Collectors and lovers of estate jewelry have a broad range of options in the market to choose from.
Many people opt to buy estate jewelry because it can be a great way to get high-quality pieces at a fraction of the price of brand new pieces of jewelry. While other individuals find the chance to buy rare or unique jewelry from different eras genuinely appealing. For some of them, wearing vintage estate jewelry brings them back to the nostalgic years in history and feels like becoming a part of it.
If you aren’t opposed to jewelry that has been worn by others before, estate jewelry might be worth looking into. You could save money and find unique designs that may be one of a kind or a part of an antique collection worth millions in the years to come.
That said, it’s essential to define estate jewelry before we talk about it. Let’s start with some definitions.
What is Estate Jewelry?
Any jewelry previously owned is considered estate jewelry. Often than not, it can be from someone who has died. However, any jewelry can still be considered as an estate jewelry, regardless if the previous owner is still alive. Estate jewelry is jewelry less than 100 years of age. However, expert estate jewelers say that it encompasses these factors.
Basic Tips on Buying Estate Jewelry
Buying estate jewelry is like purchasing a piece of history. Every piece is unique and tells its own story. Not to mention the fact that it can also make a remarkable fashion statement.
It can sometimes be daunting to start your search, especially if you don’t know anything about buying one. Here are five tips to help you find the perfect piece of estate jewelry to start your collection:
1. Learn about the various jewelry eras.
Understanding the trends and periods of vintage estate jewelry is one of the best things you can do when you start looking for it. There are web resources that can help you understand the various eras and show examples of the pieces that were popular during these periods.
Knowing the history of jewelry will help you understand why certain pieces are different. It is also a good idea to look at the trends in jewelry over the years, to see the subtle differences between modern and old jewelry.
Understanding the history of jewelry will help you identify which pieces are more in line with your taste. You can speak intelligently with an estate jeweler if you like a particular piece from a specific era that fits that criteria. Without this information, it can be difficult to find exactly what you want.
2. Be on the look out for the designer’s mark.
Don’t forget to bring an eyeglass loop to see the estate jewelry closer when you visit an estate jewelry store in person. This is because jewelry makers used signatures and personal marks on their jewelry. This is true even for pieces made before the 1950s. You can see the initial maker’s name with your eyeglasses or by asking an estate jeweler in the shop.
A signed vintage piece is desirable but not essential because It is possible to find fabulous pieces from before the 1950s that were not signed.
3. You should ensure there is a clear returns policy.
It is just like buying jewelry in bulk. It is crucial to ask about any policies before committing to purchasing. Always ask about the estate jewelry store policy regarding returns.
You can almost assume that if there is no return policy or they don’t allow returns, it’s because they expect returns. If a jeweler is confident with their products, they will be happy to offer a return policy. This shows that the seller is legitimate and cares about their customers’ satisfaction.
4. Make smart online purchases.
Buying estate jewelry online has many benefits. It’s convenient, and you don’t have to travel far to view or evaluate the item. However, there are many things to consider when looking to buy authentic estate jewelry online.
Don’t buy any jewelry if the photos online are blurry, out of focus, or unclear. Quality jewelers will always post explicit images of each piece from multiple angles. While they are aware that imperfections can occur, they should be more concerned with accurately representing each piece online.
Additionally, many scams are committed everyday on different online selling platforms and other online jewelry sites. It would be best if you always verify the legitimacy of any seller you see online before engaging with them.
5. Do not say yes to jewelry with missing or broken parts.
A slight wear and tear are fine on vintage pieces because it adds character and shows authenticity. But there is a fine line between a worn-out and broken piece and a well-worn piece.
The seller must stand behind their jewelry’s quality before selling it. The jewelry should be free from any missing or broken parts. It must also be originally intact. These are tell-tale signs that the estate jewelry is not high quality and should not be purchased. Even if they offer it for a lower price, don’t be tempted to buy it as it would be costly to fix.
How do you Care for your Estate Jewelry?
- It’s vital to store it properly in a jewelry box with temperature and humidity controls.
- It should be cleaned regularly with soap and water.
- It should be worn appropriately to slow down its wear and tear.
- It shouldn’t be stored with your other jewelries for security and to prevent it from being scratched or dented.
Are you Interested in Starting your Own Estate Jewelry Collection?
Buying estate jewelry is both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. It is the sentimental feeling that you’re going to possess a precious possession of another person and having the chance to be a part of its history. Furthermore, the search and discovery of the best pieces adds up to the thrill of building your own estate jewelry collection.
To assure you only get authentic and legitimate finds, shop only from trusted and credible jewelry stores in Avon, to get value for your money and feast from the vast array of options to add to your estate jewelry collection. Visit us today!
