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An antique locket, ring, or necklace often conveys of family love, destiny and history. These are pieces that are handcrafted in a style that are no longer feasible, because of crafting time, tools, and the materials used to make them. This is just one of the reasons antique jewelry is still bought and sold very successfully.
It is the antique piece that is most loved by the owner, because of its beauty, hand-crafted look, and for both, its sentimental and monetary value. It is too bad that we live in a day and age where clones and reproductions are popular. It is important to learn to distinguish between a real antique piece of jewelry and a fake reproduction that you may end up overpaying for.
In this article, we provide you with an appropriate guideline for buying and selling jewellery online and in-store.
- Due Diligence
When searching for jewelery online, especially on unregulated websites, you really want to investigate the seller and look at the other items s/he has for sale. If the seller has several pieces of the same product, you better believe that it is not an authentic piece of antique jewelry. Almost any antique piece is going to be one-of-a-kind. You will find it hard to find the same piece.
Consider reading some feedback and reviews when looking at jewelry at these online sites. See what other buyers have to say about the products. If the seller is reliable, you will see that there are plenty of positive comments from the satisfied buyers.
- Ask Questions
Before you make a bid or purchase, be sure to ask questions about the piece. A good question is “How did you find the piece?” Listen to the story and this helps determine whether the piece is antique or not. Honest sellers will also inform you of the condition of the item.
- Check the Trademarks
Almost all artisans left a mark on their jewelry. Check for the maker’s mark and conduct research on the meaning of the mark or initials. Often, you can find the history of the maker or artisan and even pictures of his style.
- Check for Patina
This is the shiny effect that jewelry gets after years of use. Most antique pieces are sold as is and have not been restored so check for scratches and that soft patina of wear.
- Price
Remember that if it seems too good to be true, it often is. True antique pieces may be priced competitively or even at a discount, but you need to be suspicious of very low cost items. Considering how hard it is to find antique jewelry in good condition, pricing it too low seems very suspicious.
Bottom Line
Whether you are interested in these antique pieces simply because you love the old romanticism and beautiful workmanship with which they were made or because you want to resell certain pieces, you can find antique jewelry just about anywhere. Look for online dealers, garage sales, estate sales, fairs, and jewelers that specialize in antique pieces and more. Just remember that this can be a great hobby, but like all other hobbies, it takes knowledge, time, and study!
