What You Should Know When Buying Antique Jewelry

Antique jewelry is specified in the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines as jewelry that is more than 100 years old.

Buying antique jewelry has become quite popular in recent years and thanks to the Internet, online antique jewelry has made these rare and collectible period pieces even more accessible.

Period Jewelry

Whether you are an avid antique jewelry collector or a one-time private buyer, here is a quick review to help you understand and identify antique jewelry periods. The following, listed in chronological order, are some of the more notable periods that identify old antique jewelry.

Georgian Antique Jewelry feature rare and handmade items with precious stones and dates from 1714 to 1837, the era when Great Britain was ruled by kings like King George the I, II, III and IV.

Victorian Antique Jewelry designs include two periods. Early Victorian antique jewelry were inspired by nature while later Victorian jewelry pieces, often referred to as "mourning" jewelry, were heavier, darker and more solemn. Victorian antique jewelry dates back during the British reign of Queen Victoria from about 1837 until her death in 1901.

Art Nouveau Antique Jewelry feature floral and butterfly designs and date from about 1890 to 1905 when the "new art" influenced everything from art and architecture to fine jewelry design.

Edwardian Antique Jewelry designs featured precious stones and elaborate designs, and dates from 1901 to 1910 when King Edward VII reigned over England.

Art Deco Antique Jewelry feature bright geometric designs and include elaborate necklaces and bracelets. The art deco antique jewelry era dates from about 1910 to 1935 and most notably during the period between World War I and World War II.

Estate & Vintage Verses Antique Jewelry

Fine antique jewelry exudes a timeless beauty. From power and prestige to heartfelt romantic styles, the individual and unique designs of old antique jewelry are what really set them apart.

While all antique jewelry can technically be classified as vintage or estate jewelry, not all estate jewelry or vintage jewelry is antique. Estate simply means items that were previously owned and vintage is an all-encompassing term that includes all eras up to 1960.

While some fine antique jewelry pieces can be quite rare, like those from the Georgian era, surprisingly, there are plenty of unique Antique Jewelry items to be found online, at very reasonable prices.

One can find everything from one-of-a-kind necklaces and bracelets to hair pins, lace pins, brooches, rings, engagement rings and earrings.

Diamond Antique Jewelry

Diamond antique jewelry is among the most sought after fine antique jewelry.

Old diamond cuts, especially those that pre-date 1900 like the old mine cut or rose cut diamond, are very distinct from modern diamonds and have higher crowns, deeper pavilions, smaller tables and thicker girdles than modern cut diamonds.

The cutting methods used to cut stones for most old antique jewelry were not as refined as they are today so antique jewelry designers emphasized the carat weight.

Unfortunately, a practice that has become more common in recent years is to take the old cut precious stones from certain antique jewelry pieces and re-cut them according to modern cutting methods. This has resulted in driving up the demand for antique diamond jewelry.

The depth of beauty, the sheer elegance etched in stylish lines and clever usage of platinum, gold and silver combined with precious stone settings, sets old antique jewelry apart and transports the wearer to sumptuous eras of our illustrious past.

Antique Jewelry Verses Antique Style or Replica

When Buying Antique Jewelry one has to know the difference between ‘antique jewelry', ‘antique style jewelry', ‘antique reproductions' and ‘antique replicas'.

Antique jewelry is the name used for authentic period pieces as discussed earlier.

Antique Style Jewelry refers to jewelry items manufactured anew in the style of historic periods.

Antique Reproduction Jewelry refers to jewelry items which are perfect copies of original antique jewelry pieces.

Antique Replicas are basically costume jewelry and does not belong to the fine jewelry category.

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Just like any other material, antique furniture pieces may deteriorate over time. When such happens, the owner is faced with the question of whether he should refinish or restore the antique piece. In choosing which process should be undertaken, it is vital for the antique owner to have a complete understanding of the difference between the two.

What is the difference between Antique Restoration and Antique Refinishing?

As the name implies, Antique Restoration process refers to the step by step procedures to "restore" the antique piece. Basically, the process ensures that the antique object will not lose its value or worth. Antique restoration may refer to light cleaning, antique refinishing, or conservation.

Antique refinishing is a method of antique restoration. In this restoration technique, the restorer usually prioritizes the upholding of the functionalities of the antique furniture.

For example, if the antique furniture is a table, the restorer would have to make sure that the legs of the table are in good shape and condition to hold some weight on the flat surface where food can be displayed. As such, aside from light cleaning or the process of removing dirt and stain from the item, reassembling and repainting should also be considered. However, the restorer should make sure that regardless of whatever he does, the antique furniture should be able to retain, if not totally increase its value.

The factors that should be considered

In deciding whether an antique piece should undergo refinishing, the restorer or the owner of the piece should consider the following factors:

The peculiarity of the furniture's design: Consider if the furniture piece has a unique design from the old or medieval years. If the furniture looks like a classic example of art from another century or decade, it would be preferable to do some light cleaning only to ultimately conserve the furniture piece instead of altering it and diminish its value.

The craftsman or the manufacturer of the furniture: There are some cases when the value of the furniture is based on who crafted such. Thus, the furniture is considered valuable and notable regardless of its age and functionality. In such cases, light cleaning is recommended as refinishing will ultimately make the item an ordinary furniture piece.

The basis of value: There are some instances where the restorer would have to choose what to prioritize- the age or the functionality of the antique furniture piece. In the case of tables, chairs, beds, closets, doors, and other huge furniture pieces that are not ideal for mere display, it is best and more practical to focus on the preservation of the antique's functionality. However, in the case of display items such as paintings, jars, lamps, and other small antique objects which can be displayed and used solely as a decorative art, some light cleaning or conservation will be the best way to go.

The cost of the restoration process: Budget is a prime consideration when restoring antique furniture pieces. The restorer would have to note that there are some furniture pieces that would need highly expensive materials in order to restore or refinish them. As such, in cases where antique furniture will be used only for home purposes, the more cost-effective restoration process should be considered.

Many people go for antique furniture pieces primarily because of the elegance and style that it can provide to the interior ambiance of a house, an office or other areas. Prior to buying and collecting antique pieces however, the antique collector should first be equipped with knowledge as to where and how to shop. Below are some popular tips that should be considered:

Where to shop

a. It is best to buy antique furniture pieces from single owner shops or specialized antique stores than in antique shops that are in malls. Such will offer a more personal service at a more reasonable and affordable price. Specialized shops also offer a wider selection of choices.

b. In cases where the antique collector is looking for more affordable prices, the best places to go to are the flea markets and antique garage sales. Look for flea market or antique fair ads in the internet or in local print publications.

c. In case the antique collector is after antique items that are sold at highly discounted prices, he can opt to buy in sets or in bulk. He should also prefer buying from single-owner shops where he can directly negotiate the price with the owner.

d. One can also opt to buy antique furniture pieces in auctions. Doing so will provide the antique collector with the chance to save on the mark-up price of most antique shops. However, make sure that the auction house provides guarantees for its products.

What to check before buying the piece

a. Before buying any antique furniture piece, it is best to examine the history of the furniture. This background check includes the identification of its manufacturer, the year when it was manufactured, the hardware used for its construction, its previous owners and the like.

b. A thorough review of the process and schedule of previous maintenance procedures for the furniture piece should be made. Examine when it was last refurnished or restored. Identify who restored the piece and what restoration processes did he apply. Such will be useful in assessing the condition of the antique piece.

c. A systematic and meticulous inspection of the antique furniture piece should be made so as to determine if such is in good condition. The furniture should also be examined for any apparent signs that may indicate an immediate need for restoration and refinishing in the near future. Check if there are wormholes on the surface of the wood piece. Examine if there are saw marks visible on the surfaces, at the back of the chests, or under tables. There should also be no exposed cracks, scratches, and other disfiguring marks.

d. A close look on the styles, designs, and markings on the antique piece should be made in order to determine if the antique is an original piece or if it is just a reproduction. Examine the size of the surfaces and boards on tabletops and dressers. Examine the nails and wood pieces that were used in the piece and relate it with the history of furniture construction. Check if secondary wood are visible anywhere in the furniture's surface or in its inside drawers.