Provenance is the history of ownership of something. Ideally, it is a chronology. The list of everyone who has owned a car and when they owned it is its provenance.Provenance is a crucial aspect of determining the authenticity and value of various types of collectibles, including art, coins, trading cards, and other high-end items. It provides a history of ownership that can help to establish the authenticity of the item and its condition.In the case of art, provenance can be used to trace the ownership of a particular piece back to its creation. This can include information about who originally commissioned the artwork, who owned it throughout its history, and any exhibitions or auctions at which it was displayed. This information can be critical in establishing the authenticity and value of a piece, as well as in determining its place in the history of art.Provenance can also be important for less austere Veblen goods, such as coins or trading cards. While these items may not have the same level of cultural or artistic significance as fine art, they can still be highly sought-after by collectors. In such cases, provenance can help to establish the rarity and condition of the item, as well as its history of ownership.At Knowa, we have created a new kind of collectible that places provenance at its core. By tracking ownership of Knowa from their very beginning, we aim to create a digital trail of ownership that can be used to prove authenticity and value over time. While the ownership trail can become lost when second or third owners buy, sell, or trade, we hope that by encouraging owners to record their ownership and transfers through the Knowa Connect app, provenance can remain inviolable.Indeed, it is conceivable that someday WHO owned a Knowa will impact its value as much as the object itself.

Collecting amulets has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Amulets are objects believed to have magical or protective powers, and they have been used by people of different cultures and religions around the world. The tradition of collecting amulets is rooted in the belief that these objects can bring good luck, protect against evil spirits, or offer spiritual guidance.The use of amulets dates back to ancient Egypt, where they were believed to provide protection and guidance for both the living and the dead. Egyptians would wear amulets made of various materials such as gold, silver, and precious stones to symbolize protection, power, and divine favor. Amulets were also used by ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed in the power of these objects to protect against disease and misfortune.In many Asian cultures, amulets are still widely used today, and their popularity has led to a thriving market for collectors. In China, amulets are often used as gifts for good luck during important events, such as weddings or business deals. In Japan, amulets are used for protection during travel, and are often placed in cars or carried by travelers.Amulets are also used in many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Christians often wear medals or crucifixes as amulets, while Jews may wear amulets with Hebrew inscriptions for protection. In Islam, amulets called taweez are often worn or carried for protection and blessings.Today, amulet collecting remains a popular hobby among people around the world. Some collectors focus on amulets from a particular culture or religion, while others collect based on the materials or historical significance of the object. With the internet and online marketplaces, it is easier than ever for collectors to connect with others and find rare and unique amulets to add to their collections.

Ah, the lifelong pursuit of treasures...Do you ever wonder what drives us to collect? The answer lies in the joy it brings. Collecting is an itch that begs to be scratched, a niche hoarding of all things wonderful and captivating. It stimulates our brains, releasing endorphins that instill feelings of safety and comfort, creating a world of enjoyment and contentment. And let's not forget the thrill of watching our collections appreciate in value, a fact to which our founders (who have witnessed the skyrocketing worth of collectibles over the past four decades) can attest. But above all, we collect because we have an unwavering love for exquisite objects that reflect our passions and our unique personalities. The reasons for collecting may vary among enthusiasts, but in the end, we all do it for the sheer joy it brings.

Coin collecting is a popular hobby, and some rare coins can fetch a high price on the market. Here are some of the world's rarest coins:1933 Double Eagle: This is the rarest and most valuable coin in the world. Only 13 of these coins were ever released, and most were subsequently melted down. In 2002, one was sold for over $7 million.1794 Flowing Hair Dollar: The first silver dollar ever minted in the United States, only 140 of these coins are believed to exist. In 2013, one sold at auction for over $10 million.1894-S Barber Dime: Only nine of these dimes were ever minted, and only one is known to still exist. In 2007, it sold for over $1.9 million.1804 Silver Dollar: Only 15 of these coins were ever minted, and they are considered some of the most valuable coins in the world. In 2017, one sold for over $3.8 million.1913 Liberty Head Nickel: Only five of these coins were ever minted, and they are considered some of the rarest coins in the world. In 2018, one sold for over $4.5 million.Collecting rare coins can be a thrilling hobby, but it is important to do your research and be cautious of counterfeits. Experts recommend buying from reputable dealers and investing in a grading service to ensure the authenticity and condition of the coins.

In collecting, the difference between MINT IN BOX and MINT NO BOX can add up to a lot of money. Collectors pay up for original packaging. Knowa arrive in their own deluxe presentation box, providing a stunning and protective display for these unique and cherished items.The history of packaging as part of the brand is a long one. For luxury brands like Tiffany and Cartier, the boxes they use to present their products are an essential part of their brand identity. These boxes are not only beautiful and visually striking, but they are also steeped in history and tradition, dating back to the early days of the companies themselves.For example, the signature blue box of Tiffany & Co. has become an icon of luxury and elegance, with its distinctive shade of blue and white satin ribbon instantly recognizable around the world. This box has been an integral part of the Tiffany experience since the 1800s, when the company began using it to package their most precious jewelry items.Similarly, Cartier's iconic red box has been a symbol of luxury and sophistication since the late 19th century. The vibrant red color was chosen to represent passion and desire, and the box itself has become a status symbol among the world's most elite.But these boxes are more than just pretty packaging. They serve an important purpose in protecting and preserving the luxury items they contain, ensuring that they arrive to their owners in pristine condition. They also serve as a tangible reminder of the brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, and are a way for customers to take a small piece of the brand's legacy with them wherever they go.In short, the boxes of luxury brands like Tiffany and Cartier are more than just containers for their products. They are symbols of tradition, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, and are a vital part of what makes these brands so beloved by discerning customers around the world.Tiffany BlueIn 1845, company founder Charles Lewis Tiffany chose the shade of blue now known as Tiffany Blue for the cover of the first catalog in which Tiffany presented its annual jewelry collection. The robin egg blue struck a chord with the public, perhaps since turquoise was incredibly popular in the 19th century, as it was believed to have talismanic qualities.Over time, the hue of the Blue Book was used in other areas at Tiffany, most notably for the packaging, leading to the birth of the Tiffany Blue Box. The Tiffany Blue Box soon became the most coveted box in the world, and in 1906 the New York Sun reported: "Tiffany has an object in store which you cannot buy, no matter how much money you bid, only he can give it to you. And this is one of his boxes.”Cartier RedRed is the color of love and the color of Cartier's jewelry boxes, marking the company as the jeweler of love. Reminiscent of 18th-century splendor, the octagonal jewelry cases made of Moroccan leather with gold garlands have become synonymous around the world with giving a loved one something special.The company, which was founded in Paris in 1847, initially focused on cases in black, olive green and pink tones, until the elegant shade of deep red finally prevailed in the 1930s. The interior is either white or black velvet, depending on what better showcases the piece of jewelry inside.Hermès OrangeThe signature shade of luxury leather goods manufacturer Hermès came about in a time that had absolutely nothing to do with glamor: World War II. In 1942 there was a shortage of materials everywhere in Paris, and Hermès also felt compelled to replace the cream color of its boxes, which had been the norm until then. What was still available was an orange shade and Hermès grabbed it, little knowing that this orange would eventually become synonymous with the brand.Today, the boxes at Hermès Orange come in 188 different sizes, so that customers can safely bring their newly acquired treasures home in them, from silk scarves to the legendary Birkin bag. Only their furniture has to do without the signature orange, as Hermès admits on its website.The boxes from Tiffany, Cartier, and Hermès also play an important role on the auction market. It can make a big difference if an object is offered with or without the original box, especially when it comes to wristwatches. But the boxes are also becoming increasingly popular as collector's items on their own and are sometimes auctioned by themselves, an alternative for luxury lovers on a budget. — credit: Barnebys

Possession is 9/10ths of the Law. This court ruling from the early 20th century started as a feud over a pig!In the famous feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys, the court held that Floyd Hatfield was the rightful owner of the pig the McCoys claimed was theirs because,1) he possessed the pig,2) the McCoys could not prove the pig belonged to them.Registering ownership of your precious Knowa is crucial in today's world where theft is all too common, and possession is (afterall) nine-tenths of the law. Having your ownership registered can help to deter would-be thieves and ensure that you have a legal claim to your valuable objects. By taking this simple step, you can protect your cherished collection and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your Knowa collectibles are registered along with your name in our private database. So do not delay, my fellow collectors, take action today to safeguard your beloved collection. Be sure to register your Knowa Card and get your digital certificate of ownership. Then there won't be any argument about who owns what!