Question 1

What jewelry is considered vintage?

Accepted Answer

Jewelry that is 20 to 80 years old is considered vintage. Pieces that are 100 years old or older are antiques. Vintage jewelry includes rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and even hair accessories like combs. Shop a range of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Does vintage jewelry have markings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some vintage jewelry has markings. Makers may have stamped pieces with hallmarks to represent the types of metals used in them and/or to signify that they came from certain brands. However, not all vintage jewelry is marked. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of vintage jewelry from some of the world's top dealers.

Question 3

How can you tell if jewelry is vintage?

Accepted Answer

To tell if jewelry is vintage, first look for hallmarks that may indicate the maker. Then, consult trusted online resources to research the markings and find out when the jewelry house produced pieces that are similar to yours. Anything made at least 20 to 80 years ago is vintage. Because there are many contemporary pieces inspired by vintage designs, you may want to consider taking your jewelry to a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer who can inspect and date it. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage jewelry.

Question 4

How do you identify vintage jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage jewelry, look for a maker's hallmark. You'll usually find it on a necklace, pin or earring clasp; the back of a pendant or earring or the inside of a bracelet or ring. Try snapping a photo of the hallmark and doing a reverse image search to quickly determine who produced it. If that doesn't work, you can look up the hallmark using trusted online reference resources or have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer assist you. Shop a large collection of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How old is vintage costume jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Vintage costume jewelry refers to costume jewelry that is 20 to 80 years old. Jewelry, costume or otherwise, that is 100 years old is referred to as antique. The big design fair in Paris in 1900 inspired jewelers to work with inexpensive materials, and Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel and others helped popularize costume jewelry during the 1920s. The roots of costume jewelry, however, took shape at least as far back as the 18th century, when paste jewelry that featured hand-cut glass instead of gemstones first emerged. Shop a variety of vintage costume jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 6

How do you tell if vintage jewelry is valuable?

Accepted Answer

To tell if vintage jewelry is valuable, consider its maker, age, materials, style, type and condition. Using these criteria, you can identify similar pieces previously sold on trusted online platforms and get a rough idea of your jewelry's value. However, the best way to find out how much vintage jewelry is worth is to seek an expert's opinion, such as a certified appraiser, experienced jeweler or knowledgeable antiques dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage jewelry.

Question 7

How can you tell if vintage jewelry is real?

Accepted Answer

The way to tell if vintage jewelry is real depends first on determining what you mean by "real." If you want to know if a piece is actually made by a particular brand or is a reproduction, you can consult trusted online resources to see what hallmarks and other details are present on genuine pieces. Then, you can examine your jewelry using these criteria. You can also find tests to determine whether precious metals and gemstones are real or not. However, use caution, as some tests can damage jewelry. A simple way to tell if vintage jewelry is an authentic example of a particular maker's work or made of real materials is to take the piece to an experienced appraiser or dealer. Find a large selection of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 8

Is vintage jewelry making a comeback?

Accepted Answer

Many people would argue that vintage jewelry isn't making a comeback because it has never faded in popularity. Although what's considered vintage changes from decade to decade, the demand for jewelry that is between 20 and 99 years old generally remains high. There are collectors who look for pieces featuring specific materials or that were made by certain brands, and many men and women find vintage jewelry appealing because it is unique and has history. Shop a variety of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How can you tell quality vintage jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To tell quality vintage jewelry, examine its details carefully. Ensure that any clasps or fasteners operate smoothly and stay securely fastened. Quality vintage jewelry will also feature sturdy hardware, such as the posts on a pair of earrings, the prongs securing a gemstone in a ring or the o-rings connecting a pendant to a chain. You can also research the maker to learn about the manufacturer's reputation when evaluating vintage jewelry. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage jewelry.

Question 10

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 11

Is all vintage Tiffany jewelry stamped?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nearly all vintage Tiffany jewelry is stamped. However, the stamp on older pieces may not include the maker's name. You should still find a hallmark that represents the metal’s purity. Examples include 925, AG925 or STER for sterling silver. Find a variety of Tiffany & Co. jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What vintage jewelry is worth the most money?

Accepted Answer

It's not possible to say for sure which vintage jewelry is worth the most money. Trends in collecting vary over time, and because the term vintage refers to pieces that are between 20 and 99 years old, what's considered vintage changes each year as well. However, collectors are often on the hunt for vintage jewelry produced by notable makers, such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Chanel, Miriam Haskell, David Webb and Georg Jensen. Vintage jewelry may also have value due to its materials, such as gold, platinum and diamonds. To find out how much your vintage pieces may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of vintage jewelry.

Question 13

How do I identify vintage Tiffany jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage Tiffany jewelry, see if you can find either a “Tiffany & Co.” or “T&Co.” stamp, as nearly all pieces produced by the luxury jewelry maker will display one or the other. Engagement rings made during the late 1960s and beyond will also usually have a serial number, which you can research. However, it is usually inscribed onto the gemstone's girdle in characters too small to be read with the naked eye. If your piece is a diamond ring, you can take it to an authorized Tiffany & Co. repair center to have the serial number read and researched to learn more about it. For all other types of jewelry, you can either conduct online research to determine if it is between 20 and 99 years old, making it vintage, or you can have a certified appraiser or experienced dealer help you with the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of vintage Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Question 14

How do I identify vintage rhinestone jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage rhinestone jewelry, look at the back, clasp and other inconspicuous areas in search of a maker's mark. By definition, vintage jewelry is between 20 and 99 years old, so you'll need a rough idea of when the maker produced your item to determine if it is vintage. You can begin the dating process by researching the maker using trusted online resources and looking at images of its pieces from over the years. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can help you with the process. Shop a large collection of vintage costume jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How do you identify vintage costume jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage costume jewelry, you'll need to determine if your piece is between 20 and 99 years old. To do so, see if you can locate a maker's mark. You're most likely to find it in an inconspicuous area, such as an inner edge or a clasp. Using trusted online resources, search for the mark to learn who the maker is, then read more about it to get an idea of when it produced items similar to yours. Alternatively, you can consider having a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer help identify your costume jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a selection of vintage costume jewelry.

Question 16

Is vintage Tiffany jewelry worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vintage Tiffany jewelry may be worth something. Due to the popularity of the American jewelry maker and the quality of the pieces that Tiffany & Co. produces, accessories often hold or appreciate in value over the years. The house is celebrated for its range of partnerships with the likes of Elsa Peretti, Jean Schlumberger and others, which can also contribute to how collectible a given bracelet or necklace might be. However, the style, type and condition of the jewelry will impact how valuable it is. A certified appraiser or experienced dealer can let you know how much a specific piece is worth. Find a diverse assortment of vintage Tiffany & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How do I find out how much my vintage jewelry is worth?

Accepted Answer

To find out how much your vintage jewelry is worth, you can conduct online research using trusted sources. By seeing what similar pieces have sold for in the past, you can estimate the value of your jewelry. For a more precise valuation, enlist the services of an appraiser or knowledgeable vintage jewelry specialist. Find a wide range of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Vintage Jewelry Sun

20th Century North American Vintage Jewelry Sun

Lunch At The Ritz Sun Costume Jewelry Bracelet

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Dominique Aurientis Sun Brooch

1990s French Vintage Jewelry Sun

Lacroix Gold-Plated Sun-Shaped Brooch

1940s American Vintage Jewelry Sun

Rebajes Sun Moon Pendant Necklace

1970s French Vintage Jewelry Sun

Yves Saint Laurent Maison Gripoix Sun Brooch

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Jewelry Sun

1990S Vintage Brass Italian Sun Brooch by Avon

20th Century French Vintage Jewelry Sun

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Massive Jewelled Radiant Sun Brooch

1960s Vintage Jewelry Sun

Rare Boucher Gold Anemone Sun Pin Brooch circa 1960s

1980s French Vintage Jewelry Sun

Chanel sun earrings Haute Couture

1980s Vintage Jewelry Sun

Vintage matte gold sun face pierced earrings

1980s French Vintage Jewelry Sun

Chanel Gold Sun Tarot Chain Pendant Necklace

1980s Vintage Jewelry Sun

ANNE KLEIN vintage huge sun face matte gold designer brooch

1990s European Vintage Jewelry Sun

CHANEL 1994 Sun Brooch Pin Gold CC Logo W/Box

1980s German Baroque Vintage Jewelry Sun

Christian Dior Vintage Crescent Moon Circle Sun Crystals Set Brooch Earrings

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Rare 18k Yellow Gold Pair of Smiling Sun Face Cufflinks

20th Century Peruvian Artisan Vintage Jewelry Sun

Pre-Columbian Art 18k Gold Peruvian Large Brooch Sun Pendant

1980s Vintage Jewelry Sun

Sun Motif Old Mine Diamond Earrings

1980s American Modern Vintage Jewelry Sun

Kaso Tri-color Clip Earrings Cactus and Sun

1980s French Artisan Vintage Jewelry Sun

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Sun Earrings

Late 20th Century Mexican Arts and Crafts Vintage Jewelry Sun

Vintage Mexican Sterling Sun Bangle Bracelet 6.75 Inches

1980s Vintage Jewelry Sun

Vintage SWAROVSKI swan signed gold plated crystals sun flower designer brooch

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Givenchy Vintage 1980s Unisex Cute Small Sun Burst Face Modernist Brooch Pin

1960s German Art Deco Vintage Jewelry Sun

Christian Dior GROSSE 1966 Vintage White Pearls Radiant Sun Burst Flower Brooch

20th Century French Vintage Jewelry Sun

Christian Lacroix Vintage Gold Toned Sun Charms Bracelet

1980s Vintage Jewelry Sun

AVON signed vintage matte gold tone rhinestone sun designer runway brooch

1970s German Art Deco Vintage Jewelry Sun

Christian Dior GROSSE Vintage Radiant Sun Star Burst Crystal Flowers Gold Brooch

1980s French Art Deco Vintage Jewelry Sun

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Sunflower Sunburst Sun Dome Chunky Brooch

20th Century British Modernist Vintage Jewelry Sun

Askew of London Vintage Large Astrological Planet Sun Moon Brooch Pin

1980s French Art Deco Vintage Jewelry Sun

Karl Lagerfeld Vintage Large Navy Circle Sun Moon Stars Pearl Crystals Brooch

Late 20th Century French Romantic Vintage Jewelry Sun

Chanel vintage sun hat clip-on earrings

20th Century French Vintage Jewelry Sun

CHRISTIAN DIOR Vintage Gold Tone Sun Stars Pendant Necklace

1970s American Native American Vintage Jewelry Sun

Sterling silver Sun Face Squash Necklace Hopi Native American

1960s Italian Vintage Jewelry Sun

18 Karat Yellow Gold Sun Bonnet Hat Brooch with Enamel Floral Accents

1990s French Modern Vintage Jewelry Sun

Carven Gilt Metal Clip Earrings Carved Sun

1960s Vintage Jewelry Sun

Vintage 1960s David Webb Gold and Pearl Sun Brooch with Diamond Hearts

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Jewelry Sun

Gucci Gold and Silver Sun Face Earrings

1980s Vintage Jewelry Sun

1980s Silver and Turquoise Inlay Sun Motif Cuff Bracelet

1980s French Vintage Jewelry Sun

An iconic gilt metal 'Sun face' brooch, Yves Saint Laurent, France, 1980s

1990s French Vintage Jewelry Sun

Claire Dévé Early 1990s Vintage Statement Glass Cabochon Sun Earrings

Late 20th Century American Native American Vintage Jewelry Sun