Woollahra Antique Shop Changes, Market Stays Strong

A well-known antique jewellery shop in Woollahra, Anne Schofield Antiques, has updated its website. This shows the shop is still active. The market for old jewellery is growing well.
By Newsroom | Antiques, Sydney |

A long-standing cornerstone of the antique jewellery trade in Woollahra, Sydney, appears to be undergoing a significant transition. Anne Schofield Antiques, a prominent establishment known for its curated collection spanning various historical periods, has updated its website. This update, alongside the general vibrancy of antique dealers in the area, suggests ongoing activity, but also prompts inquiry into the longevity and evolution of established businesses within this specialized market. The broader antique market, particularly in the UK, shows robust growth projections, indicating a continued interest in historical pieces, even as individual businesses may adapt or change.

Woollahra: A Hub for Antiques

Woollahra, a suburb situated between Sydney's CBD and Bondi Beach, has been recognized as a district with a history of antique trade. Listings and reviews indicate a cluster of businesses offering a range of antique items, including jewellery.

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  • Anne Schofield Antiques is noted for its extensive collection, featuring items from the Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco periods. The website also highlights specific interests such as antique cameos, intaglios, Indian traditional jewellery, and antique paste jewellery.

  • Greene & Greene, also located in Woollahra, presents itself as a dealer of everyday antiques suitable for collectors, gifts, and specifically, antique engagement rings.

  • Online directories and review sites, such as Yelp and Livepages, list several antique stores on Queen Street in Woollahra, underscoring the street's role as a commercial center for these types of goods.

Evidence of Change at Anne Schofield Antiques

Recent activity on the Anne Schofield Antiques website signals a potential shift for the business.

  • The website's homepage has been updated, showcasing its collection of antique and period jewels. This includes information about specific interests like antique cameos, intaglios, Indian jewellery, and antique paste jewellery, with origins dating back to the 1980s.

  • Specific mentions of business history, such as the year 1898 when Louis joined his father Alfred, suggest a long-standing family enterprise.

  • The "Contact Us" page for Anne Schofield Antiques provides current operating hours: Wednesday to Friday (11 am – 5 pm) and Saturday (10 am – 2 pm), with closures on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. This provides a factual baseline for the business's current operational schedule.

Market Context: A Stable, Growing Sector

The market for antique and vintage jewellery, both globally and within specific regions like the UK, exhibits a trend of stability and growth.

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  • The UK collectibles market was valued at £23.6 billion in 2024, with the Art & Antiques segment accounting for a significant 24.18%, approximately £5.7 billion.

  • Projections indicate a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.9% for the UK Art & Antiques market from 2025 to 2030. This growth rate, while lower than the global market's 9.2% CAGR, suggests a mature and steady sector.

  • The definition of vintage jewellery, typically ranging from 20 to 99 years old, encompasses styles such as later Art Deco, Retro, and Mid-Century pieces, indicating a broad appeal across different historical eras.

Expert Insights on Antique Jewellery Value

Analysis of the antique jewellery market suggests inherent value in older pieces.

  • New jewellery often experiences an immediate loss in value upon purchase, a factor that distinguishes it from antique pieces.

  • Antique jewellery is seen as a form of personal expression, validating historical significance and ongoing fashion relevance.

Conclusion: Observing a Market's Evolution

The recent website update from Anne Schofield Antiques and the general presence of antique dealers in Woollahra indicate an active, albeit potentially shifting, market. The long history of businesses like Anne Schofield Antiques, combined with the steady growth projected for the broader antique sector, suggests a market resilient to fluctuations. However, the specific operational hours and the emphasis on showcasing collections on the updated website warrant observation regarding the business's future direction and its continued role within Woollahra's antique landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening at Anne Schofield Antiques?
The shop has updated its website. This shows it is still open and selling jewellery.
Q: Is the antique jewellery market doing well?
Yes, the market for old jewellery is growing. This is happening in places like the UK.
Q: What kind of jewellery does Anne Schofield Antiques sell?
They sell old jewellery from different times, like Georgian and Victorian styles. They also have special items like cameos and Indian jewellery.
Q: When is Anne Schofield Antiques open?
The shop is open from Wednesday to Friday, 11 am to 5 pm, and on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.