Elite Traveler Summer 2021

This image and inset Omnēque brings antique and vintage jewelry out of its fusty stereotype with a curated offering

Fernando Jorge Fusion Arrow Earrings in 18K white gold, clear topaz and 2.67 carat diamond $15,600, auverture.com

Bulgari vintage 18K yellow and white gold Gem-Set Triple Cuff Bangle, price on request, omneque.com

E-TAILER EVOLUTION Despite its flagship store Net-A-Porter launching over 20 years ago, Yoox Net-a-Porter only launched a high-end jewelry section in 2018. The company then doubled down on its jewelry offering by curating an invitation-only digital space entitled EIP Privé, but the shortcomings of fine jewelry available online, and the difficulty of purchasing it readily, are reflected industry-wide. The pandemic, say Caroline Chalmer and Mie Ejdrup, co-founders of FineMatter.com, has swung open the proverbial doors to digital purchasing of fine jewelry. “We experienced an even stronger interest in our business from jewelry designers and customers,” say Chalmer and Ejdrup. “Jewelry designers were facing closed stores and a sudden drop in sales. They needed an alternative distribution channel that would make it financially attractive and simple to sell online, but where their brand would still be presented in line with their standards.” Vishal Mehta, cofounder of Once, a fine jewelry marketplace, agrees: “Working from home has also meant that fine jewelry has seen decreased competition from other luxury rivals such as travel, experiences and clothing.” During times of crisis, people tend to choose quality over quantity, says Mehta. “This means that people have more disposable income to invest in fine jewelry,” he adds. “Add to that a growing demographic of digital natives with high income, and you have an audience for whom shopping online for fine jewelry is natural.” Elsewhere, Omnēque brings antique and vintage jewelry out of its fusty stereotype with a curated offering, and Auverture, founded by artist and designer Bibi Van Der Velden, has tasked itself with bringing unique, lesser-known brands to the masses.

Delfina Delettrez 18K yellow gold and 0.65 carat diamond dots ring, $4,627, finematter.com

Photos Marlon Lindo, Bitton by A Foxe