Why is it called estate jewelry?

Why it is called estate jewelry relates to the origin of pieces that fall under this category of adornment. Estate jewelry refers to pieces previously owned by someone else that became available for purchase as a part of an auction or sale after their death. An estate is the collective name for all the property and assets that an individual leaves to their heirs. Thus, estate jewelry gets its name from the fact that it is a part of a person's estate. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary jewelry.

Is estate jewelry real?

Whether estate jewelry is real varies. The term “estate jewelry” describes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, brooches and other pieces that become available for sale as a part of a person's estate after they die. Because people collect many kinds of jewelry, both fine jewelry — featuring precious metals and genuine gemstones — and costume jewelry — made of less expensive materials — can be part of an estate and therefore classified as estate jewelry. Find a diverse assortment of jewelry on 1stDibs.

Is estate jewelry worth buying?

Yes, estate jewelry can be worth buying. At estate sales, purchasing vintage and antique jewelry may be possible for less than you'd expect to pay elsewhere. In addition, many people appreciate the one-of-a-kind character of estate pieces. When it comes to buying estate jewelry, it’s important to patronize only reputable sources. This alone significantly diminishes the potential for mishap. Beyond buying from a reliable source, it’s important to get as much verifiable information about the accessory as possible. Buyers should keep in mind, however, that the value of any investment is subject to fluctuation, and any investment decisions should be made according to the guidance of a financial advisor. At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. If you’re looking for jewelry, a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary jewelry can be found on 1stDibs from some of the world's top sellers.

How can you tell if estate jewelry is real?

To tell if estate jewelry is real, first look for hallmarks. Pieces crafted out of sterling silver, platinum, gold and other precious metals usually feature markings to identify their materials. You can find images of these markings on trusted online resources and compare them to your pieces. Maker's marks can also be a good indication. Some jewelry makers specialize in costume jewelry, which is less likely to feature genuine materials, while others produce fine jewelry, which is usually made of real gemstones and precious metals. If you still have questions about your pieces, a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler can assist you. Shop a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary jewelry on 1stDibs.

Bardys Estate Jewelry

1950 Pin

Tiffany Diamond Drop Earrings

Bvlgari B Zero1

18k Gold Hinged Bangles

Tiffany Signature

Tiffany 18 Karat Gold Earrings

1950's Retro Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Fan Style Brooch Pin

Located in Boca Raton, FL

This striking Retro-era brooch is crafted in 14K yellow gold and designed in an elegant fan motif, a classic symbol of the bold and glamorous style of the 1940s–1950s. The piece feat...

Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

$4,995

Etruscan Style Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Earrings Retractable Posts

Located in Boca Raton, FL

truscan-style diamond drop earrings crafted in richly textured 18 karat yellow gold, featuring intricate granulated and dimensional goldwork inspired by ancient jewelry design. The e...

Category

Late 20th Century Etruscan Revival Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arples Vintage Alhambra Mother-Of-Pearl 18K White Gold Stud Earrings

$4,050

$7,750

Italian Brushed Satin Finish 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Necklace 17.25 Inches

Located in Boca Raton, FL

18K Italian Two-Tone Link Necklace crafted in solid 18K yellow gold with a contrasting 18K white gold heavy lobster clasp. Measuring 17.25 inches in length and approximately 5.5mm wi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

$1,200

Black Tahitian 11mm Pearl Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Earrings

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Black Tahitian pearl and diamond earrings crafted in 18 karat white gold, featuring two lustrous Tahitian pearls measuring approximately 11mm each. A bezel-set round brilliant-cut di...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond 'X' Link 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Bracelet

$5,800

Diamond 'X' Link 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Bracelet

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Diamond “X” link bracelet crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and set with 18 round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.38 carats total, graded approximately G-H color and SI...

Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

$1,595

Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bead Fringe Drop Pendant Necklace

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Tiffany & Co. fringe bead drop necklace crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold, featuring an elegant cascading pendant that creates beautiful movement and dimension when worn. The ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring Old European Cut Diamonds Estate Jewelry

Sold

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring Old European Cut Diamonds Estate Jewelry

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Original Art Deco diamond cocktail ring handcrafted in platinum. The ring features 25 Old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.00 carat total weight. The diamonds are grade...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Emerald Diamond Platinum Estate Ring

Sold

Emerald Diamond Platinum Estate Ring

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Beautiful green emerald diamond estate ring crafted in platinum. The .60 carat bright green emerald is surrounded by round and baguette cut diamonds weighing .30 carat total weight. ...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1950s Diamond Platinum Crown Estate Pin Brooch

Sold

Sold

Sold

1960s Diamond Emerald Platinum Vintage Estate Cocktail Ring

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Diamond and emerald vintage cocktail ring crafted in platinum. The ring features an approximately .40 carat emerald center and 18 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1940's Diamond Onyx Platinum Estate Vintage Bracelet

Sold

Sold

L 7 in

20 CTW Round Brilliant & Marquise Diamond Platinum Estate Bracelet

Located in Boca Raton, FL

This platinum diamond estate bracelet is adorned with round brilliant and marquise diamonds to create a timeless and exquisite piece of jewelry. The combination of round brilliant an...

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

David Webb Swirl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Bracelet

Sold

W 0.6 in

Sold

L 15.5 in

Tiffany & Company 8.5-Carat Diamond Platinum Estate Floral Necklace

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Prestigious Tiffany & Company Estate Diamond Platinum Floral Necklace. This exquisite necklace features approximately 8.50 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds graded F-G color and...

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Greek Key Diamond 21/14 Karat Yellow Gold Medusa Estate Vintage Cufflinks

Sold

W 0.87 in Dm 0.87 in

Greek Key Diamond 21/14 Karat Yellow Gold Medusa Estate Vintage Cufflinks

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Greek key and medusa design diamond cufflinks crafted in 21 karat yellow gold. The cufflink findings are 14 karat yellow gold. Twenty four round brilliant cut diamonds weigh approxim...

Category

1990s American Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Sold

Art Deco Old European Diamond Platinum Estate Cocktail Ring

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Original Art Deco diamond ring handcrafted in platinum. The ring features 4 Old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.00 carat total weight, and another 19 Old European diam...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Sold

W 0.75 in L 1.5 in

6.0 CTW Diamond Platinum Dangle Drop Estate Earrings Lever-Backs

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Stunning diamond drop earrings handcrafted in platinum. These Estate earrings feature 2 pear shape drop diamonds weighing 2.23 carat total weight. The round brilliant, baguette, and ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Drop Pendant Estate Necklace

Sold

L 18 in

1940s Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Drop Pendant Estate Necklace

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Diamond drop estate necklace fashioned in platinum. The necklace features an Old European cut diamond weighing 1.00 carat, two additional Old Europeans weighing .62 carat total weig...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Bvlgari Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dangle Estate Leverback Earrings

Sold

L 1.5 in

Bvlgari Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dangle Estate Leverback Earrings

By Bulgari

Located in Boca Raton, FL

The Bvlgari pearl drop earrings are a stunning embodiment of luxury and elegance. Crafted from high-quality 18 karat yellow gold, these earrings feature delicate, lustrous pearls tha...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ilias Lalaounis Sterling Silver Wolf Coin Estate Ring Greece Designer

Sold

Sold

W 0.5 in L 6.5 in

Sold

$6,500

H 0.59 in W 1.17 in L 2 in

Vintage Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Flower Cluster Brooch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

This vintage Cartier brooch is a beautiful example of the house’s enduring ability to transform natural motifs into refined, highly collectible jewelry. Signed Cartier pieces are esp...

Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid Century Tiffany & Co Flower Brooch

$7,570

W 1.19 in L 2.17 in

$6,000

Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Gold Floral Brooch, 18k

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

A Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Gold Floral Brooch made in 18k yellow gold. The total weight of the brooch is 13.54 grams. The dimensions are 2 3/8 inch x 1.38 inch wide.

Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Gold

Tiffany and Co. Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Sunflower Brooch

$2,800

W 1.25 in L 2.875 in

Tiffany and Co. Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Sunflower Brooch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

Weight: 11.9 grams Metal: 18K yellow gold Appx 2 7/8" Long Appx 1 1/4" Wide Gemstones: Ruby Diamond Condition notes: Pre-owned. The piece is in great condition. Few signs of ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany & Co Italy Vintage Flower 18k Yellow Gold Brooch Pin

$5,500

$20,000Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage 1.70 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage 1.70 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring A beautiful vintage engagement ring featuring a GIA-certified Old European Cut diamond, hand-cut before the 1940...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany & Co. Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Floral Spring Brooch

$4,700

Tiffany & Co. Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Floral Spring Brooch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Brand: Tiffany & Co. Style: Ruby & Diamond Floral Brooch Material: 18k yellow gold Gemstones: Natural rubies approximately 0.30 carat total weight Gemstones/Diamonds: Natural dia...

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Platinum 1.47ct Old European Diamond Ring

$7,500

Art Deco Platinum 1.47ct Old European Diamond Ring

Located in Montgomery, AL

Step back in time and bask in the glamorous shimmer of the Roaring Twenties with this 1.47CT Art Deco Diamond Ring, exquisitely set in Platinum. A genuine treasure, this ring is an o...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco .98ct TDW Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

$4,750

Art Deco .98ct TDW Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Scotts Valley, CA

Details: Stunning Art Deco Period Platinum and diamond cocktail ring—would make a lovely wedding or anniversary ring! The old Mine cut diamond center stone measures .73 carats, and i...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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Cartier France 18K Gold Diamond Rose Flowering Brooch and Earrings Set

$13,500

Cartier France 18K Gold Diamond Rose Flowering Brooch and Earrings Set

By Cartier

Located in Palm Springs, CA

An 18 karat gold and diamond rose flowering brooch and matching earrings created by Cartier of France. The set has a Florentine finish to the petals with 15 full cut diamonds in the ...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

CHANEL black leather 2022 22C DUBAI BEECHWOOD VANITY Shoulder Bag

$27,500

CHANEL black leather 2022 22C DUBAI BEECHWOOD VANITY Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel Small Vanity bag in beige beechwood with black leather trims and antique gold-tone hardware. Rare limited edition. Opens with a logo clasp closure and is lined ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Tiffany & Co Brooch Pendant Flower Vintage 18k Yellow Gold

$6,500

L 1.5 in

$1,900,000

Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified Fancy Blue Diamond Ring

By Emilio!

Located in New York, NY

From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, Featuring a very special center diamond Gia Certified as Natural 4.00 Ca...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Blue Diamond

2ct Diamond engagement ring Designer ring 18KT yellow gold VS1 E

$42,000

2ct Diamond engagement ring Designer ring 18KT yellow gold VS1 E

Located in Boca Raton, FL

VS1 clarity and E color center diamond, marquise brilliant in 18KT yellow gold. Artist unknown. The ring is very different made into an artistic bezel. **All items leave our premise...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Materials

Rhodium

Tiffany & Co 1.38 CTW Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring

$21,000

Tiffany & Co 1.38 CTW Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Centering a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.38 carats - G color with VS2 clarity Set via six prongs in a classic solitaire mounting Completed by a knife edge shank Inscribed w...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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Bardys Estate Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate piece of bardys estate jewelry for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect item from our selection of bardys estate jewelry may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 carat and 1 carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. Creating a choice in our collection of bardys estate jewelry has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels are consistently popular. An object in our assortment of bardys estate jewelry of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring diamond, from our inventory of 2356, is particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old european cut and cabochon alternatives. Most of our bardys estate jewelry for sale are for women, but there are 260 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Bardys Estate Jewelry?

Prices for a piece of bardys estate jewelry can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $300 and can go as high as $135,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,916.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

Questions About Bardys Estate Jewelry

Why is it called estate jewelry?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Why it is called estate jewelry relates to the origin of pieces that fall under this category of adornment. Estate jewelry refers to pieces previously owned by someone else that became available for purchase as a part of an auction or sale after their death. An estate is the collective name for all the property and assets that an individual leaves to their heirs. Thus, estate jewelry gets its name from the fact that it is a part of a person's estate. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary jewelry.
Is estate jewelry real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
Whether estate jewelry is real varies. The term “estate jewelry” describes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, brooches and other pieces that become available for sale as a part of a person's estate after they die. Because people collect many kinds of jewelry, both fine jewelry — featuring precious metals and genuine gemstones — and costume jewelry — made of less expensive materials — can be part of an estate and therefore classified as estate jewelry. Find a diverse assortment of jewelry on 1stDibs.
Is estate jewelry worth buying?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
Yes, estate jewelry can be worth buying. At estate sales, purchasing vintage and antique jewelry may be possible for less than you'd expect to pay elsewhere. In addition, many people appreciate the one-of-a-kind character of estate pieces. When it comes to buying estate jewelry, it’s important to patronize only reputable sources. This alone significantly diminishes the potential for mishap. Beyond buying from a reliable source, it’s important to get as much verifiable information about the accessory as possible. Buyers should keep in mind, however, that the value of any investment is subject to fluctuation, and any investment decisions should be made according to the guidance of a financial advisor. At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. If you’re looking for jewelry, a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary jewelry can be found on 1stDibs from some of the world's top sellers.
How can you tell if estate jewelry is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
To tell if estate jewelry is real, first look for hallmarks. Pieces crafted out of sterling silver, platinum, gold and other precious metals usually feature markings to identify their materials. You can find images of these markings on trusted online resources and compare them to your pieces. Maker's marks can also be a good indication. Some jewelry makers specialize in costume jewelry, which is less likely to feature genuine materials, while others produce fine jewelry, which is usually made of real gemstones and precious metals. If you still have questions about your pieces, a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler can assist you. Shop a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary jewelry on 1stDibs.