The whys and hows of vintage jewelry

The “get out with the old, get in with the new” mentality is not always the case when it comes to jewelry. Choosing your jewelry has always been a matter of preferences and tastes. Whether you like modern looking jewelry or not, there is always a special place in people’s hearts about owning antique or antique jewelry; it is a memorable piece of history and sentimental value at your fingertips. These beautiful pieces symbolize the development and growth of jewelry craftsmanship and have shaped current trends and the jewelry we have today.

Why buy vintage jewelry?

1. Value for money

Everyone loves saving money. This is one of the most popular reasons people buy old or used jewelry; gives you good value for your money. This is especially true for contemporary pieces that are still in production today or pieces that we have in abundance on the market. Real estate jewelry is priced advantageously compared to buying a high retail price. Since it is a second hand piece and has been used or used before, the price sometimes depreciates substantially. If you don’t mind a few scratches here and there to save money, then used jewelry is definitely for you. Also, many second-hand parts are still in mint condition and excellent condition. Finding those pieces can really be a bargain!

2. One of a kind and one of a kind

Jewelry has been around for centuries. Each era has its own unique craftsmanship and exclusive design that satisfies the taste and preferences of many people. With the absence of cutting edge technology back in the day, each piece was intricately handcrafted using old world techniques and hundreds of hours. No piece looks and is made exactly the same. Some of these techniques are no longer used and have shaped the way jewelers make jewelry today. The uniqueness and rarity also add to the value of vintage pieces over time.

Unlike buying new and modern parts today, you can tailor your ring to the most specific criteria possible. From carat weight, color, clarity, design, table proportion, millimeter size of stem, etc., a reputable jeweler can work with you and personalize a ring designed by you at the foot of the lyrics. With heritage pieces, what you see is often what you get. You will need a lot of time going from website to website or store to store to find a piece that really appeals to you. This is actually the thrill of buying antique jewelry. Some people attribute the search and purchase of real estate jewelry as reminders of the experience of finding that specific piece.

3. Exceptional quality

Vintage jewelry displays exceptional quality due to the fact that it withstood the test of time. Jewelry is an investment that almost everyone develops an attachment to and takes good care of. That is why most of the antique jewelry is still in very good condition and can be worn. You will be surprised how impeccable and well cared for some very old pieces that we have in our collection. Due to its high standards of quality and reputation, many jewelers like Roman Malakov sell estates and fine jewelry that are durable and will last for many more generations (with the right love and care, of course).

4. History at your fingertips

As I said before, people develop certain attachments to jewelry because they symbolize special relationships and memorable experiences in their lives. Each antique piece has its own place in history and, essentially, you are part of that history. That is something that new jewelry simply does not have. They become symbols of earlier times and of the trade they held during those times. If it weren’t for the preservation and value of used jewelry, the distinctive and creative design of each era would not have been appreciated by current and future generations.

Buy vintage jewelry

1. Buy from a reputable jeweler

With today’s technology, finding a reputable jeweler is just an app or a click away. Look for jewelers near your location; be sure to check their reviews, policies, customer experiences (e.g. yelp, google reviews), insights, etc. Unfortunately, there are stores that intentionally or unintentionally mislead their customers into buying non-authentic antique pieces. This is why it is incredibly important to do your seller due diligence when buying jewelry in general. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure they answer your questions honestly and transparently. If you are shopping for vintage jewelry online, make sure the seller has multiple images of the piece and a well-written description of the piece. If not, ask for more photos or information. Most likely, jewelers will send more images that show the condition of the item and are transparent with their customers. Trust is one of the pillars of jewelry buying.

2. Assess the condition of the item

Most jewelers do not restore or polish antique jewelry to preserve the authenticity and antique feel of the pieces. Being a used part that has been used for years, it should show signs of wear (eg, scratches, dents, etc.). Small signs of wear are ideal; but be sure to check for cracks in the metal or chips in the stones. If it looks like new, ask if it has been refurbished. If you’re shopping online, be sure to see multiple views of the piece and do your research on the jeweler’s return policy.

Jewelers in the past often signed their piece and left marks of their initials or a small symbol. Make sure to check it out as it is a good sign of authenticity. This is especially true for used brand parts like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chopard, etc. These branded jewelry companies always mark and sign your piece. If you are buying used brand name jewelry, ask if they have the original box and papers. If they have certificates of authenticity, make sure the number on the certificates matches the number stamped on the piece.

3. Price investigation and verification

Looks are deceiving. This is why even doing a little research goes a long way. Research the prices of diamonds, what styles appeal to you, how much they normally cost, etc. Not only will you be more confident when buying antique jewelry, it will also take less time and make it much easier for you to shop from store to store. The more information you have, the more likely you are to get an authentic piece and negotiate for a reasonable price.

Since antique or antique jewelry is unique, be careful when selling antique pieces in bulk. If a seller advertises that they have more than one exactly the same piece, tread carefully. They may have made antique looking pieces and they are not authentic antiques. Be especially mindful of your use of words; an example of this is “old style” or “old look”. They usually refer to newly made jewelry that has old designs.

Also, vintage jewelry has a lot of history and value in it to be sold cheap. If you see an antique piece that sells for an incredible price (for example, a 1 carat antique diamond ring for $ 20- $ 100), think twice. As I said earlier, without the technology we have now, it generally takes older generation jewelers hundreds of hours to craft by hand and produce an impressive and unique piece. It takes precision, knowledge and experience in the trade to create a piece that will last for generations. All of this work doesn’t just come down to a couple of dollars (unless the seller has no idea). This is where research comes in. Verifying and validating the information and description of a piece (for example, the price of the diamond / gemstone, the price of similar pieces, the weight of gold, the size of the stones, etc.) to find out its intrinsic value is essential to know its authenticity. If the price deviates a lot or varies from other similar pieces, think twice about it.

In conclusion

You can find and buy antique and antique jewelry almost everywhere; either online or in physical stores. Shopping smart is always the most important thing when buying jewelry (old or not). But if you are looking to buy authentic antiques, differentiating the real from the counterfeits will ensure that you are getting the right price for the right item. Research is key.

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