WHAT IS ESTATE JEWELRY AND SHOULD I CONSIDER ATTENDING AN... (2024)

FAQs

Is estate jewelry worth buying? ›

Antique and estate jewelry hold its value more often than not and that value will only increase with time. The materials used are naturally designed to last and there is no compromise in the beauty of each item.

Estate jewelry is a term used to describe previously owned jewelry. This jewelry is usually acquired from estates or jewelry that has been sold and is often antique or vintage in nature. Antique jewelry is jewelry that is 100 years old or older, while the term “vintage” includes many decades or eras.

Estate jewelry is often believed to be something old and rare, but the definition is quite simple: Estate jewelry is simply any jewelry that was previously owned. While likely that estate jewelry will tend to be older, that might not necessarily be that case.

In-Person Options. A Local Jewelry Store: Many local jewelers buy fine jewelry and may offer competitive prices. They often have a strong network of buyers and can provide insights into the local market. Pawn Shops: Pawn shops are an option for quick cash but often offer lower prices than specialized buyers.

Investing in estate jewelry offers the potential for value appreciation, which means its worth increases with time. Unlike new jewelry, which can depreciate once purchased, estate pieces often increase in value. This is especially true for jewelry from coveted periods or famous manufacturers.

Hallmarks and Stamps: Check for hallmarks, stamps, or maker's marks on the jewelry. These marks can provide valuable information about the metal's purity, the jeweler's or manufacturer's identity, and the piece's origin.

What is estate jewellery? As well as 'antique' and 'vintage', 'estate' is another word that's often used to describe old jewellery.

Estate jewelry is pre-owned and because of this, it is often sold at a more advantageous price than newly manufactured pieces.

High Resale Mark Up, 80% on Average. This is the most frequently asked question, and so it is first on the FAQ list. Here is the typical scenario: A client calls me and wants to sell her ring.

How old is estate jewelry? ›

Pre-owned jewelry could be from any era; it could be antique or close to brand-new. The word estate has its origins from a time when pre-owned jewelry was part of an estate, implying the previous owner is deceased. Now it simply means pre-owned. ANTIQUE jewelry refers to pieces that are over 100 years old.

“The best option is to go through a family jewelry dealer with whom you already have a relationship," McNeal said. Establishing a relationship with a family jewelry dealer can help ensure that you have a trustworthy and pleasant experience, no matter how you sell your piece.

Because estate jewelry has a previous owner, it is usually much cheaper than buying new jewelry. While some old jewelry may be worth a lot of money, other pieces may not be worth anything at all. Several factors can affect the value of a piece of jewelry, such as its age, condition, and rarity.

Some people decide to bequeath jewelry to loved ones. Others sell their jewelry and divide the proceeds among heirs. Estate plans may also direct the executor to get jewelry appraised and evenly divide the jewelry or the profits from the sale of the jewelry to heirs. Exactly how you address jewelry is up to you.

Trends come and go, and the value of gemstones and precious metals is subject to market variations. That said, aspects of both antique and vintage jewelry indicate it will hold its value and probably even appreciate, becoming more valuable over time. These factors include: Age.

High-quality materials, such as gold, platinum, and precious gemstones, not only retain their value but may also appreciate over time, making for a solid long-term investment.

Simply put, the more expensive the precious metal, the higher the value of a piece of jewelry. Gold in all shades (yellow gold, white gold or red gold) and platinum are best. Rings, necklaces or earrings made of gold and platinum can very well have diamonds and colored gemstones (sapphire, ruby, emerald).

Although many estate pieces on the market today may be 50, 100, even 150+ years old, age is not a determining factor when it comes to classifying estate jewelry. Antique Jewelry: A piece of jewelry is considered “Antique” if it is over 100 years old.