The latest collection of vintage jewellery has become a favorite item for all the right reasons. Those who love wearing them, surely add a touch of sophistication to their looks. Then again, considering the historical value of vintage jewellery, many people keep it in their collections. However, the sudden frenzy of collecting the abovementioned items has given way to fraudulent people entering the arena. Such people sell counterfeit pieces of vintage jewellery and make hay by selling them at exorbitant prices.
For lovers of vintage jewellery, it can be a disturbing experience. Since most of us do not possess the skills of identifying authentic vintage jewellery finding the accurate one can be challenging. Read on, as we provide you some useful tips on how to determine authentic and valuable vintage jewellery.
Seek the roots of the vintage jewellery
Undoubtedly, a collection of vintage jewellery is worthy of appreciation when you show them to your friends. Therefore, you must spend quality time researching its history of it. Go all out, in identifying the name of the designer, the period when it was made, and its style. Another significant point is to look for the hallmark that certifies the genuineness of the product. For the unversed, hallmarks are specific symbols that are stamped on the product. It indicates the type of material, country of origin, maker, and various other details. If you are buying vintage jewellery in the USA, you can observe that gold vintage jewellery will typically bear a stamp mentioning its carat weight, for example, “14K” or “18K”.
Unfortunately, the hooligans can efficiently fake these hallmarks too. You can ask someone who is an expert in the field of jewellery to help you out. Lastly, you can research some of the established names in the area of vintage jewellery. Soon, you will come across some of the leading providers, and you can buy the items of your choice from them.
Try using a lens
Not many people know this, but inspecting vintage jewellery with the aid of a magnifying lens can let you distinguish between fake and original products. Here, we are specifically talking about the magnifying glass known as a jeweler’s loupe. Initially, you may need help from an expert to learn how to use it.
Once you get the hang of it, you can be confident of sorting out the best amongst the lot with acute precision. For the unversed, the aforementioned lens can tell you whether the seller has changed or replaced the original materials. Likewise, it will help you in various ways, to spot the original vintage jewellery.
Check the quality of the material
When considering buying vintage jewellery, you must determine its value of it on the basis of the material. For example, jewellery made from valuable metals like platinum, gold, and silver is a worthwhile purchase. Earlier, we have already mentioned tips on how you can distinguish between fake and original materials. With some practice, you will learn to avoid synthetic and fake jewellery and spot authentic ones.
Check the present state of the jewellery
Often, the condition of the jewellery is a determinant factor of its value. As you can expect, the materials that appear in excellent condition or have not undergone repairs are the best ones to go for. With careful inspection, you should be able to spot the blemishes, or other factors like scratches, missing stones, and so on.
Ask for documentation
Vintage jewellery should have supporting documentation that confirms its authenticity. Before buying, you can ask the seller to show them. Usually, they can be in the form of a certificate of authenticity, receipts, or even appraisals. Ensure, you do a bit of research in learning the name of the authorities that certify these products. The document will have all the relevant information about vintage jewellery, and you can buy it without second thoughts.
Have a close look at the craftsmanship of the jewellery
By studying the history of vintage jewellery, it would be clear to you, these items were rarely produced back in the day. Unlike the jewellery that is mass-produced at present, the ones in the era bygone were mostly crafted by hand. A close inspection will tell you whether the jewellery is handmade or manufactured via machines. Naturally, the former is the authentic item you are searching for, and it’s the craftsmanship of the artisan that makes it stand apart from the crowd of mass-produced products.
You should also examine the clasps precisely. Earlier, jewellery items were made using ring or box clasps. There are more such identifying factors, which you can either study or inquire about from an experienced person.
Try identifying various textures in the piece, if the textures vary, then you can be sure, the product is handmade. Needless to say, the ones made by hand are unique and are surely worth becoming a collector’s item.
Scrutinize the cut of the vintage jewellery
If you can determine the cut of the jewellery, you can efficiently identify authentic products. However, you have to learn a few things beforehand. Some of the cuts of vintage jewellery are non-existent at present. For example, the “old mine cut” or the “Europen cut” is no longer made during modern times. Therefore, if you come across products that boast of the abovementioned cuts, you can be sure, they are vintage jewellery, and are worthwhile to be added to your collection.
Get help from an expert
We touched on this point earlier, when looking to get authentic vintage jewellery, do not shy away from seeking expert advice. You can consult experienced jewellers or appraisers. Without a doubt, they are the best professionals to show you the right path.
Wrapping it up
By remembering each of the points mentioned here, you can procure the best authentic vintage jewellery without having to worry about buying counterfeit items. Hopefully, you can use the guide and keep adding more priceless items to your vintage jewellery repertoire.
