The Most Important Things To Consider When Buying Antique Jewelry

Something plenty with their finger on the pulse of fashion might have noticed is how much thrifted fashion has taken over in recent years. Plenty are turning to more sustainable ways of adding something fresh to their look, and it seems that clothes aren’t the only thing getting that treatment.

Investing in pre-loved jewelry has become a major part of looking to change the way we work on our closest, but that doesn’t mean that things are straightforward. Learning the most important things to consider when buying antique jewelry should mean that we can enjoy our new additions without discovering our mistakes later down the line.

Is the antique jewelry in good condition?

Of course, not being a jeweler can make it tough to know if something is in truly good condition. That doesn’t mean we have to miss things about the piece we’re about to buy. Start by taking a look at the gems and stones to see if any apparent scuffs, nicks, or chips are present. It’s also worth taking a look at the settings and claws around each one to ensure they’re in place or if they have been damaged. From there, flip the piece and take a look at the back because this is where alterations or damage is usually the most obvious. If you are buying antique jewelry from an auction, ask to see the specialist’s condition report before parting with any money.

Has a professional repolished, resized, or repaired the jewelry?

Buying antique jewelry means you’re buying something that’s been loved, worn, and used by potentially a host of people. There’s also a chance it could have been repolished, resized, or repaired in that time. Rings can often be resized, but be careful to ensure it’s not been stretched too thin. There’s also a chance that jewels could have been damaged if they have been removed or cleaned effectively. Things like clasps on necklaces and bracelets should also be checked to ensure they haven’t been tightened beyond repair or that they have been replaced with something that’s not authentic to the piece, as these can all detract from the value if they have been done by someone other than a qualified jeweler.

Are there any hallmarks on the jewelry?

Sometimes, we need to take a close look at jewelry, especially when it comes to antique pieces. That’s because this is usually the only way we will spot hallmarks on pieces that tell us where and when something was made. This is also a company’s way of marking the accessory, which can suggest how much something is worth. While placing a hallmark on jewelry wasn’t a requirement until recent decades, they can still often be found on antique pieces from top designers and brands.

Is the antique jewelry authentic or a fake?

How are you meant to tell if antique jewelry is authentic or fake? That’s usually by looking at what styles were popular at the time and if it fits the period. Then comes the fact that replicas often aren’t polished to as high of a standard as originals, might have fake stones, and can sometimes have obvious mistakes that would go overlooked by the untrained eye. The only way to know if something is authentic is to take it to a trained jeweler, but signs like how much it has been worn can often show if something is as old as it says or if it’s a replica.

The most important things to consider when buying antique jewelry mainly come down to ensuring we are protecting our money. While the condition of something might not matter if you fall in love with the piece, it’s always best to know exactly what you’re buying.