Question 1

How do you identify antique jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify antique jewelry, first try to locate any maker's markings. These may be found in a variety of inconspicuous locations, such as the insides of rings, the clasps of bracelets and chains and the backs of clip-on earrings, pendants and brooches. You can find trustworthy online reference guides that make searching for makers using their hallmarks easy. Once you have determined who produced your jewelry, learn about the creator and estimate approximately when they made your item. If your jewelry is at least 100 years old, it is antique. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist in dating your jewelry. Find a wide range of antique jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is antique paste jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Paste jewelry is made out of a special type of flint glass that emulates several gemstones. Paste is a hand-cut glass that is polished with metal powder until it gleams like a gem. Paste jewelry was popular as a cheaper alternative to diamonds during the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, as well as the Art Deco period. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage paste jewelry.

Question 3

How can you tell if jewelry is antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if jewelry is antique, look for its hallmarks. You will usually find them in inconspicuous areas, such as on clasps, the backs of pendants or the insides of bracelets and rings. Once you have located the hallmarks, use trusted online resources to identify the maker and find out when they were active. Pieces produced more than 100 years ago are antique. If you need assistance dating a particular piece, enlist the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Find a large collection of antique jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 4

How can you tell if antique jewelry is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if antique jewelry is real, first look for hallmarks that may signify the maker. You can then use trusted online resources to find out what to look for to verify authenticity. If the jewelry doesn't have hallmarks, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or licensed dealer. An expert can evaluate your jewelry, tell you whether it is a genuine antique and provide information about its materials and approximate value. Explore a large selection of antique jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 5

At what age is jewelry considered antique?

Accepted Answer

Jewelry is considered antique once it is 100 years old. Pieces that are 20 to 99 years old are vintage. Contemporary is the term used to describe jewelry that is less than 20 years old. Explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary jewelry from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What does paste mean in antique jewelry?

Accepted Answer

In antique jewelry, the term “paste” means glass finished in a way that allows it to resemble natural gemstones. To produce paste, artisans polish it for long periods of time with metal powder. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique paste jewelry.

Question 7

Is antique jewelry worth money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some antique jewelry is worth money. Precious metals and gemstones like platinum, gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds have value on their own. Even costume jewelry made of less expensive materials may prove valuable due to its style or maker. Because the condition also impacts the potential value of antique pieces, you may wish to have your jewelry evaluated by a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique jewelry.

Question 8

How do I know if my antique jewelry is valuable?

Accepted Answer

To know if your antique jewelry is valuable, you can consult trusted online resources to see what similar pieces have sold for in the past. It is important to note that the condition of your specific piece will have a major effect on how much it is worth. Jewelry of a certain historical period will be worth more to collectors than accessories from other less noteworthy eras, and whether or not a given accessory is set with a precious gemstone may affect its value as well. You may wish to have the jewelry evaluated by a certified appraiser who can examine the piece and give you a price estimate. Master jewelry designers and luxury houses of the 19th and 20th centuries include Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, BVLGARI and others. Shop a collection of jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How can you tell if jewelry is vintage or antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if jewelry is vintage or antique, first look for any hallmarks that signify its maker. You can use trusted online resources to research when the maker was active and producing pieces similar to yours to roughly estimate its age. Jewelry is vintage if it's between 20 and 99 years old, and antique if it is 100 years old or more. If you're unable to locate a maker's hallmark, becoming familiar with the materials and other characteristics used during different eras of jewelry can help you date your piece. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of vintage and antique jewelry.

Question 10

Does antique jewelry go up in value?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some antique jewelry does go up in value. It is important to note that demand as well as the condition of your specific piece will have a major effect on how much it is worth. A certain historical period’s jewelry may be worth more to collectors than accessories from other less noteworthy eras, and whether or not a given accessory is set with precious gems may affect its value as well. You may wish to have the jewelry evaluated by a certified appraiser who can examine the piece and estimate its value. Master jewelry designers and luxury houses of the 19th and 20th centuries include Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, BVLGARI and others. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 11

How can I tell if jewelry is antique gold?

Accepted Answer

To tell if jewelry is antique gold, take it to a licensed appraiser experienced in evaluating jewelry. It is difficult to identify jewelry materials using only the naked eye and online resources. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted gold jewelry.

Question 12

How can you tell if antique jewelry is real gold?

Accepted Answer

To tell if antique jewelry is real gold, you can first perform a simple home test. Position a magnet near the jewelry. Since gold isn't naturally magnetic, the attraction between the magnet and your piece usually indicates that your jewelry is, at most, gold-plated or crafted out of an entirely different metal. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable jeweler can also help you determine what your antique jewelry is made of. Shop a diverse assortment of antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

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