What is the Difference Between Vintage and Antique Jewellery?
Difference Between Vintage and Antique Jewellery
Although the terms vintage and antique are often used interchangeably, they have very distinct meanings in the jewellery industry. Understanding the difference between these two terms can save you money and provide peace of mind when making a purchase.
A jewellery piece can be deemed vintage or antique depending on the year it was made or if it has undergone significant repairs and restorations. It can also be determined by its design, material and other defining factors.
Purchasing a vintage piece of jewellery can be a rewarding experience as it has often been passed down from generation to generation and offers something unique and unique. Vintage pieces also tend to be cheaper than their antique counterparts.
If you’re looking for an authentic vintage jewellery piece, you should look for a reputable seller with great reviews. It’s also a good idea to buy individual pieces rather than a bag of multiple items. A bag may seem like a bargain but it’s unlikely to contain many true vintage pieces.
You can also determine a piece’s authenticity by checking for any certification paperwork. If you’ve purchased a piece from an estate sale or inherited it, it’s worth searching through old papers, asking family members and checking the jeweller where you bought it for any documentation. This will help you to ensure that the piece is genuine and has not been repaired or altered in any way.
What is the Difference Between Vintage and Antique Jewellery?
A jewellery expert can be a valuable resource when shopping for vintage jewellery as they can provide you with detailed knowledge of the different eras and their styles. For example, a vintage piece created in the 1940s and 50s may feature C clasps, trombone clasps or ring clasps, whereas lobster clasps were only introduced into jewellery making in the 70s. It’s also a good idea when buying vintage jewellery to check the underside of the piece as well; a lot of jewellery was stamped with a maker’s mark, so you can tell whether it’s an original or not.
Identifying the difference between vintage and antique jewellery is important, as it changes how you should care for the item. Antique jewellery should be treated with the utmost care, as it can be extremely fragile and should not be worn often.
Vintage jewellery on the other hand is a little more flexible and can be worn more frequently, but still with care. It’s important to understand the differences between the two terms so that you can choose which one is right for you and your budget. By taking the time to learn the nuances of these terms, you can make the best decision when purchasing vintage jewellery and ensure that you’re getting an authentic and high-quality piece. Then you can enjoy your vintage jewellery for years to come.
When shopping for vintage jewellery, it is also important to know how to identify the era that the piece belongs to. This can be done by examining the metalwork precision, the type of stones used (diamonds have very specific cuts, for example), and even the age of the clasps.