The whys and procedures of vintage jewelry
The “out with the old, in with the new” mentality is not always the case when it comes to jewelry. The choice of your jewelry has always been a matter of preference and taste. Whether you like modern looking jewelry or not, there is always a special place in people’s hearts about owning antique or heirloom jewelry; It’s a memorable piece of history and sentimental value right at your fingertips. These beautiful pieces symbolize the development and growth of the art of jewelry making and have shaped the current trends and jewelry we have today.
Why buy antique jewelry?
1. Value for money
Everyone loves to save money. This is one of the most popular reasons people buy vintage or second-hand 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 jewels are advantageously priced compared to retail purchase. Since it is a pre-owned part and has been previously worn or used, the price sometimes depreciates substantially. If you don’t mind a few scratches here and there to save money, then second-hand jewelry is definitely for you. Also, many used parts are still in mint and excellent condition. Finding those pieces can really be a bargain!
2. Unique and exclusive
Jewelry has been around for centuries. Each era has its own unique craftsmanship and exclusive design that meets the tastes and preferences of many people. With the absence of cutting edge technology in the past, 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. Uniqueness and rarity also increase the value of vintage pieces over time.
Unlike shopping for new and trendy pieces today, you can tailor your ring to the most specific criteria possible. From carat weight, color, clarity, design, table ratio, pin millimeter size, etc., a trusted jeweler can work with you and customize a ring designed for you at the foot of the letter. With real estate pieces, what you see is often what you get. You will need a lot of time going from one website to another or from one store to another to find a piece that really appeals to you. This is actually the thrill of buying vintage jewelry. Some people attribute finding and purchasing heirloom jewelry as memories of the experience of finding that specific piece.
3. Exceptional quality
Vintage jewelry shows exceptional quality because it has stood the test of time. Jewelry is an investment that almost everyone develops an attachment to and takes very good care of. That is why most of the old jewelry is still in very good condition and wearable. You will be surprised how impeccable and well cared for some very old pieces that we have in our collection are. Due to their high standards of quality and reputation, many jewelers like Roman Malakov sell fine jewelry and goods that are durable and will last you many generations to come (with proper love and care, of course).
4. History at your fingertips
As I said before, people develop certain attachments to jewelry because it symbolizes special relationships and memorable experiences in their lives. Each ancient piece has its own place in history and essentially you are a part of that history. That’s something new jewelry just doesn’t have. They become symbols of earlier times and the trade they held during those times. If it weren’t for the preservation and value of secondhand jewelry, the distinctive and creative design of each era would not have been appreciated by current and future generations.
vintage jewelry
1. Buy from a trusted jeweler
With today’s technology, finding a trusted jeweler is just an app or click away. Check out jewelry stores near your location; be sure to look at their reviews, policies, customer experiences (eg yelp, google reviews), knowledge, etc. Unfortunately, there are stores that intentionally or unintentionally mislead their customers into buying inauthentic vintage pieces. This is why it is incredibly important to do your due diligence with the seller when shopping for jewelry in general. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure they answer your questions honestly and transparently. If you’re buying antique jewelry online, make sure the seller has multiple images of the piece and has a well-written description of the piece. If not, ask for more photos or information. Jewelers will most likely send more photos that show the condition of the item and are transparent with their customers. Trust is one of the bases of buying jewelry.
2. Evaluate 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 pre-owned part with years of use, it should show signs of wear (for example, scratches, teeth, 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 new, ask if it has been restored. If you’re shopping online, be sure to look at multiple views of the piece and inquire about the jeweler’s return policy.
In the past, jewelers used to sign your piece and leave marks with their initials or a small symbol. Be sure to check it out as it is a good sign of authenticity. This is especially true for second-hand branded pieces like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chopard, etc. These name brand jewelry companies always mark and sign your piece. If you are buying pre-owned name-brand 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. Research and price verification
Looks are deceiving. That’s why even doing a little research goes a long way. Do your research on diamond prices, what styles appeal to you, how much it usually costs, etc. Not only will you be more confident shopping for vintage jewelry, but it will also take less time and make it much easier for you to go from store to store. The more information you have, the more likely you are to get an authentic part and bargain for a reasonable price.
Since vintage or antique jewelry is one of a kind, be careful when selling vintage pieces in bulk. If a seller advertises that he has more than 1 of the same piece, be careful. They may have made old looking pieces and are not genuine antiques. Be especially aware of your use of words; an example of this is “old style” or “old look”. They usually signify newly made jewelry that has old designs.
Also, antique jewelry has too much history and value to be sold cheap. If you see an antique piece selling for an amazing price (for example, an antique 1 carat diamond ring for $20-$100), think twice. As I said earlier, without the technology we have now, it often takes hundreds of hours for older generation jewelers to handcraft and produce a stunning 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 cost a couple of bucks (unless the seller doesn’t have a clue). This is where the investigation comes in. Verifying and validating a piece’s information and description (eg, diamond/gemstone price, price of similar pieces, gold weight, stone size, etc.) to find out its intrinsic value is critically important to know its authenticity. If the price deviates or varies a lot from other similar pieces, think twice.
In conclusion
You can find and buy old and vintage jewelry almost everywhere; either online or in physical stores. Shopping smart is always the most important thing when shopping for jewelry (vintage or not). But if you’re looking to buy authentic antiques, sorting the real ones from the fakes will ensure you get the right price for the right item. Research is key.