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.\u00a0 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?<\/p>\n
<\/pre>\nAntique Jewellery Characteristics<\/h2>\n
<\/pre>\nAntique 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.<\/p>\n
<\/pre>\nVintage Jewellery Characteristics<\/h2>\n
<\/pre>\nVintage 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.<\/p>\n
<\/pre>\nEstate Jewellery Characteristics<\/h2>\n
<\/pre>\nEstate jewellery includes any pieces that have been pre-loved, meaning they have had a previous owner.\u00a0 Modern and contemporary jewellery can be considered estate jewellery, by this standard. This poses the same conundrum as the term \u2018vintage\u2019 jewellery, leading buyers to possibly believe they are purchasing something from decades or eras past.<\/p>\n
<\/pre>\nWhy Does it Matter?<\/h2>\n
<\/pre>\nIt 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 \u2018in the style of\u2019 or is a genuine antique piece.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/pre>\nStart Your Jewellery Journey<\/h2>\n
<\/pre>\nThe knowledge of antique, vintage and estate jewellery terminology will be able to guide you in purchasing your piece, for the right price.<\/p>\n