Sports Memorabilia -> Fantasy, Mythical and Magical -> Jewelry
Antique jewelry is a wonderful collectible that is not only valuable, but also very beautiful. Whether you are a fan of precious stones, interesting settings or you just have a love of everything vintage, buying antique jewelry is a lot of fun and there are many pieces out there that are beyond compare. When you’re looking for antique jewelry there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure that you are getting the most out of your money.
Is the piece authentic?
If someone is trying to sell you an “authentic” ruby ring with a stone the size of an egg, and they are claiming it is real, it is vital to check. As an example, many “ruby” rings from the Middle Ages were actually made of glass, while others are the much more valuable spinel stone. It is important to have an independent jeweler or laboratory examine the stone, especially if it is a very expensive piece. Always err on the side of caution and make sure that you are dealing with a seller that you can trust.
What is the condition of the piece?
Some antique jewelry pieces can be restored, but there will be a few that are beyond repair. Take a hard look at the piece and see if it’s overly tarnished, cracked, missing stones or otherwise imperfect. If it is, the value of the piece will be greatly diminished. Unless you truly love the jewelry and you’re not buying as a collector, it is best to go with one that is in near perfect condition.
Know your Stones
While you don’t need to go to gemology school, it is a good idea to know a little bit about gem stones if you are interested in antique jewelry. There are many similar stones out there and the value can drop greatly from one to the other. For example, a white spinel looks like a very beautiful diamond, but it is not worth as much. It is also important to know when you are dealing with fakes, as well as stones that have been treated. Many amethysts, rubies, and emeralds are heat treated in order to achieve the desired depth of color. While this makes the piece look better, it does not add value.
Shop in the right places
If you’re looking for great deals on antique jewelry, estate auctions are a great place to start. You’ll have access to art deco pieces that are very rare, as well as many unique pieces that may have been custom made. Pawn shops will occasionally have some antique jewelry, but the prices may be over-inflated and the pieces may not be authentic. Online auctions are a great solution when you’re shopping for jewelry and they provide access to pieces that would otherwise be very hard to find.
No matter what kind of antique jewelry you’re interested in, browsing through online auction stores is like visiting the world’s best candy store, full of surprises.
Photo Credits: Le Petit Poulailler
Originally posted 2008-10-06 05:00:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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