Three Tips For Buying Antique Jewelry
If you enjoy shopping for pieces of jewelry to add to your collection, it can be fun to shift your attention to antique jewelry. While you can find such pieces at estate sales and auctions, many jewelry stores also carry all sorts of antique jewelry. This list can include rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and more. For those who are new to shopping for antique jewelry, it can be a good idea to discuss this subject with your local jeweler and ask any questions that you may have. Here are some tips that can help you as you shop for antique jewelry.
Don't Be Afraid Of Signs Of Wear
When you buy a new piece of jewelry, it will look pristine. This isn't the case with antique jewelry, however — and that's OK. While jewelry stores will clean their antique pieces before selling them, it's common to see various signs of wear. Many people feel that this wear can actually add character to the jewelry, so keep this concept in mind. Depending on the age of each piece and how much the previous owner(s) wore it, it may have rounded corners instead of sharp corners, and the metal may have developed a patina.
Assess If Repairs Have Occurred
Like anything that has been around for multiple decades, antique jewelry can sometimes become damaged and require repair work. There's a good chance that your local jewelry store has some antique pieces that have been repaired. For example, a jeweler may have replaced a missing stone in a ring or put a new clasp in a bracelet. Repaired pieces can be desirable to lots of people, while other collectors favor jewelry that is in its original state. Think about your preferences, ask the jeweler if a particular piece has been repaired, and check for visible indicators — for example, the new clasp of a bracelet may be shinier than the rest of the bracelet.
Inquire About Original Boxes
When you buy a piece of antique jewelry, it can be fun to also get the piece's original box. This won't always be possible, but you may occasionally have an opportunity to get the box in which the piece was originally sold. Or, in some cases, the jewelry store may have a vintage-correct box that you can get with the piece. If you wish the display one or more pieces of antique jewelry in your bedroom, you might like the idea of having them sit in period-correct boxes.
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