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 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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 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

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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.

Question 17

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.

Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Schmid Design White Ceramic Peanut Trinket Decorative Box, Keepsake, Jewelry Box

1970s American Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Maitland Smith Bone And Satinwood Box 1970s

20th Century Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Set of Two Hand-Painted Limoges Porcelain Boxes with 22k Gold Detailing, 1960s

1970s Italian Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

1970s Floral Tin Box - Vintage Charm for Storage or Décor

20th Century Swedish Rustic Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

20th Century Swedish Box

Mid-20th Century European Retro Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Sterling Silver Apple-Shaped Trinket Box with Sculpted Leaf and Stem

20th Century Chinese Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Black Lacquered Lidded Circular Box with Mother of Pearl Floral Décor

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

A 1930s Art Deco Hand-Carved Oak French Box

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Vintage Italian Alabaster Pill Box with Harlequin Motif by Oscar Vita

1970s Italian Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Set of 5 Vintage 1970s "Venice" Fabric and Wood Boxes - Italian Mid-Century Deco

Late 20th Century Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Maitland Smith Jewelry Box, Casket Box, Inlaid, Banded, Keepsake Box

Mid-20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Small Vintage Decorative Jewellery Box, Chinese Lacquer, Keepsake Case, Art Deco

1960s Victorian Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Set 2 Cut & Beveled Glass Heart Shaped Candy Dish Jewelry Trinket Keepsake Box

Mid-20th Century American Retro Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Keepsake Diamond Two-Tone Engagement Ring

1980s Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Keepsake 0.60 Carat Diamonds Engagement Ring 14k Gold

Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Vtg Maitland Smith Chippendale Parquetry Salesman Sample Jewelry-Keepsake Chest

20th Century North American Belle Époque Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Wonderful Bailey Banks Biddle Company Sterling Oval Jewelry Keepsake Footed Box

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Vintage Handcrafted and Carved Wood Box Leaf Motif, Jewelry Box, Keepsake Box

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Vintage Sculptural Handcrafted Abstract Decorative Fish Jewelry Puzzle Box

1970s Folk Art Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Vintage Hand-Painted Wooden Jewelry Trinket Box - Folk Art Style

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Handcrafted Creative Critters Animal Figurine Jewelry Box Tropical Wood, Pair

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Art Deco jewelry box in facet cut glass and oak, France 1930s

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Vintage Italian Shell Encrusted Grotto Jewelry Box Re-Lined Interior c. 1950

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Art Deco Italian Murano Glass & 24k Gold Plate Jewelry Case Mandruzzato Style

20th Century French Louis XVI Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

19th C Limoges Hand Painted Porcelain Keepsake Box W Brass Footing

Mid-20th Century Peruvian Folk Art Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Vintage Handcrafted and Carved Wood Box House Motif, Trinket Box, Keepsake Box

1930s Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Onyx, Rock Crystal and Diamond Bow Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold Bow Brooch

1990s European Art Deco Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

18K Yellow Gold Vintage Paris Kiosk Charm

20th Century Thai Art Deco Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

18K Gold 5ct Squared Blue Sapphire & 0.16ct Diamond Invincible Earrings

20th Century Moroccan Moorish Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Vintage Moroccan Burlwood Jewelry Box

Late 20th Century American American Craftsman Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Michael Elkan Hinged Burl Jewelry Box

1960s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Silvered Trinket Box with Inlays of Semi-Precious Stones, c. 1960's

1970s Italian Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Pale Green Onyx Box

Mid-20th Century Japanese Other Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Mid 20th Century Tiffany & Co Iconic Blue Ceramic Gift Box

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Ashtray in Purple Glass Italy 1960s

20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Vintage Red Enamel Brass Box – Early to Mid 20th Century Floral Design

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Heart Form Glass Trinket Box signed Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.

Mid-20th Century Italian Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Vintage Boho Inlay Scottie Box

1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Keepsake Jewelry

Swedish Art Deco Pewter Lidded Box by GAB, 1930s

Late 20th Century American Vintage Keepsake Jewelry