The distinction between antique, estate, and vintage jewelry can be confusing due to their similarities. Most of the time, jewelry experts use these terms interchangeably.
However, you can find some substantial differences in all of this jewelry that is sometimes overlooked. Here is this guide. We will look at how you can differentiate between these 3 jewelry types. So, keep reading.
Antique Jewelry
The pieces considered antique jewelry were made at least 100 years ago. So, the jewelry technically made from Georgian, Edwardian, and Art Nouveau is all antique jewelry.
Georgian Periods refers to the era of English history during the time of king George from the 1700s to 1840. Most antique jewelry refers to certain jewelry styles found in the Georgian era.
Locating the jewelry from this period can be difficult as the jewelers have melted down what they considered outdated pieces to make new jewelry reflecting the current trends. That’s why antique jewelry is mainly confused with modern jewelry.
You won’t find any authentic jewelry with stamps, but you will find it at the maker’s market. It was a trend with antique jewelry to put a symbol on the ornament to maintain the legacy.
The Edwardian era is the second most common jewelry piece found in antique jewelry. King Edward mainly influenced the era. The period is known for representing femininity while incorporating many colors, especially white. Jewelry used gems, platinum, white gold, and pearls as their primary source of jewelry aesthetics.
The third and most favorite antique jewelry is Art Nouveau jewelry. Most of the jewelry pieces of this era emphasize the settings instead of the gem store itself. Also, the period discovered beautiful enameling techniques using different materials consisting of semi and non-precious stones.
Estate Jewelry:
The jewelry becomes desired because of the historical value associated with it. The classic estate jewelry shows more elegance than the antique and old jewelry. Mostly antique and vintage jewelry also comes in the category of Estate jewelry.
However, antique and vintage jewelry has a significant difference. The experts consider vintage jewelry just one generation old, while, as mentioned before, antique jewelry is more than 100 years old.
Most of the estate jewelry comes from the trust. However, the most delicate pieces come from the family inheritance. Estate jewelry comes into existence majorly when the original owners either don’t want or need the jewelry pieces anymore. You can find the jewelry pieces by admiring the artwork or searching for your treasure. There are lots of jewelry pieces available online and offline to choose from.
Vintage Jewelry-
We have mentioned a little about vintage jewelry, but let’s learn more about it to understand the difference. Estate and vintage jewelry are not far different as most of the jewelry pieces that are resold would automatically become estate jewelry.
However, unlike any other jewelry, tracking down vintage jewelry is overwhelming. And experience can be incredibly satisfying as well. Most people like vintage jewelry to show their unique personal style in a way that no other jewelry could.
Most vintage jewelry pieces contain flowers and butterflies. As for the stones, most vintage jewelry pieces have diamonds of different shapes to create an old mine-cut diamond.
Unlike the other jewelry category, vintage jewelry has an exceptionally soft and charming look. And when it comes to the settings of vintage jewelry, most pieces contain blunt edges. These sharp edges contain the stone on the place and spot. The clasps and earrings hooks provide a smooth and vintage look.
The clasps in the jewelry contain an open and closed shape to give it a smooth look to survive over time. Most of the vintage pearls lose their luster over time and start to have spots on them.
Things to Consider When Buying The Estate, Vintage, or Antique Jewelry
Buying jewelry is not something you can do in vain. You have to cross a little before you finalize your choice.
Not Every So-Called Jewelry Piece Is Vintage Or Antique
When buying jewelry pieces online, you will often see the new pieces look old. But they are not old, the ornaments made to look like that due to the demand for such articles having exceeded the supply, unlike any other investment that would have you, here you have a little more investment.
And before buying any other jewelry piece, you should be aware of the distinctive styles available in the different periods and the different jewelry.
Just don’t invest in vintage pieces just because of their historical value. When you do this, chances become more likely to fall into a scam.
Inspect The Signs Of Wear On Jewelry
Some signs of wear are expected. But you have to make sure all the ornament settings are intact. Most of the time, vintage jewelry has a soft and smooth look. You can go for the jewelry after looking at its aesthetics. Make sure that stones have stayed fitted despite being worn down over time. The luster must stay visible in the shape. Also, while the little black spots are essential, ensure that jewelry has no dark patches.
Check For The Makers Mark:
The jewelry can have different marks, including the hallmark and the makes. When you decide to buy vintage jewelry, make sure to check for the maker’s signs. You can find other signs also, like the export marks indicating the fabrication of a piece in one county but then delivered to another. There can be another marketing, too, like the pictorial marking, which means that the marking indicates the presence of other metals.
Pay Attention To The Manufacturing Methods:
Ensure to look closely at the manufacturing methods. There are certain types of clasps, for instance, which only came into use later in the century. And some of the particular designs began appearing in the 19th century. So, ensure your due diligence regarding the clasps, standard settings, and stones found in every era.
Where Can You Buy Classic Estate Jewelry?
CertifiedFineJewelry is one of the best places to shop for your favorite fine and classic estate jewelry at affordable prices. There are thousands of pieces available in different jewelry types that you can check right now.
ABOUT CERTIFIED FINE JEWELRY
For unique handcrafted pieces of Fine Jewelry by Ezra Eric Kassin
Pearls and Pendants/Certified Fine Jewelry offers a unique collection of highly desirable custom designed and estate vintage jewelry
We specialize in fine colored gems and diamonds, estate vintage jewelry, original designed custom-made jewelry.
We are the destination for highly desirable, uniquely handcrafted artisan pieces of Fine Jewelry made by the proprietor Ezra Kassin.
All of our items are One of a Kind Pieces of Jewelry are hand created in house and will be cherished for Generations.
We travel throughout the world selecting the finest Cultured Pearls and precious stones that are used in our unique and One of a Kind pieces of jewelry.
All of our gems, Aquamarines, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Opals, Morganites, Cultured South Sea and Akoya are hand-selected unique gems, to use in our jewelry.
All are ethically mined and are purchased directly from the source.
We create professional custom designed jewelry for the collector who appreciates and values exquisite unique designs.
We have been handcrafting custom made fine pieces of jewelry since 2002.
Our family has been in both the antique and jewelry business for 4 generations having retail locations on both 5th Avenue and 34th Street in NYC and both in Bal Harbour and Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, Florida.
We have always had a deep passion for creating unique quality jewelry and selling interesting vintage estate items.
I am looking forward to helping you find your special piece of jewelry that I am sure will be cherished for generations.
All of our items are Guaranteed Authentic and will be described in Detail.
Many of our items are both certified and appraised so that the client can be assured of the items description and authenticity.
We try to describe all of our items to the best of our ability and take many pictures at different angles so that the client will be able to review and appreciate the piece of jewelry as closely as possible.
All Jewelry will be Shipped domestically Free registered, and insured with the signature required.
All of our pieces of jewelry are carefully packed to ensure safe delivery and packaged in a new beautiful gift box to provide you with an elegant presentation.
Come visit us often as we add new exciting items to our website on a weekly basis.
We will be happy to answer any additional questions that you may have.
We value building long-lasting relationships and look forward to helping you with your future selections. Our aim is to provide our clients with a meaningful shopping experience.
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