Purchase Antique Jewelry Like a Pro

Purchasing an Antique Jewelry

You may start by looking at the antique rings that your family members are now wearing.

Would they go for a big ring or a little vintage ring?

Why Not Purchase Antique Jewelry Like a Pro? 

What colors do they prefer in their gemstones?

Do they have a preference for gold or silver?

Mid-Century Blue Cushion Diamonds Ring / Proposal Diamond Ring | Etsy

These casual observations will undoubtedly assist you in determining the appropriate design and style, as well as the gemstones to look for in retro rings.

Once you've determined your loved one's preferences, you may start looking for reputable antique ring vendors.

Purchasing Antique Jewelry is a serious decision. If you are planning to buy one of them then make sure you follow the steps. 

1. Purchase from a Trustworthy Jeweler

Nowadays, finding a trustworthy jeweler is as simple as downloading an app or clicking a button.

Examine jewelers in your area, paying special attention to their ratings, policies, customer experiences (e.g. Yelp, Google reviews), expertise, and so on.

Round Brilliant Cut Wedding Diamond 935 Argentium Silver Ring | Etsy

Unfortunately, there are certain businesses out there that purposefully or accidentally encourage people to purchase fake antiques.

That is why, while purchasing jewelry in general, it is critical to conduct due diligence on the seller.

Do not be hesitant to inquire. Make certain they respond to your inquiries honestly and openly.

If you're purchasing vintage jewelry online, ensure sure the seller has numerous photos of the item and a detailed description of it.

If not, request further photos or information. Jewelers would most likely offer more photos to illustrate the item's condition and to be open with their consumers.

One of the fundamentals of jewelry purchasing is trust.

2. Examine the item's condition

To retain the authenticity and antique feel of vintage jewelry, most jewelers do not repair or polish it.

It should exhibit indications of wear due to the fact that it is a pre-owned item that has been worn for years (e.g. scratches, dents, etc.).

It's excellent if there are little indications of wear, but ensure sure there are no cracks in the metal or chips in the stones.

If it appears to be fresh new, inquire as to whether it has been restored. If you're buying something online, make sure you get numerous views of the item and look into the jeweler's return policy.

In the past, jewelry manufacturers would sign their work and leave markings like their initials or a tiny symbol.

Make a note of it because it's an excellent indicator of genuineness. This is especially true for pre-owned Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chopard, and other luxury brands.

Vintage Round Solitaire With Accents Diamond Engagement Ring | Etsy

Each item of branded jewelry is always marked and signed by the company.

If you're buying pre-owned branded jewelry, be sure it comes with the original box and documentation.

Make sure the number on the certificates matches the number stamped on the object if they have authenticity certifications.

3. Do some research and price comparisons

It's easy to be fooled by appearances. That is why even a small amount of research may go a long way.

Investigate diamond pricing, what styles appeal to you, how much they typically cost, and so on.

You will not only feel more confident when shopping for vintage jewelry, but you will also save time and find it simpler to go from store to store.

The more information you have, the better your chances of getting genuine artwork and negotiating a fair price.

Because estate or vintage jewelry is one-of-a-kind, be careful of antiques sold in quantity.

If a vendor claims to have more than one of the same item, proceed with caution. They may have created antique-looking items that are not genuine antiques.

Pay careful attention to the words they use, such as "antique style" or "antique appearance."

These are typically used to describe newly created jewelry with old designs.

Crystal Aquablue Baguette Diamond Ring/ Vintage Filigree Diamond Ring| Etsy

Vintage jewelry also has too much history and is worth being sold cheaply.

Think twice if you encounter an antique piece at a ridiculously low price (e.g., a 1-carat antique diamond ring for $20-$100).

As I previously stated, prior generation jewelers often spent hundreds of hours handcrafting and producing a magnificent and one-of-a-kind item without the technology we now have created a work that will last centuries takes precision, expertise, and experience in the art.

This kind of effort isn't done for a few bucks (unless the seller is clueless). Here's where research comes into play.

Cross-checking and verifying the information and description on a piece to determine its intrinsic worth (e.g. diamond/gemstone pricing, price of similar items, gold weight, size of stones, etc.) is vital to determine its authenticity.

Have second thoughts if the pricing differs significantly from that of identical products.

The top-level of craftsmanship, as well as the top quality of materials used, contribute to the everlasting appeal of antique fine jewelry.

Instead of being mass-produced, parts are handcrafted by skilled metal craftsmen.

Antique Vintage Ring/ Old European Cut Diamond Wedding Ring | Etsy

Gold is virtually never less than 18ct, and Platinum of the highest quality is also commonly used.

Expensive diamonds were largely supplied from South African mines, which were abundant with diamonds of a superior and whiter grade than their current mined counterparts throughout the 1900s.

As a result, Antique Engagement Rings are in high demand and becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Imitation jewelry, which is made with low-quality metals and jewels, has flooded the market.

These pieces are a false economy as investments because they will not retain their value, as well as an original Antique, would.

As a result, you must always purchase from a reputable dealer or jeweler.

To sum it up

Contact vintage merchants, who often have a wide inventory of vintage and antique rings.

For their materials, I love the Victorian Period antique rings. If you locate the right antique vendor, you'll be able to get vintage rings that are not only beautiful but also fairly priced.

The fact that most vintage merchants are familiar with the history of the retro rings they sell and are prepared to provide you with a provenance document, adds to the allure.

Another alternative is to conduct some internet research. There are literally countless stores that sell fantastic vintage rings to anyone who is willing to pay for them.

Red Ruby Emerald Cut Diamond Ring / Art Deco Pave Set Diamond | Etsy

Remember to double-check that the website you've chosen to purchase from is legitimate.

Otherwise, you could not receive high-quality antique rings.

Another essential aspect to remember is that antique rings do not come in standard sizes.

You will almost probably need to alter the ring's size to fit your sweetheart, so expect to pay a premium for this service.

Antique and vintage jewelry may be found and purchased virtually everywhere, whether online or in physical stores.

When it comes to jewelry, the most essential thing to remember is to shop wisely (vintage or not).

However, if you want to buy genuine antiques, knowing how to tell the difference between the real and the fakes will ensure that you pay the correct amount for the right thing. It is critical to do research.

Michael Malakov: My name is Michael Malakov, and I've been working in the jewelry industry for over ten years. I am a GIA diamond graduate with a strong interest in diamonds and jewelry.

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