage—makes it incredibly special to me and truly represents the passion that started my love for collecting,” says Banse.
Serendipity is definitely involved when hunting down vintage and antique jewellery. But it also takes a considerable amount of research and experience to hone one’s eye, ensuring you walk away with something authentic and worth the price.
For Banse, working closely with fellow antique dealers has made a difference, sharing knowledge and discernment to demystify the provenance of each piece and make informed purchases for herself and the clientele of her store, Eye of the Cat Jewellery.
Banse wears vintage and antique pieces sourced from different parts of the world that includes Cartier Trinity rings from the 1970s, charms on a gold chain and a heart pendant on a gold and sapphire bead necklace.
Related article: Heirloom Gallery Founder Shawn Tan On Loving And Letting Go Of Vintage Watches
However, for the uninitiated, Banse has a couple of tips to kickstart a storied collection like hers.
“Some of the key factors I consider when determining what is worth buying include the overall condition of the piece, whether it carries clear hallmarks, and how well all the elements of its story align. The materials, craftsmanship, design, period, and signs of age should all make sense together—fitting together like an antique puzzle,” says Banse.
While travelling is one of the most joyous parts of her job, nothing beats the thrill of uncovering unique creations and their origins lost to time.
“Many antiques come with a historical context, which adds to their value and appeal—something modern jewellery might lack,” says Banse.
She continues: “Antique jewellery often has a patina that offers an authenticity that is distinct and signs of wear that tell a story.”
That is the most alluring part of Banse’s collection—they may have already lived a life of their own, but just like her 1847 snake ring, they continue to find meaning and purpose in the modern world.