All About Buying the Perfect Vintage, Antique or Estate Jewelry

Jewelry trends are ever-changing! What is popular today probably had been in fashion years and years ago. Vintage and Antique jewelry are now in collections that have been gaining prominence over the past few years. They are more valuable and considered more than a piece or brand.

There has always been a craze for Vintage and Antique jewelry collections. They are rare, one-of-a-kind enchanting jewelry pieces that hold rich histories and stories. The Vintage or Antique jewelry pieces also express the personal style of wearers. For example, the intricately designed Antique Art Deco Engagement Rings and other eras will melt the heart of a person who has an affinity towards the past.

While Antique jewelry pieces are found to be more than 75 years old, Vintage jewelry can be from any specific period made between 40 and 75 years old.

While the desirable Retro and Mid-century jewelry pieces fall under the Vintage collections, the popular Art Deco, Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Edwardian jewelry are all Antique.

Estate Jewelry

There is also another type of jewelry that comes from the age of the piece called Estate Jewelry.

It differs from Antique and Vintage collections in the fact that the jewelry piece has been previously owned, regardless of age.

Since Estate jewelry has been owned previously, the jewelry has had time to age, and the piece is rarely sold immediately for the estate after it is bought. However, jewelry of this kind has been around for at least a few years and is categorized as either Antique or Vintage.

Understanding the difference between these collections is significant to know how valuable a piece of jewelry is and get exactly what you need.

Vintage and Antique jewelry pieces are becoming more and more popular due to their unique character, timeless value, quality, and unmatched craftsmanship. Wearers are drawn to these categories to find historic, stylish, and rare jewelry pieces that current jewelers don’t produce. The Antique, Vintage and Estate jewelry pieces have sentimental value that prompts buyers to add to their collections.

No matter what you like or buy, there are some essential things to be considered before these timeless jewelry purchases.

Important Things to Consider

If you are not perusing the Gesner Estate Jewelry website, make sure that the seller is credible and the jewelry pieces listed are authentic. An authentic Antique or Vintage jewelry piece has the antique look and quality but is not necessarily worn down.

Ask and find out where the particular jewelry piece is found in the first place - from the local trade or an estate sale. There are times when a particular jewelry piece does not have a known provenance.

Reputed dealers will be open to answering your questions about certifications and tests to confirm the authenticity and quality.

You can look for high-quality photos and request transparency from the seller and make sure your jewelry purchase is insured and easy to return or ship if required.

Now that you know the primary elements to look for, here are some tips that may help you choose the best from a vast selection of vintage jewelry collections.

Tips for buying vintage or antique jewelry collections at a reputable store.

While you search the website of Gesner Estate Jewelry or another website, make sure you are in the vintage, antique, or estate jewelry section. If you see jewelry shown as "Art Deco Style" or the "Style" word used with any era, it is an item that is not authentic and most likely will be a reproduction.

Use specific keywords to search online or at a particular site. For example, use the terms “Art Deco Engagement Rings,” “Vintage Art Deco Engagement Rings,” “Estate Jewelry,” or “Antique Engagement Ring” rather than just “engagement rings.”

Be sure to use the category filters on the page to limit your results.

Know your measurements such as the ring size for engagement or other special occasions.

If you find an antique jewelry piece you like, add it to your favorites so you can find it again.

Contact sellers if the pictures or information are lacking. If they don't respond, don't purchase from them.

Look for brands with lots of positive reviews. Red flags would be sellers or brands that don't respond on time or the item quality is below standards.

Check the seller’s shipping and policies on the "Shipping and Policies" tab before deciding.

Read reviews and buyers’ feedback on the site, only buy from brands with consistently satisfied customers.

If you buy a ring, check if the seller offers to resize.