Know Your Dealer
TWELVE QUESTIONS WITH OSCAR STEFFEN, THE MAVERICK CEO WHO LEFT THE CORPORATE BOARDROOM TO BECOME ZURICH'S BEST VINTAGE JEWELLERY DEALER
From a boutique hidden in plain sight bang in the heart of Zurich Old Town, our first dealer offers a selection of fine jewels from the 1880s to the early 2000s. Steffen, who has served as CEO in global supercorps, today works independently in his own, exquisitely rarefied microuniverse; a world where everything is the finest. From carpets made bespoke in, and shipped from, Milan to Midcentury lamps that just hit differently, his boutique is a haven for anyone visiting the Swiss city.
Our twelve questions for Oscar Steffen were: What inspired you to venture into the vintage jewelry industry? What is the most memorable piece that you’ve ever sold? What do you love the most about your job? What are the main challenges of being a dealer of great vintage jewels? How do you certify a vintage jewel? What advice would you give someone who is buying vintage jewel for the first time? What trends are the most popular with your customers right now? Do you have a favourite era? You can only keep one vintage treasure for yourself, what would it be? Which celebrity or historical figures jewelry collection would you love to sell? Jewellery as investment — yes or no? How do you see the jewellery market changing in future?
