![How to Spot Good Antique Jewelry How to Spot Good Antique Jewelry](http://imageshack.us/a/img16/5656/91lr.jpg)
As the popularity of all things vintage and antique increases, determining the difference between reproductions and real antique jewelry has become an important skill for collectors, investors and the fashion conscious. Even some true antique pieces retain their luster and value better than others. By noting a few key traits, even the novice can spot a fine quality antique ring, brooch, pin or other type of jewelry.
Instructions
- 1
Check the jewelry's construction. The artisans who crafted antique rings, brooches and other older pieces tended to place pearls, rhinestones and other gems together in tight formations. Reproductions use inferior materials (lightweight counterfeit pearls, for instance), glued to the metal or base. Test the clasp on a necklace or pin. Well-made antique jewelry often includes a catch that secures it to the wearer. A good quality piece will have a cameo, photo, or other inlay fashioned into the frame, while cheaper jewelry contains separate pieces glued into place.
2Look for common materials used in antique jewelry. Early brooches, pendants and other pieces were made with ivory, coral or shell. Georgian and Victorian jewelry were often crafted out of silver and yellow gold. Check for enamel, mosaics, and human or horse hair embellishments. Jewelry made in the 1700s and 1800s used bulging, uneven diamonds with a bright sheen.
3Look for the carat mark on the back of the pin or brooch. Use a jeweler's loupe to locate these small symbols. They may be faint due to years of wear and tear. Look for other markings that indicate the company or artisan.
4Rule out jewelry as reproductions or modern pieces by the backings and clasps. Clip back and barrel clasps indicate jewelry from the 1920s or later. Fold over latches were used after 1900, as were earrings with lever backs.
5Compare the item with photographs of genuine antique jewelry. Find detailed color photos of costume and fine jewelry in books like the Antique Trader's Jewelry Price Guide. By studying several pictures of Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and other types of antique jewelry, you'll learn to spot characteristics of each style by sight.
6Look at the stone's setting. Antique jewelry contains hand-cut diamonds and other gems. Baguettes and invisible settings were first used in the 1920s. The more uniform the cut, shape, or style, the more likely that it's a vintage reproduction
7Learn about the designs, symbols and terminology used with different eras of antique jewelry. Bookchain refers to rectangular book-shaped charms, often used in lockets during the Victorian era. Ladies used lace pins to hold scarves in place during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Early Victorian jewelry often sported filigree designs of gold or silver wire. By combining these attributes with the other traits listed above, you can come close to pinpointing the era, quality and age of a piece of antique or vintage jewelry. Always consult an appraiser before selling estate jewelry or a piece that appears to be rare or valuable.
Wonder How To Show & Tell for Creators & Doers
www.wonderhowto.comWonder How To is your guide to free how to videos on the Web. Search, Browse and Discover the best how to videos across the web using the largest how to video index ...
Charms Addict How to clean and store Pandora jewelry
www.charmsaddict.com/how-to/how-to-clean-and-store-pandora-jewelryWhen properly cared for, sterling silver jewelry like Pandora will look great for years to come. Here are some tips and products that I've found to help cl
Ruby Lane - Antiques & Art . Vintage Collectibles . Jewelry: Tue ...
www.rubylane.comToday's Arrivals Dolls Antique & Vintage Jewelry Sell Sign InStroll down Ruby Lane to buy and sell quality Antiques & Art, Vintage Collectibles and Jewelry from thousands of vetted independent shops, since 1998.
Charms Addict How to spot a fake Pandora charm
www.charmsaddict.com/how-to/how-to-spot-a-fake-pandora-charmWith the growing popularity of Pandora and other european style charm bracelet companies like Troll and Chamilia in recent years, there has also been been
Jewelry.com Fine Jewelry & Designer Jewelry at Amazing Savings
www.jewelry.comAll Jewelry Ring All Jewelry NeckwearFine Jewelry and Designer Jewelry at Amazing Savings. Thousands of Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and other gemstone deals. Rings, Earrings and Necklaces.
AllFreeJewelryMaking.com - Learn How to Make Jewelry, Free
www.allfreejewelrymaking.comAllFreeJewelryMaking.com is a jewelry making website where you can find free jewelry patterns and free bead patterns. Learn about the tools used in jewelry making ...
Jewelry Trends and Advice to Help You Shop for Jewelry
jewelry.about.comIf it's about jewelry, we have the answers, covering jewelry trends and advice that helps you choose the best jewelry, from diamond engagement rings to fashion styles.
Home - How To Spend It
www.howtospendit.comMotorsport. Wall of honours. Powerfully capturing motor racings fusion of gladiatorial gallantry and exotic machinery, vintage posters are a pulsequickeningly ...
DIY Instructables - Share What You Make
www.instructables.comCraft Technology Workshop Outside FoodInstructables is a place that lets you explore, document, and share your DIY creations.
How good is that?
www.cleverthinking99.comThese pieces do a good job guarding me against the cold in the mornings (6 degrees C).
Fashion Vault: One-of-a-kind fashion events from vintage to
www.ebay.com/rpp/fashionvaulteBay Fashion Vault sales offer you clothing and accessories from today's leading designers. Direct from authorized sellers, these designer fashions are available in ...
ArtFire.com - Premier handmade marketplace to buy & sell
www.artfire.comMy ArtFire Browsing Handmade JewelryThe ArtFire marketplace is home to artisan goods of all kinds. From handmade jewelry and crafts, to vintage clothing and supplies you'll find what your creative soul ...
Moving: How to avoid Moving Company Scams
www.movingscam.comFree advice to avoid moving company crimes and scams, researching moving company information before you hire a moving company for local, long distance, and ...
Art Articles - Find Art Related Articles on ArticlesBase.com
www.articlesbase.com Arts & EntertainmentFind Art articles at ArticlesBase.com a free articles directory. Submit your articles for free distribution and find Art content for your website, Ezine or newsletters.
DaCarli Engagement Rings with Factory Direct prices.
www.dacarli.comEngagement Rings at Factory Direct prices. We specialize in antique engagement rings. Manufactured in the USA. Conflict free diamonds.
eBay Buying Guides - Electronics, Cars, Fashion, Collectables ...
www.ebay.co.uk/gdsNo matter what you're buying from eBay, it's important that you're making well informed purchasing decisions. Our guides will lead you through the process.
Marriage Articles - Find Marriage Related Articles on
www.articlesbase.com RelationshipsFind Marriage articles at ArticlesBase.com a free articles directory. Submit your articles for free distribution and find Marriage content for your website, Ezine or ...
The vintage and antique Jewelry category of items for sale at
www.tias.com/jewelry/boxesA wide selection of vintage and antique Jewelry offered for sale by reputable merchants at TIAS.com.
Best of Antiques, Vintage, Collecting Collectors Weekly
www.collectorsweekly.comBrowse, research, and explore the world of antiques, vintage, memorabilia, and collecting....
Homepage Government Auctions
www.governmentauctionsuk.comGovernment Auctions - How to get 25%, 50%, 0r even a massive 97% discount by buying at NO RESERVE Government Auctions, comprehensive up to date information they
ModCloth - Vintage Clothing, Cute Dresses, Indie & Retro
www.modcloth.comDresses New Arrivals Shoes SwimwearSpecialized in indie, retro, and vintage apparel, accessories, shoes, and decor from independent designers and artists.
How to determine the age of old and vintage weber grills
weberkettleclub.com/determine-age-of-old-grillLooking to determine the age of your Weber Kettle? Look no further. This page is a collaborative effort put forth by the club founders owners of 50+ vintage Weber ...
0 comments:
Post a Comment