Estate jewelry is made up of jewelry items that have been previously owned. Not all estate jewelry is antique or vintage. The term vintage jewelry refers to pieces made during a certain era or period. These are time specific pieces that have distinctive styles and materials. Antique jewelry is 100 years old or older featuring a different style and elements not genuinely found in today’s market. Estate jewelry can include both vintage and antique jewelry pieces in addition to pieces that are not exceptionally old.
If choosing to buy estate jewelry there are some vast differences between antique and newly manufactured jewelry. Today gold must be at the minimum of 10 karat to be sold as gold. An estate piece may only consist of 9 karat gold. The diamonds will generally have a mine or rose cut diamond versus the round, princess or marquise diamond cuts. Construction and design elements are going to be among the largest differences with style, clasps and prongs unique to the era. Often times you will find items that are very large or very small because of them being designed for a specific person; this is one way to spot an original. These unique elements are what many people find interesting and appealing.
When deciding to sell estate jewelry getting an appraisal is worthwhile. Though it does cost money to have a piece appraised it will give you a better idea of what you have and what kind of return to expect. The most commonly used methods of selling estate jewelry is selling to a local jewelry store. This is the best way to ensure that you get the highest possible price for selling your jewelry. Kappy’s Jewelry has been purchasing estate jewelry for decades and has a proven list of long time satisfied customers. You are welcome to come to the store anytime and talk to our staff about selling your treasures.