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Tips for Buying Gorgeous Vintage and Antique Jewelry Online
Finding the perfect piece of antique or vintage jewelry can be a challenge, especially when shopping online. With so many different places to look for one-of-a-kind and special pieces, it can be hard to know where to start—but it doesn’t have to be hard! Here are some tips to help you find beautiful antique and vintage jewelry pieces online.
Set Your Budget and Stick To It
When it comes to buying vintage and antique jewelry, it can be easy to get carried away with the selection, resulting in buying pieces that are well outside your original budget and plan. To avoid disappointment and overspending, it’s a good idea to set out a budget for yourself and aim to stick to it. This way, you can look for pieces that fit into that budget and won’t be disappointed by pieces that are expensive but out of reach.
Know Where to Look
Whether you’re shopping for estate jewelry or pieces from an antiques dealer, it’s important to know where to look. Here are just some of the places to find fantastic vintage and antique jewelry online:
- Estate Jewelry: Estate jewelry is jewelry that was previously owned by another person, usually passed down through generations or sold. Estate shops are a great way to find stunning vintage and antique pieces.
- Antiques Dealers: If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind jewelry, an antiques dealer is the perfect place to start. You can usually find experts in certain eras of jewelry, so if you’re looking for Art Deco pieces, for example, you can find a dealer who specializes in them.
- Boutiques: Many boutique stores are now stocking vintage jewelry from various eras. The selection can vary from store to store, but many offer unique pieces that can’t be found anywhere else.
- Online Auctions: Online auctions are a great way to find unique pieces at great prices. Some auctions feature jewelry from a specific era, or from a certain designer, which can make it easier to find what you’re looking for.
- eCommerce Stores: eCommerce stores are popping up all over the web, and many feature vintage and antique jewelry. Whether you’re looking for an intricate Art Deco piece or a unique vintage necklace, you can find it on one of these stores.
How to Authenticate Vintage and Antique Jewelry
When shopping for jewelry, it’s important to make sure that it’s authentic—and with vintage and antique pieces, this is especially important. There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting an authentic piece:
- Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the designer or era of jewelry you’re interested in. Knowing what to look out for can help you spot a fake.
- Check the materials. Look closely at the materials used to make the jewelry, as well as its construction. Fake jewelry is often made with inferior materials and shoddy craftsmanship.
- See a professional. If you’re not sure if a piece is authentic or not, it’s a good idea to take it to a jewelry appraiser for an expert opinion.
Tips for Caring for Vintage and Antique Jewelry
Vintage and antique jewelry is typically more delicate than modern pieces, so it’s important to take proper care of it. Here are some tips for caring for vintage and antique jewelry:
- Always store vintage and antique jewelry in a jewelry box or other container, away from dust and other debris.
- When cleaning the jewelry, use a soft cloth and gentle jewelry cleaner. Do not use harsh chemicals.
- If you’re going to wear the jewelry, make sure to put it on after you’ve applied perfume and hairspray, as the chemicals can damage the jewelry.
- Bring older jewelry to a professional jewelry appraiser and repair person before wearing it. Make sure to get it checked regularly to ensure it is in good condition.
Shopping for vintage and antique jewelry can be a fun and exciting process, but it’s important to do your research and be aware of where you’re buying from and what you’re buying. With the tips above, you’ll be able to find the perfect antique or vintage piece for any occasion.
