Last Updated on July 20, 2023 by
Antique jewelry is highly sought after both by collectors and lovers of fine fashion, and buying vintage estate jewelry is one of the best ways to secure a timeless piece with a storied history. But there are a few things that buyers should be aware of before purchasing estate jewelry.
This article will go over everything you need to know about buying estate bracelets, antique engagement rings, and other sorts of vintage jewelry. We’ll also explain what estate jewelry is, why you might want to consider purchasing antique jewelry and offer some insight into how you can source a fine piece for your collection.
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What is estate jewelry?
Many people think that estate jewelry and antique jewelry are the same thing, but this is a misnomer. Although most estate jewelry is vintage or antique, estate simply means that the jewelry was previously owned. That said, most online retailers will use the term estate jewelry when they are actually referring to vintage and antique pieces, so for buyers looking to source an antique engagement ring, searching for “estate jewelry” is likely to point them in the right direction.
Why purchase estate jewelry?
Modern jewelry is often beautiful and can indeed be just what some people are looking for. However, new jewelry lacks a certain something that estate pieces offer. Namely, estate jewelry has a story behind it, and if it’s antique or vintage, then the piece likely has a storied history which is what makes it attractive to collectors, lovers of history, and sentimental buyers who appreciate the story behind the piece.
In addition, to the history of the specific piece of vintage jewelry, there are a number of other benefits that come along with purchasing estate jewelry. So, let’s go over the main reasons to buy estate jewelry now so that you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
The Benefits of buying estate jewelry
As mentioned, there are numerous benefits you’ll enjoy when buying a piece of estate, antique, or vintage jewelry that you simply won’t be able to get when purchasing a new piece of jewelry. Let’s go over the top five reasons to buy estate jewelry.
1. It’s often less expensive than new jewelry
New jewelry is expensive. That’s not to say that estate jewelry is cheap as it certainly is not. Gold and diamonds never go out of style, and they never lose their value; however, because an estate piece was previously owned, you can often find high-quality pieces for up to 20% less than you would pay for their new equivalents.
2. It retains all of its value or appreciates in value
As mentioned, estate jewelry can often be found at a discount of up to 20% off what it would cost to buy a similar piece new. That said, when you buy a piece of estate jewelry, you can expect it to retain its value, meaning that the discounted price that you purchased it for is the same amount you should expect to get back if you should decide to sell it again in the future. Oftentimes, especially if the piece is antique, you may even see the jewelry appreciate in value, making it a great investment opportunity.
3. It’s usually better quality than modern jewelry
To be sure, there are many modern jewelers who produce high-quality work; that said, if you are able to find an antique or vintage piece of estate jewelry, then you can expect there to be a very high level of craftsmanship.
Simply put, they just to make things like they used to, and most antique engagement rings, vintage bracelets, and so on, were handcrafter by experts who took great pride in their work rather than by modern machines.
4. It’s more unique than modern jewelry
Estate jewelry usually is no longer available in stores and, as such, there’s a great chance that when you buy a piece of estate jewelry, you’ll be getting something that nobody else has, which is either incredibly rare or one-of-a-kind.
5. It’s a fashion statement
At the end of the day, estate jewelry, especially if it’s antique or vintage, is a fashion statement. There are tons of collectors and fashion lovers who adore the look and feel of the jewelry of days gone by. Modern jewelry tends to all look the same. Sure, there are small differences between modern engagement rings, but it’s easy to tell that a piece of jewelry is modern. On the other hand, estate pieces tell a story and exude an opulent and elegant style that you simply can’t find anymore.
General tips and advice when buying estate jewelry
So, now that you know a bit about estate jewelry, there are a few things you should consider when searching for a piece of antique, vintage, or estate jewelry. First and foremost, make sure that the vendor is reputable, as there are many vendors out there who don’t have the best reputation, and it can be easy to make the mistake of overpaying for a piece.
Also, be sure that any piece you purchase comes with a certificate of authenticity, as well as an appraisal of the value for insurance purposes. A reputable jeweler will have no problem providing both of those things to you, but if they are unable or unwilling to, then that’s a huge red flag, and you should look elsewhere.
Finally, do your homework before buying a piece and make sure you know a little about the time period, this can help you identify the quality of the piece, and it’s also nice to know a bit about the history so that when people stop you to ask about your stunning piece of jewelry, which they definitely will, you’ll be able to tell them all about it.
Where to find high-quality estate jewelry
If you are looking to buy a high-quality piece of estate, antique, or vintage jewelry, then trust the experts at Gesner. There are many vendors out there; some of them are good, whereas many others are less-than-reputable, but Gesner stocks only the best pieces of estate and antique jewelry, and they’re a name you can trust.
Apart from this, if you want to know about Things to Look for in a Jewelry Store then please visit our Real Estate category
