Question 1

Is estate jewelry real?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Why is it called estate jewelry?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How can you tell if estate jewelry is real?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Is estate jewelry worth buying?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

What is the difference between vintage, antique and estate engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

The difference between vintage, antique and estate engagement rings comes down to age and history. Rings that are over 100 years old are antiques, while those produced 20 to 99 years ago are vintage. Estate engagement rings are any rings that have had a previous owner. They can include antique, vintage and even contemporary rings produced during the last 20 years. Shop a large selection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.

Question 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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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