Owning
vintage jewelry used to be the domain of only the super-rich, but times have
changed—and now anyone can join in on the vintage market.
From
pre-owned wedding rings that are more affordable to estate pieces that are
one-of-a-kind and handmade by talented artisans, there is a different kind of
beauty in pre-owned Edwardian jewelry.
If
you're ready to join the trend, here are some expert tips on how to find the
perfect piece of vintage bling for your collection or special occasion:
Rule 1:
Make Sure It's Real
Before
buying any piece like vintage Piaget watches, it's essential to ensure that the metals are not
coated with rhodium plating or paint.
As
different metals age at different rates, they can fade and become uneven in
color if they're plated—which makes detecting whether they're real or not more
complicated than usual.
To
avoid this, always check to see if the piece has a hallmark or other
identifying stamp that will help you find out its origins.
If it
doesn't have such a stamp, consider taking it to a reputable jeweler for
examination and evaluation.
Rule 2:
Make Sure It's in Good Condition
While
finding a ring that fits perfectly is a dream come true for many women, it's
important to remember that the best vintage bling will usually have a story.
Make
sure you avoid any pieces with chips, cracks, or imperfections in the metal—as
these may indicate structural damage to the piece.
Rule 3: Avoid Buying Over- or Under-Sized Rings
Dainty
hoop earrings were also popular at this time, so don't be surprised if they
seem too tight when you try them on.
Instead
of sizing up or down, consider leaving such pieces to sit in your jewelry box
and remembering them for their historical value. If you decide to size them to
fit, make sure the jeweler you work with knows how to handle vintage jewels so
that no damage is done to the setting.
Rule 4:
Give Yourself an Inch—or Two
Most
vintage Edwardian jewelry is smaller than the ones you'll find in retail stores
today, so it's best to be prepared before buying.
To
avoid any post-purchase distress over a ring that fits more snugly than
expected, bring your sizing wires to be sized before trying on anything.
Rule 5:
Verify the Seller's Claims
When
purchasing vintage jewels online, it's essential to check for any seller's
claims about physical condition and authenticity.
If
you're not an expert, it's best to ask a jeweler or gemologist to verify such
claims—as there might be more damage than you can see on the metal or setting.
Rule 6:
Find Out What You're Paying for
When
you receive your vintage ring, it's important to remember that the bling alone
doesn't have much value when it comes to resale.
To get
the most out of jewelry, consider asking a jeweler or gemologist about its
probable origins—which can help you determine a fair price.
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