From dressing tables to auction houses: Vintage perfume bottles are worth a fortune

Typically, when you think of collector's items, you might think about jewellery, artworks or gold coins. However, something else to consider are perfume bottles.

If you have perfume bottles from the 1980's and 1990's - don't throw them away - there’s a good chance that in a few years time you can make money out of them. If you happen to have the right perfume bottle in your cupboard you may be sitting on a fortune.

There is no price guide telling you what a particular vintage perfume bottle is worth as most buying and selling is done online. 

Like many collectables, they are worth what someone is prepared to pay for them on any one day, though looking at sales on eBay will give you an idea of how much particular bottles have sold for recently.

Vintage items often fetch impressive sums at auctions, depending on their rarity.

Top auction sales of vintage perfume bottles include:

1934 Obelisk Egyptian Revival. This exquisite piece, characterized by its obelisk shape and intricate Egyptian-inspired details, sold for $60,000 (R1,14 million).

1930 Art Deco Czech Josef Schmidt perfume bottle. Embodying the elegance of the Art Deco era, this amber glass bottle with a faceted design and ornate silver plaque sold for $18,000 (R342,000). 

1946 Schiaparelli Salvador Dalí Le Roy Soleil. Designed by the renowned artist Salvador Dalí for Elsa Schiaparelli, this Baccarat-crafted crystal bottle sold for $10,000 (R190,000).

1957 Christian Dior Limited Edition J'appartiens à Miss Dior. This figural bottle, shaped like a dog and signed "Tien Dior," fetched an impressive $66,000 (R1,25 million) at auction.

1920s R. Lalique Coty Cyclamen. A testament to René Lalique's craftsmanship, this bottle achieved a sale price of $19,200 (R364,800). 

The value of vintage perfume bottles is influenced by several factors:

• Designer: Bottles crafted by esteemed designers like René Lalique, Julien Viard, and Salvador Dalí are highly sought after.
• Historical significance: Bottles associated with significant periods or collaborations, such as the partnership between Salvador Dalí and Elsa Schiaparelli, often command higher prices.
• Condition and rarity: Well-preserved bottles, especially those with limited production runs, are more valuable.
• Aesthetic appeal: Unique designs, intricate details, and the use of premium materials enhance a bottle's desirability.

The world’s most sought-after perfume bottles

Collectors will pay for bottles that exemplify exceptional design and historical importance:

• René Lalique's 1936 design for Saks Fifth Avenue: This opalescent oyster shell bottle, revealing a pearl of perfume, sold for $57,500 (approximately R1,1million) in 2013, showcasing Lalique's artistry.
• Limited edition crystal collectible bottles by Lalique: Modern creations, such as the Naïade bottle featuring a mermaid-like Art Deco figurine.

The market for vintage perfume bottles continues to thrive, driven by a blend of nostalgia, artistic appreciation, and investment potential. 

As these pieces become scarcer over time, their allure and value are poised to increase, making them cherished treasures for collectors worldwide.

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IOL Lifestyle