Antique Jewelry Buying BasicsReady for some antique jewelry buying basics? Is it worth owning? is it worth wearing? Is it worth handing down to your children?
Antique Jewelry buying basics answers these grass roots questions, that everyone interested in learning about how to invest in fine Antique Jewelry should ask. Before you invest in Antique Jewelry, learn what to look for and what questions to ask the dealer. The following are the fundamental, basic questions that will bring you up-to-speed and help you decide whether to take the plunge or not. Is it authentic? If you are a budding collector, I would recommend purchasing through a retailer with a strong history of integrity, experience and taste to help minimize your chances of purchasing a fake. Is it in its original condition? Pretty unlikely if it's over 100 years old. Antique jewelry will usually show some wear and these small details are something to look out for. If the item looks flawless then chances are it is not an authentic antique. Applying Antique Jewelry buying basics would mean that you examine the condition of your intended jewel and examine it carefully. Take your time. The rock may look good but is the condition of the jewelry sound? Can you see any obvious signs of repair? Examine the back of the jewelry as well as the front. Some repairs are good and some are, well, not good. How can you find repairs? Look for seams, solder joins which appears as a different color metal to the main material. On close examination you shouldn't be able see any signs of repair. Or if you do spot a repair, it should be done with quality consistent with the original work. Closely examine, connections and clasps, and check for any replacement; modern cut stones that may have replaced a lost old stone.
Is it signed? If you considering an investment in French Art Deco check for a stamp, aka poincon de garantie. Generally, (unless removed) all French Art Deco should have a French hallmark. Platinum pieces produced in France after 1912 feature a wolf's head. Beginning in 1838, gold pieces feature an eagle's head, and for silver, a boar's head. Some pieces also have house marks (e.g. "Cartier Paris") or makers' marks such as a stamp from the factory. You will usually find these very small marks, often on the clasps, along the edge of a bracelet or on the stick of a pin. Information (as much as you can take) about antique jewelry hallmarks on British gold, silver and platinum jewelry will certainly keep you busy. As a guide to authenticity, ask who owned the jewelry previously. (Usually this information is only available with the expensive pieces). No need to ask if your buying granny's stick pin. Jewelry in their original Antique Jewelry boxes are rarer than hen's teeth these days, It's not a must, but indicates the jewelry has been respected and admired. Is it a good example of the period? There are a lot of mediocre jewelry around. Not every Picasso is a collector's item. The same principle applies to Antique jewelry. Disregard all of the above. Do you find it beautiful? Would you love to add it to your collection? Then apply the variables. Antique Jewelry buying basics will help you decide on the right choice. When you invest in Antique Jewelry, keep in mind, that it's your journey and your jewelry, you ultimately decide on the quality of things. Return to the top of Antique Jewelry Buying Basics Return to How to invest Money in Antique Jewelry Return to Antique Jewelry Investor Homepage
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