Introduction
Estate jewelry is any gorgeous item of jewelry that has been previously owned, meaning it is either vintage or antique. Historically, estate jewelry dates back as far as ancient civilizations, but the term became popularized in the second half of the 18th century after European aristocrats used to pass down their jewels between family members. In modern times, wearing a piece of estate jewelry can signify a sense of luxury and sophistication.
Since estate jewelry can range from very old pieces to pieces created merely a handful of years ago, this type of jewelry appeals to many different buyers for different reasons. Collectors may be interested in purchasing antique pieces for aesthetic or sentimental purposes; people may buy jeweled pieces that were once worn by royalty or high society figures; and fashion-minded shoppers can purchase trendy yet timeless vintage items at an affordable price point. Additionally, many first-time buyers may also consider estate jewelry due to its relative affordability and wide selection.
Different Styles of Estate Jewelry and Their Place in History
Estate jewelry is the collecting of pre-owned vintage and antique pieces. Estate jewelry can date back to many different eras, each style bringing a certain charm and history to the piece. Popular period pieces include Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco.
Georgian period pieces (1714-1830) are typically made out of yellow or white gold with closed backs and intricate detail work across the face of the stone as well as in milgrain detailing along prongs or bands. These pieces often feature bold colored stones including amethyst, turquoise, ruby and sapphire, each representing a traditional sentiment from those eras. Notable namesake examples include Brummel Rings which were popularized by entertainer George Brummel in England around 1820 and were characterized by their three open set diamonds across the center.
Victorian era (1840-1900) jewelry is usually more intricate in comparison to Moroccan Jewels as they tend to have delicate carvings resembling flowers, branches and other motifs on pierced metal settings like gold or rose gold topped with precious stones such as diamonds and rubies. Popularized by contemporary fashion icons like Queen Victoria herself, who preferred opals; these pieces are renowned for their ornate features that communicate both daily life status symbols as well as romantic notions of love.
Edwardian era (1900-1910) bring us styles that highlight details in sleek designs – quite unlike their Victorian counterparts as they focus on fine filigree laced across an open Middle Eastern styled scrollwork complemented by small diamond accents for even more delicacy. Art Nouveau (1890-1920) combines gemstones within organic shapes laser cut into metal bands creating very unique engagement rings featuring emeralds, aquamarines and opals created alongside detailed patters connected greatly to nature’s surrounding elements that were prevalent during its time period.
Most people buy estate jewelry because people recognize it for its history but also appreciate its aesthetic beauty when worn today! It offers a sense of individuality with each piece featuring its own distinct characteristics lending itself perfectly to any personal look or style preference enhancing any outfit!
Who Typically Buys Estate Jewelry?
Estate jewelry can be bought by both collectors and non-collectors alike. Collectors will often seek out unique items that have been passed down through generations due to the historical significance or rarity. Non-collectors are often attracted to estate jewelry as it offers great value for money compared to more contemporary jewelry pieces. Estate jewelry can range from high-end couture pieces, with considerable vintage charm, to more economical items that still possess a timeless beauty and uniqueness.
Benefits of Purchasing Estate Jewelry
Estate jewelry is an attractive option for anyone looking to buy a beautiful piece at an accessible price while also supporting a more sustainable lifestyle. Estate jewelry can be found in antique stores, flea markets, and online. Those who purchase estate jewelry are usually looking for unique and delicate pieces that may have historical value or provide them with memories of the past.
There are many benefits of purchasing estate jewelry. Firstly, it is typically much more affordable than modern pieces, as it generally costs less to refurbish than to create something completely new. Moreover, estate jewelry often has a fascinating history attached with its previous owners which adds uniqueness and personal charm. Estate jewelry also tends to be of higher quality than modern pieces due to the fact that it has likely been looked after carefully over the years. For environmentally-conscious individuals, investing in vintage or estate pieces also means promoting sustainability since no new materials need to be used in the creation process.
Where to Find Quality Estate Jewelry
Estate jewelry can be found virtually anywhere these days; jewelry stores, online retailers, and auction sites. But who is buying estate jewelry these days?
The most common buyers of estate jewelry are collectors. These buyers appreciate the unique beauty that vintage pieces offer, as well as the fact that they are often made from premium metals and gemstones that may not be available in modern production jewelry. Collectors may specialize in a particular type or era of jewelry, such as Victorian or Art Deco, and many become passionate about tracking down rare finds.
Investors looking for a tangible asset can also benefit from purchasing estate jewelry. If you have an eye for detail and know-how to identify valuable items you stand to gain from investing in quality estate items. Jewelry made from precious metals or with rare gemstones will tend to go up in value over time making them a good investment for shrewd purchasers.
Finally, many people simply enjoy wearing beautiful antique pieces or giving them as thoughtful gifts to their friends and family members. Wearing vintage pieces is a way to express your individuality and make use of pieces that otherwise might sit unused in someone’s drawer. Nothing brightens somebody’s day more than receiving a beautifully crafted antique item!
Tips for Purchasing Estate Jewelry and Identifying Genuine Pieces
Estate jewelry is often a great option for those looking to own unique pieces at an affordable price. Who buys estate jewelry depends on the budget and the individual style of each person. For example, some buyers may be looking for vintage pieces as keepsakes or investment pieces, while others are simply looking to find a great deal on interesting pieces of jewelry.
For those interested in purchasing estate jewelry, it can seem daunting with all the options available. Fortunately, there are certain tips to help identify genuine antique and vintage pieces:
1. Analyze the Materials Used: Genuine antique or vintage jewelry typically features materials that are no longer available in mass production today. Examples include natural gemstones such as rubies and sapphires, as well as ancient metals like 14k yellow gold or Platinum.
2. Check for Wear and Tear: Estate jewelry should show its age without any apparent alterations such as repairs or replated/re-enameled elements that have been replaced over time from wear. It should have visibly distressed components such as scratches, fading colors, and worn edges that are authentic do the age of the piece – real antique jewels don’t remain perfect over time!
3. Consider Certification or Appraisals: Have your item evaluated by a professional appraiser or check if it has any certification papers that confirm its origins and condition. A certificate will provide detailed specs about the item including carat weight, clarity grade, details of precious stone cut types (i.e., round brilliant mixed cuts) -all of which verifies an item’s authenticity before purchase can be made.
4. Look up Similar Pieces Online: Use internet research to look up similar items online so you can compare prices and details from multiple sellers – this step also helps verify if an estate sale find is indeed a real antique when compared against similar items listed elsewhere .
Final Thoughts and Summary
Estate jewelry is a popular choice for many shoppers looking for distinctive, unique pieces with interesting stories built into them. As such, estate jewelry is often sought after by collectors, antiques dealers, and those looking to make a fashion statement. However, estate jewelry comes with both advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider before making a purchase.
One of the main benefits of purchasing estate jewelry is that you can find a variety of styles and pieces that may be hard to find in most conventional stores or shopping centers. You can often find single pieces that were owned by famous people or crafted during a certain time period or region. Additionally, because estate jewelry has already been previously owned, it carries a lower price tag than something brand new from the store.
But along with these perks come drawbacks as well—it’s important to account for any damage (visible or not) when purchasing vintage jewelry. Also, the age of the item can leave it more vulnerable to losing its luster or even function due to the delicate parts it may contain. Comparatively speaking, a newer version of an item might have less wear and tear but its premium prices will reflect this benefit as well.
Welcome to my jewelry blog! My name is Sarah and I am the owner of this blog.
I love making jewelry and sharing my creations with others.
So whether you’re someone who loves wearing jewelry yourself or simply enjoys learning about it, be sure to check out my blog for insightful posts on everything related to this exciting topic!
