Why Consider Estate Jewelry?

we live in financially exciting and unsettling financial times, when gold prices wildly fluctuate, mortgages are being foreclosed and jobs have been lost due to a downturn in the u.s. economy. what’s a couple who want to become engaged to do? shall they settle for simple and small? can gemstones other than diamonds be considered? should the antique engagement ring, that potent symbol of love and middle-class stability, be jettisoned? is there a way out of the dizzying array of choices available?

Fortunately, there is an alternate path for would-be jewelry buyers: estate jewelry. Basically, estate jewelry has originally been owned by someone else. Perhaps the owners want to liquidate inherited property, or tide themselves over in a financial crunch. Whatever the reason for the sale of estate jewelry, the fact is that it can usually be purchased for far less than new jewelry. There are many advantages to buying estate jewelry if the shopper is a little savvy and a little cautious.

There are some simple guidelines to help the purchaser of estate jewelry. First, it’s important to understand that estate jewelry is not synonymous with antique or vintage jewelry. estate jewelry has been previously owned. It may be antique or vintage, but not necessarily. Strictly speaking, the term antique is applied to jewelry that’s at least 100 years old or older. We use the term vintage to signify appealing design elements of a certain time period, such as Edwardian or Art Deco. Additionally, the workmanship of estate or vintage pieces is more accomplished than contemporary, mass-producd jewelry.

When considering an estate engagement ring, it’s important to remember that if there are diamonds, they may have been cut and polished before World War II, and they will be described as old miners. Also, the karat of gold may vary from modern manufactured jewelry; it may be 9-, 12-, 22- or 23 karat. And typically, it will be yellow gold or platinum. An especially striking design may have been created for a specific person or a specific occasion, and thus be a unique piece of jewelry.

For those who have decided to purchase an antique diamond engagement ring or a vintage pair of earrings, learning about the stylistic characteristics of different periods is strongly recommended. During the late Victorian period, 1885 to 1900, jewelers used diamonds and other feminine gemstones such as sapphire or peridot. The Arts and Crafts movement was a rebellion against the Industrial Revolution, and jewelers returned to intricate designs and excellent craftsmanship. Art Nouveau jewelry featured designs from nature, such as flowers and butterflies, with many enameled designs. Art Deco, 1915 to 1935, was sometimes called modern style, and featured sharp lines and futuristic shapes: the Chrysler Building or Rockefeller Plaza reflect the ethos of that time.

So when buying estate jewelry, make sure that the antique engagement ring is what it’s supposed to be: gold, not gold-filled, real gemstones not synthetic, with a provenance which can be verified. Look for the quality of the craftsmanship: is the piece worn or cracked, or poorly repaired? In the end, purchasing an antique diamond engagement ring or a pair of vintage diamond earrings is a journey to be enjoyed, and as with any expedition, being properly prepared will guarantee an excellent outcome.