Guide to accessing value of your Antique Jewellery

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Guide to accessing value of your Antique
Jewellery

• By Nigel Norman

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Introduction

• With ever changing fashion statements, it becomes
  difficult to choose the perfect jewelry. One type
  of jewelry that remains intact and works in any
  era is the unique Antique Jewellery. From rings
  to necklaces to antique cufflinks, there is
  everything you can wear at anytime irrespective
  of current trend. Know that there is a difference
  in antique and vintage jewelry. For example
  Antique cufflinks and vintage cufflinks are two
  different types of jewelry. Know that there are
  endless cuts, settings and gemstones available
  when it comes to antique jewelry. It can
  sometimes get tricky to decide the perfect one.
  Also in case you already possess antique jewelry,
  you must know its worth. . Decisions such as the
  type of metal and whether the jewelry should
  ornate or not simply depend primarily on your
  personal preferences and style. We all have that
  one piece of antique or vintage jewelry we never
  wear twinkling at us when we open our drawer.
  With a little research and some maintenance, you
  can find the piece you never wear could actually
  make you a pretty penny. Heres how to determine
  if your vintage or antique jewelry is worth
  selling.

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Know Your Terminology

• Vintage vs Antique
• As mentioned earlier Antique cufflinks and
  vintage cufflinks are two different. When a piece
  of jewelry must be at least 20 years old, then it
  is called vintage. The antique one begins when a
  bauble turns 100. The value of both vintage
  jewelry and antique jewelry can be very valuable,
  but, generally speaking, a well maintained
  antique piece will be worth more than a piece of
  similar quality and lower age. In case you
  possess one know its value.

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Assess the Hallmarks

• Another important step when accessing a jewelry
  is the hallmark stamp. A hallmark is a stamp or
  metal tag on a piece of jewelry that indicates
  metal type. It also sometimes indicate the
  jewelry maker or designer of a piece. No matter
  how old, all fine jewelry will be hallmarked for
  its metal content, provided that the stamp has
  not been lost or worn away. Costume jewelry can
  also be hallmarked, usually to indicate the
  manufacturer. To find a hallmark, look at the
  inside of rings, or your vintage cufflinks, the
  posts of earrings, the backs of brooches, and
  near the clasps of delicate bracelets and
  necklaces there will likely be a tag or a mark.
  

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Take in the Weight and Finishes of a Piece

• The highest-quality pieces are made of gold,
  solid sterling silver, or platinum, and will feel
  heavier and more substantial in your hand, even
  if they appear delicate.
• Finally, taking account of the clasps, closures,
  and other fastenings of a piece can help you
  recognize its value weather it is vintage ring,
  antique cufflinks or a necklace. The concept goes
  same for all. High-quality pieces will be
  fastened with high-grade closures. Even if these
  have broken over time, their structure will be
  well thought-out and attached to the jewelry with
  care and attention to detail. Finally, once you
  are done with the steps mentioned above there are
  plenty of options if you want to put up your
  vintage jewelry for sale.

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Contact us

• Feel free to contact us
• Phone [phone] or 44 (0) 7801
  789316
• Email jewels_at_nigelnorman.co.uk
• Address 335/6 Grays Antiques, 58 Davies St.
• London. W1K 5LP