How to Buy Antique Jewelry? The Beginner’s Guide
Acquiring antique jewelry is not something to be taken lightly. At Miller, we have decades of experience in jewelry, gemology , and collectibles. If you purchase pre-owned jewelry from us, you can do so with complete confidence thanks to our expertise. But how do you buy antique jewelry from private sellers? Here are some tips from a professional.
How to assess the authenticity and price of an antique piece of jewelry?
Accurately estimating the price of vintage jewelry requires a wide range of skills. First and foremost, one must be able to calculate the precious metal content of the piece, whether it's platinum, gold, or silver.
It's necessary to study the history of jewelry a little, to become familiar with its major periods, particularly Art Deco. To recognize valuable antique jewelry from major houses or renowned jewelers, one must also become familiar with the hallmarks and signatures used throughout history.
Reproductions exist. The value of a copy is, of course, far less than the price of an authentic antique piece of jewelry. Such a piece is worth only the cost of its raw materials, nothing more.
It is therefore difficult for a beginner to confidently purchase antique jewelry from unofficial sources.
Questions to ask the seller of antique jewelry
It's customary to ask the seller how long they've owned the piece of jewelry. A second-hand piece that lacks collector value sells for significantly less. So, even though it might seem counterintuitive, a very recent piece can depreciate more than one that's 10 or 20 years old.
Ask the seller of the antique jewelry whether it was a gift or a personal purchase. In the latter case, they should likely have proof of purchase, such as an invoice. This is very helpful in verifying the authenticity and value of the antique piece.
The problem of counterfeit luxury jewelry
There are many fake luxury jewelry pieces on the market. The problem is even more acute with recent, pre-owned jewelry. Vintage pieces can usually be identified as fakes by the significantly inferior quality of the craftsmanship. Anachronisms, such as diamond cuts that have been out of use for a certain period, can also raise red flags for the discerning collector.
Unfortunately, for modern jewelry this can be very complicated. Most major jewelry houses use laser engraving to sign their pieces ( Chanel hallmark , etc.). Therefore, near-perfect counterfeiting is possible.
That's why, for this type of jewelry, it's best to have a certificate or invoice. Even experts may require guarantees, given the real difficulties involved. This is especially true for pre-owned jewelry such as Cartier Love bracelets.
And what about the diamonds and precious stones in antique jewelry?
For large diamonds , it is advisable to obtain an appraisal report . This is in everyone's interest: both the seller and the buyer. It allows for a more accurate determination of the antique jewelry's fair price .
Compare prices for similar parts
Finally, the simplest method for estimating the value of antique jewelry is to compare prices online for similar pieces. You can consult specialized websites like Miller's. This concludes our guide, "How to Buy Antique Jewelry from a Private Seller."
