{"id":2113,"date":"2018-06-12T10:51:57","date_gmt":"2018-06-12T16:51:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/university\/?p=2113"},"modified":"2018-06-12T18:37:05","modified_gmt":"2018-06-13T00:37:05","slug":"vintage-antique-estate-jewelry-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/university\/vintage-antique-estate-jewelry-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Vintage and Antique Estate Jewelry Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Estate jewelry is a loosely used term to identify jewelry from a collection of a deceased, but what it really means is jewelry that\u2019s pre-owned. Whether it’s new, vintage estate jewelry or antique estate jewelry you have, not all estate jewelry pieces are created equal.\u00a0 Here are some tips to help you identify and get the highest value for family heirlooms and jewelry collections.<\/p>\n

\"\"
It literally pays to know what’s what when it comes to estate jewelry. Here, a customer browses a jewelry case, often kept locked or covered and placed near the checkout area of your estate sale.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Estate Jewelry Obsession<\/h2>\n

The obsession with jewelry is endless, whether it\u2019s the quality, unique design, historical or resale value, everyone flocks to the jewelry cases at thousands of estate sales across the country on a weekly basis.\u00a0 Don\u2019t believe us?\u00a0 Ask the professionals, we did!\u00a0 We polled our private Facebook group of estate sale companies and auctioneers.\u00a0 Estate jewelry topped the charts along with vintage tools and other collectibles.<\/p>\n

We also asked our private group members of estate sale professionals<\/a> whether it\u2019s best to sell estate jewelry online or on-site at the estate sales:<\/p>\n

Joyce Lang with Encore Estate Sales<\/a> said \u201cWe sell fine jewelry at the sale. Individually photographing the pieces and posting with general items advertising the sale. Items are under locked jewelry cases and a staff person is dedicated to showing items to customers. We generally open fine jewelry sales thirty minutes prior to opening the full estate sale. This allows for additional attention and customer service to buyers and added security.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the estate sale industry<\/a>, the majority of family heirlooms and jewelry finds are broken into a few main categories.\u00a0 They\u2019re all considered estate jewelry because they’re pre-owned, but value will differ drastically.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re an estate sale professional<\/a>, separating the jewelry into categories will ease the process of researching and pricing the many pieces found at the estate sales<\/a> of avid jewelry collectors.<\/p>\n

Estate Costume Jewelry<\/h2>\n

These may include brooches, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other jewelry pieces that are made of regular alloy.\u00a0 Some estate sale companies<\/a> will include the sterling silver jewelry in their estate costume jewelry collection and only consider gold, diamond, and platinum pieces as fine jewelry.<\/p>\n

\"Vintage
Antique Single Cut Diamond & Sapphire Ring Set in Platinum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Estate Fine Jewelry<\/h2>\n

Fine jewelry can include various types of jewelry pieces that have desirable gemstones<\/a>, are made of gold, platinum, and may include sterling silver pieces also.<\/p>\n

Once a collection of jewelry is separated into two main categories, the research begins.<\/p>\n

Vintage Estate Jewelry Vs Antique Estate Jewelry<\/h2>\n

We already know that the word estate<\/strong> is often used to describe pre-owned jewelry items whether it\u2019s fine or costume.\u00a0 For jewelry to be considered antique estate jewelry, it must be 100 years old or older.\u00a0 Vintage estate jewelry may include pieces from the 80\u2019s and 90\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Estate Jewelry Guide to Value<\/h2>\n

The value is determined individually, so don\u2019t automatically discount the value of a jewelry piece simply because it\u2019s not \u201cfine\u201d, silver, gold or platinum.\u00a0 Many vintage brooches, rings, and bracelets are valuable based on the era, style, and designer of the piece.<\/p>\n

Look for markings! Certain brands are retired but are still desired by many jewelry collectors.\u00a0 Eisenberg and Weiss are few of the common vintage brooch designers, but even within the brand, certain styles are more desirable than others.\u00a0 Take your time to research and price accordingly in order to get the highest value during an estate sale.<\/p>\n

The same applies to fine estate jewelry pieces.\u00a0 Don\u2019t calculate the value of the piece based on the material only.\u00a0 A maker\u2019s mark is extremely important, and if one isn\u2019t available, rely on the style of the piece.<\/p>\n

An avid jewelry collector considers estate jewelry finds a form of art.\u00a0 The value in a piece of jewelry is based on how desirable and unique it is, which goes above and beyond the labor and material value of manufacturing it.<\/p>\n

Know the Lingo!\u00a0 Styles and Eras of Estate Jewelry<\/h2>\n

Retro Jewelry<\/h3>\n

Jewelry from this era were made between 1935 and 1950.\u00a0 The use of gemstones was quite popular along with yellow and rose gold, but not so much platinum. During this period, accessorizing and fashion were very popular.\u00a0 Women began working while men were fighting in WWII.\u00a0 Many jewelry pieces from this era included fur clips, brooches, high collar necklaces, and clip-on earrings started becoming popular.<\/p>\n

Art Deco French Inspired Pieces<\/h3>\n

This Era can be divided into two.\u00a0 One that ran from 1915 to 1929 and the second which ran from 1930 to 1941.\u00a0 The art deco style is extremely desired due to its geometric, sleek design, and modern artistic features which shifted in the second half of the era to a more colorful horizontal design including chunky and bold styles.\u00a0 Platinum and white gold were quite popular during this period, not so much with yellow gold.<\/p>\n

Updos were in!\u00a0 This hair style created the perfect frame for dangle earrings, dangle and stacked bracelets, and art deco engagement rings that are still desired by newly engaged couples today.<\/p>\n

Edwardian Style Estate Jewels<\/h3>\n

Pearls, diamonds, and platinum were the popular materials used in Edwardian jewelry of this period which ran between 1900 and 1915.\u00a0 Edwardian jewelry pieces were handmade with masterful craftsmanship and have a very feminine style to them.<\/p>\n

The Edwardian era was dubbed \u201cthe beautiful era\u201d.\u00a0 If you ever come across a jewelry piece made of platinum and combines diamonds with pearls that drops your jaw at the site of its beauty, you\u2019re more than likely holding an Edwardian estate jewelry piece that\u2019s worth researching further.\u00a0 Look for pretty wreath, garland, and\/or floral designs that are set in platinum, a royal look!\u00a0 After all, this period was named after King Edward of England.<\/p>\n

Art Nouveau Jewelry Styles<\/h3>\n

This era ran between 1895 and 1910.\u00a0 There wasn\u2019t a mass production of art nouveau pieces, it was a time of expression with emphasis placed on handmade jewelry masterpieces.<\/p>\n

The material used during this period varied and didn\u2019t only include fine gold, platinum, but rather focused on sterling silver and other organic natural materials such as horn, tiger eye, and moonstones.<\/p>\n

An art Nouveau piece almost always has flowing curves.\u00a0 As if the form or art of the piece focused on the female curves.<\/p>\n

During this period, Art Nouveau hair clips made it to the scene.\u00a0 When you\u2019re going through an antique estate jewelry collection, look for a naturalistic design that involved the use plants, angels, female form, and insects such as dragonflies.<\/p>\n

Art Nouveau pieces scream individuality.\u00a0 Since not many pieces were mass produced using machinery, even if it\u2019s not gold or platinum, the value is there due to style\u2019s rarity and demand among avid estate jewelry collectors.<\/p>\n

Antique Victorian Jewelry<\/h3>\n

Romance and sentimental value were important during the Victorian period which ran between 1840 and 1890.\u00a0 The style of jewelry during this period were influenced from England\u2019s queen Victoria.\u00a0 Various materials were used to make jewelry but gold was the preferred material.<\/p>\n

The majority of estate Victorian jewelry found will have a monogram because they were considered heirlooms or keepsakes.\u00a0 When a girl wed during this era, she was gifted many monogrammed jewelry pieces that she wore with pride for their sentimental and keepsake value.\u00a0 They were almost always passed on to children and grandchildren.<\/p>\n

Gemstones made their way to the forefront during the Victorian era.\u00a0 Amethyst (purple stone) topped the list as the favorite gemstone along with garnet, pearls and citrine set in yellow gold.<\/p>\n

Interested in learning more about gemstones? GIA offers an online gemology course<\/a> to meet your busy schedule.<\/p>\n

Solid gold wasn\u2019t the only choice.\u00a0 During this period, gold plating was perfected!\u00a0 So as an estate sale liquidator, keep a close eye on the pieces that have a Victorian style but aren\u2019t necessarily made of fine gold.\u00a0 Even an antique costume estate brooch can have a decent value to a jewelry lover.<\/p>\n

\"Antique
Example Georgian Gold Ring with Heavy Floral Chasing on Shank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Georgian Estate Jewelry Finds<\/h3>\n

Rare and hard to come by.\u00a0 Named after the four kings of England, king George I, II, IIII, and IV.\u00a0 The Georgian period ran between 1714 and 1835.\u00a0 Elegant in design, thick and heavy.\u00a0 Gemstone such as single cut diamonds, deep blue sapphires<\/a>, red emeralds, and mostly gold was very common.<\/p>\n

It can be difficult to differentiate the Georgian estate jewelry from the Edwardian estate jewelry but keep a closure eye on the metal holding the gemstones.\u00a0 Since it was handmade during this period, the metal holding the stones is much thicker and chunkier than the Edwardian jewelry.<\/p>\n

Organizing and Pricing Estate Jewelry<\/h2>\n

The first and most important step in establishing value is understanding the difference between costume and fine estate jewelry.\u00a0 Once separated, the next step is to try and determine the style.\u00a0 We hope the descriptions above give you a good idea of identifying the style or possibly gives you tips to begin your research.<\/p>\n

During the estate sale staging process<\/a>, it\u2019s best to set the jewelry aside and evaluate it at a later time.\u00a0 Dedicate a time specific to identifying and pricing the jewelry items.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve separated your jewelry into two categories, you can further separate it into 5 categories:<\/p>\n