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How do I Select Antique Diamond Jewelery?
It can be difficult to select the right antique diamond jewelry or even the glittery rhinestone pieces popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Each collector has his own ritual
of quality checks that evolve with his experience handling and examining jewelry. It's always a good idea to check the quality of the stones - even if they are not valuable gems - and to ensure the integrity of the settings.
Learn to understand the difference between real antique pieces and reproduced items by doing your research and educating yourself. Learn to recognize various jewelry styles such as Edwardian or Art Deco on sight even if you do not collect the pieces. The more knowledgeable you sound when negotiating a purchase, the more the dealer is likely to respect you and to deal fairly with you. When you find a certified dealer who is honest and is able to get good pieces, stay with him. Often dealers will give good customers first refusal on new and intriguing pieces.
How to determine the value of the Antique Jewellery?
As part of your education about the quality of antique pieces, learn to recognize known jewellers "marks" or signatures as well as the marks that a ttest to the quality of the gold or silver present in a piece. Also be aware that certain formulations of metal that are no longer popular today were once used widely, like rose gold which includes some copper.
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Develop a rudimentary understanding of the grading of gemstones. Even diamonds are classified by "color" and other stones, like rubies are more valuable when they fall within a given tonal range. If you are uncertain about the quality of an item, ask for an independent appraisal. If the dealer refuses, thank them for their time and move on.
Where to buy Antique Jewellery?
For the beginning buyer, cultivating a relationship with a reputable dealer in antique pieces is your best option. Certainly jewelry can be bought at auctions and even online, but until you know what you're doing and can spot fakes and poorly made pieces, you want to stick with safer purchasing venues. Try to cultivate friends in the world of jewelry collecting or speak with someone who is a local recognized expert on antiques in general. Word of mouth is often the best way to be referred to a good dealer.
Why would I want to collect Antique Jewellery?
Simply put antique platinum jewelry and any other types of antique pieces are small, functional works of art. They are beautiful to wear and beautiful to admire for the intricacy of their workmanship and for the creativity behind particularly unusual designs. The pieces have monetary worth and can easily be passed on to future generations as an inheritance or as an heirloom. A degree of self-education and disciplined, careful buying is required to assure that you are buying quality pieces in good condition, but learning about and acquiring antique jewelry can be a rewarding and consuming pastime.
Tips for Cleaning Antique Jewellery
Antique jewelry cleaning is important if you want to keep your pieces in good condition. Remember that the piece with which you are working is old; it is, after all, an antique. Jewelry boxes are the best place for your collection when it is not being worn or displayed to interested parties. Never clean your jewelry without seeking the advice of a professional first. Some gold is so soft that even the gentlest cleaning brush will mar its surface. Never use a cleaner that will leave a residue on your pieces and plan on having them professionally cleaned at least once a year at which time clasps and stone settings can also be checked.
Antique diamond jewelry is a solid as well as a beautiful investment and antique estate jewelry has a history that appeals to many collectors. In the end, remember, collect what you like.
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