What to Look for When You buy Estate Jewelry

websitebuilder • Aug 26, 2016

While the term estate jewelrysimply refers to jewelry that has been previously owned, many of the pieces in this category are antique or vintage pieces that have stunning detail and distinct designs. When purchasing estate jewelry, there are a few things to look for.

Gem Cut

Older jewelry that contains gemstones can be valuable and beautiful. The gemstones in these pieces will typically have an older cut to them, most commonly a rose cut or an old mine cut. The gemstones cut today have a modern or brilliant cut, and the mountings are usually designed to show off more of the gemstone than the older mountings.

Karat of the Gold

Jewelry in retail stores is typically made of 10 and 14 or sometimes 18 karat gold. Older pieces commonly feature 12 or 23 karat gold. In order to be sold as gold today, jewelry is required to be at least 10 karat gold. Some older pieces will only be 9 karat gold.

Odd Sizes

Many estate rings were made specifically for the fingers of the individual purchasing them and are, therefore, a very small or very large size. While modern rings can be sized, they are usually produced in a bulk-standard size of around 7.

Estate jewelry can be a wonderful thing to collect whether you choose to wear it or display it around your home. Many pieces are unique and timeless. For more information on how to buy estate jewelry, call Gardena Jewelry & Loan at 310-324-9330.

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