Guide to Buying Antique Jewelry | How to Buy Antique Jewelry

Antique jewelry is one of my favorite collectables. The reason is that it always has value for the gold and gem stones. Antique diamond rings are my favorite. Antique jewelry may not always have the value you paid for it but at the same time it’s never worthless. Gold prices are up now. People are advertising everywhere to buy your old gold jewelry. How can you go broke buying Gold? This makes it a no lose deal. Preference for antique jewelry is usually given to the Georgian period (1720’s to 1840’s), the Victorian period (1840’s to 1900’s), and the Edwardian period (1900’s to early 1920’s). Still many bargains can still be found in the Art Nouveau or Art Deco period (1910’s to 1940;s when mass produced jewelry began to be made) and in estate jewelry(usually the late 1940’s and later).One of the most popular types of antique jewelry are vintage diamond engagement rings. Estate jewelry can be the best buy currently because it’s not really considered to be Antique jewelry yet.

Some people are attracted to antique jewelry because of the history and character that sets it apart from modern designs. With others it’s the connection with romance, intrigue and the innocence of a bygone time and place. For others it is the admiration for the style of a particular period. Unique diamond engagement rings are among the most popular antique jewelry types.

1.    Get an independent appraisal before you buy. This will make sure all stones and materials are authentic. Do not accept an appraisal from the seller. This is a conflict of interest and it’s not going to be in your favor.
2.    Verify the ring is authentic.  Look of a makers mark on the ring.  Jewelry from a well known maker is worth a premium price (i e Tiffany, Cartier etc.)
3.    Note any needed repairs and get a written repair estimate before you buy.
4.    Make sure the stone is genuine.  Cubic zirconium and synthetic substances are not Diamonds. This should have been done in the independent appraisal.
5.    Make sure the piece is described completely on the receipt. Make pictures of the piece to file with your paperwork. This will guarantee the receipt and the piece match each other in the event of a conflict or problem later down the line. This will also help in case you ever have to file an insurance claim.
6.    If possible get a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to guarantee authenticity of the diamond.
7.    Lastly but certainly not least buy from a reputable dealer.

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Cut 

This refers to the proportion of the rather than the shape. Proper proportions of the cut give the diamond a fiery appearance. Light enters the stone through the flat portion on top called the table. It is reflected back through the bottom portions of the stone called the pavilion. Then back up through the faceted portion surrounding the table called the crown. If the stone is well cut, this reflecting will give the stone a fiery appearance. If the store is cut too shallow, the light will not be correctly directed through the crown. The stone will have a fiery appearance. If the stone is to thickly cut the light will dissipate and cause a dark area in the center of the stone.

Color

The color scale use for diamonds is from D to Z.  A D grade is considered to be colorless and a Z grade is yellow or brown.  Generally grades D-F are considered colorless and G-J are almost colorless according to GIA standards. Color is commonly caused by impurities in the stone during formation. Boron will give the stone a bluish color and nitrogen will cause a yellowish effect.

Clarity

This is a measure of the number of flaws in the diamond to include both internal and surface flaws.  Many factors can contribute to the creation of flaw in a diamond.  The most common is volcanic actions during the period when the diamond is being formed.

Carat

This has to do with the weight not the size of the stone. One carat is equal to 0.200 or 1/5 of a gram. Diamonds can also be quoted in points.  One point is equal to 0.010 or 1/100 of a carat.  If someone says this diamond is 33 points, then the diamond weights 0.33 carats.   

I am not an investment advisor. This article is not investment advise. Enter into all transactions ar your own risk.

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