Antique Jewelry Buying Basics

Ready for some basic training? - Antique Jewelry Buying Basics Training?

Is it worth owning? Is it worth wearing? Is it worth handing down to your children? Oh, Heck Yes!

Essential Antique Jewelry Buying Basics answers the elemental questions about Buying Antique Jewelry in the 21st Century and designed for those people, who do not have the time or inclination to read bloated books on the subject, but need to understand how to invest money in Antique Jewelry safely.

When it comes to Antique Jewelry Buying Basics, the three basic ways of buying gold provides condensed information that will help you to understand the subject of Investing in Antique Jewelry which often means investing in gold, in view of today's shaky economy.

One of the most important things to get right, before you invest any money in Antique Jewelry, is to know before you go, the right questions to ask the antique jewelry dealer. Because the questions you ask, indicate to the dealer your level of knowledge of Antique Jewelry.

I have put together the following Essential Antique Jewelry buying basics questions that you should be considering before you set out to furnish the antique jewelry dealers cash register.

Is it Authentic? If you're new at antique jewelry collecting, I recommend purchasing from a retailer with a strong history of integrity, experience and taste to help minimize your chances of purchasing a lemon.

Is the Jewelry 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 jewelry looks too perfect, it could be reproduction or antique style.

Applying Antique Jewelry buying basics means you examine the condition of the Antique Jewelry and examine again, preferably with a jewelers loupe. Discover how easy it is to use a jewelers loupe Here.

Is the Jewelry in Good Condition? The rock may look good but is the condition of the jewelry sound? Can you notice any obvious signs of a jewelry repair? Carefully examine the back of the jewelry. Some repairs are good and some are, well... a bit "iffy".

You might ask, how can you detect Jewelry Repairs? One simple way to detect jewelry repairs, is with the aide of a Jewelers Loupe. Discover what the JEWELRY LOUPE can tell you Here!

Look for seams, solder joins which appear as a different color metal to the main material.

If you do detect a repair, it is not a disaster, however the repair should be done with quality consistent with the original work. Closely examine connections and clasps, and check for any replacements including modern cut stones that may be a replacement for a lost or removed antique diamond, for example. Is it a cultured pearl standing in for a Natural Pearl?

Are the little pearls, Natural Pearls, Cultured or Majorica Pearls?

On the subject of Natural Pearls, have you seen the monster Giant Dubai Natural Pearl?

No matter what the seller may tell you, the only way to positively determine if a Pearl is a Natural Pearl or not is by X-Ray.

Is the Jewelry Hallmarked? Information and archives on gold hallmarks can be found Here.

If you're examining French Art Deco jewelry, check for French Hallmarks -"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") and a maker's marks such as a stamp from the factory.

You will find these very small marks, often on the clasps, along the edge of a bracelet or on the stick of a pin. Info on antique jewelry hallmarks on British gold, silver and platinum jewelry is provided on Antique Jewelry Investor. Often the marks have worn away with age, so you probably will need a Jewelers Loupe to see these marks.

When purchasing a Jewelers Loupe, a black housing compartment that prevents reflection and with 10 X magnification is preferable. Remember, the dealer can tell a lot about their customer by the way they handle a Jeweler's Loupe.

Provenance

Does the Jewelry Have a History of Ownership? Provenance is often a good guide to authenticity. Never be shy to ask if the seller knows who owned the jewelry previously.

Original Box

This might not seem important but Jewelry in the original box can significantly impact the value of the Jewelry. Especially if the Antique Jewelry box is itself in good condition. This indicates the jewelry has been respected and admired and significantly increases the market value.

Is the Jewelry a Good Example of the Period?

Not every Picasso is a collector's item. There is a lot of mediocre Antique Jewelry in circulation. Fine Antique Jewelry, often exchanges hands privately.

Disregard All of the Above!

Do you find it beautiful? Would you love to own or wear it? Then apply the variables.

Antique Jewelry buying basics will help you decide on the right choice, but remember when you invest in Antique Jewelry, it's your journey and your Antique Jewelry. You ultimately decide on the quantity and Antique Jewelry Value of things.

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