Smart Reasons for Getting a Expert Antique Jewelry Appraisal
Have you been wondering how much your great-grandmother’s diamond ring is worth? You may have an antique piece of jewelry and not realize how precious it is to you and your family. Antique jewelry appraisers can answer all your questions.
Old jewelry brings out the curiosity of everyone. Perhaps because most people have some old jewelry tucked away at home. It could be a necklace belonging to a grandmother or a brooch handed down in the family.
Some people tend to have old jewelry that gathers dust in an equally old jewelry box. Instead of doing this, take the item to an antique jewelry appraiser and see if what you have is a real treasure.
What is Antique Jewelry?
Old pieces of jewelry can be classified as antique, vintage, and estate jewelry.
Antique Jewelry. As the oldest jewelry in this category. Antique jewelry should be one hundred years or older.
Victorian (1837 – 1901). Jewelry from this period was designed and created during the reign of Queen Victoria of England. Victorian jewelry designs range from delicate to intricate.
Art Nouveau (1895 – 1915). These jewelry pieces boast romantic designs with decorative and delicate features.
Edwardian (1901 – 1915). This period was named after King Edward of England. Jewelry designs of this era were light and elegant.
Vintage Jewelry. Vintage pieces of jewelry are previously owned items that are less than 100 years old but over about 20-30 years. They do not represent the current trends and styles.
Art Deco (1920-1935). Signature jewelry designs were characterized by geometric designs and enamel inlay.
Retro (1935 – 1950). Retro jewelry designs were bold. Diamonds and colored gemstones were used heavily.
Mid-Century (1940s – 1960s). Diamond, gold, and platinum jewelry were popular during this period.
Estate Jewelry. These are pre-owned jewelry and have nothing to do with the age of the item. Estate jewelry is not determined by age although many of them are 50, 100, or even over 150 years old.
Antique jewelry appraisers can establish whether a piece of jewelry is antique or vintage. If what you have is an antique piece of jewelry you can even sell it at the current market price or more.
The period or era it was designed and created, the jewelry style, condition, type (brooch, necklace, bracelet, or ring), and materials used are signs of the period in history the jewelry came into existence.
Why should you only Deal with an Expert Antique Jewelry Appraiser?
If you think what you have is an antique piece of jewelry, take it to a qualified antique jewelry appraiser. He is an expert who can conduct an accurate antique jewelry appraisal.
To know the value
It is common for people with antique jewelry to assume its value. Antique jewelry carries a lot more value based on its cut and carat value, as well as its age.
If you wish to insure the jewelry, you may be entitled to a higher replacement value for your piece of history. So, before assuming the value, take it to a qualified antique jewelry appraiser who can evaluate its real value.
To have your jewelry assessed by an antique expert
Being a Graduate Gemologist, working at an estate auction house, or a jewelry store means that one is already an expert in antique jewelry appraisal.
Qualified antique jewelry appraisers have undergone specialized training in antique jewelry. They also attend annual continuing education seminars, as well as undergo rigid training and examinations to enhance their expertise.
How to Identify Antique Jewelry
While antique jewelry appraisers are the right persons to determine and evaluate your antique jewelry, there are signs you can notice to establish that what you have is an antique piece of jewelry.
Hallmarks and Brand Stamps
This is one of the easiest ways to determine the age of the jewelry. Jewelry brands always use hallmarks and brand stamps exclusive to a piece of jewelry.
These markings are giveaways of the country of origin and even the period the jewelry was designed and created. They are so tiny but can carry a wealth of knowledge such as the fineness of the metal.
Antique jewelry appraisers use a jeweler’s loupe with 10 times magnification (minimum) and good lighting to find these hidden treasures. Every part of the jewelry is examined to find these marks.
These marks may sometimes be only partially visible because of poor stamping, refurbishments, and alterations. Sometimes the piece of jewelry is too old, and the markings wear off.
Style
Antique jewelry appraisers can correctly identify the style of the jewelry and the era it was designed and created.
Materials
Each era has popular materials for pieces of jewelry. The jewelry appraiser will examine the front and back of the piece of jewelry and take note of the following to determine the age of the item:
Materials used
Gemstones
Motifs
Decorative or functional elements
Manufacturing Methods
Certain details and components of a piece of jewelry are very obvious when it comes to dating the item.
For example. Machine stone cutting which created round brilliant cuts was introduced in the early 1900s. Before this period, jewelry was set with old, hand-cut gems. Hand engraving, especially if it is on a signet ring also indicates that a piece of jewelry dates back to the 1900s.
Final Thoughts
The interest in antiques, including antique jewelry, has been ongoing over the last decades.
Before you get too excited and rummage through your grandmother’s old jewelry chest to find some unusual treasures, remember that you can only put a price tag on antique jewelry if it has been evaluated by expert antique jewelry appraisers.
An antique jewelry appraiser can determine the age, origin, materials, and manufacturer of the jewelry to place a monetary value on the item.
You can take your antique jewelry to any qualified jewelry appraiser. But only qualified antique jewelry appraisers can provide a reliable and accurate appraisal for your antique jewelry. They have the training, expertise, and experience to scrutinize every component and area of your antique jewelry.