Antique, vintage and estate are terms that bring to mind furniture covered in sheets in forgotten rooms collecting thick dust. These three terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation to describe older things. In jewellery, these terms describe much more. What is the difference between these three types of jewellery? Why does it matter to you as a jewellery buyer or seller?
Antique Jewellery Characteristics
Antique jewellery is any piece of jewellery that is over 100 years old. Time periods associated with these jewellery pieces are Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Nouveau. These pieces can be deemed as more valuable and desirable because of their rarity. Antique jewellery pieces that have survived this long would have to be cared for, preserved and remain in good condition in order to be resold and cherished by a new owner. Giving them not only character but, much like gold itself, a factor of scarcity that means they can often carry a higher price tag.
Vintage Jewellery Characteristics
Vintage jewellery generally includes pieces that are at least 20 years old to 100 years old. These pieces include wonderful iconic styles such as Art Deco and Retro. Vintage can include newer decades of jewellery up into the 2000s. Though often the word vintage leads us to believe pieces are very old. In actuality, they can be dated from the not so distant past, think Spice Girls posters and blow up furniture era.
Estate Jewellery Characteristics
Estate jewellery includes any pieces that have been pre-loved, meaning they have had a previous owner. Modern and contemporary jewellery can be considered estate jewellery, by this standard. This poses the same conundrum as the term ‘vintage’ jewellery, leading buyers to possibly believe they are purchasing something from decades or eras past.
Why Does it Matter?
It can become complicated for a buyer when estate jewellery masquerades as antique or vintage jewellery. Many jewellers create pieces in the style of Victorian, Art Nouveau or Art Deco; and why wouldn’t they, these pieces are stunning. As a buyer or a collector, it is good to note if a piece is made ‘in the style of’ or is a genuine antique piece.
Many newer jewellery designers and houses are using lab-grown, synthetic and treated stones in their works. Antique jewellery will be far less likely to have these augmentations to gemstones simply because the technology did not exist. These gems, particularly lab-grown ones, carry a lesser resale value than a natural diamond or gemstone.
Any new piece of jewellery can be designed and reproduced in an antique style. These pieces will not hold the same value as an authentic antique piece. If you are looking to begin your collection, expand your jewellery box, or even purchase an investment piece, these terms will guide you in your purchases.
Start Your Jewellery Journey
The knowledge of antique, vintage and estate jewellery terminology will be able to guide you in purchasing your piece, for the right price.
Truly, the best way to purchase jewellery of any kind is if you like it and it speaks to you. Start exploring with our sister company 100 Ways and find out where your style falls, antique, vintage or estate. It can be a blend of all three!
