Jewelry can be beautiful; diamond earrings that sparkle in the light can make quite a fashion statement. Jewelry can be functional; most people get engaged to their significant other with a ring, and a ring is the symbol for marriage. Jewelry can be sentimental; grandmother’s antique broach can hold a lot of memories from a childhood full of love. Of course, jewelry has the potential to have all three attributes, which is what makes a piece so special.
Jewelry is an item that is found quite often at an estate sale, any many times, people assume that the pieces are antique just because they are from the estate. If you are shopping a sale and you find a piece of jewelry that you like, there are a few ways to determine if it really is an antique piece.
• Wear and Tear. Most pieces that are antique will show signs of use; from a lack of shine to tarnish and dents. An item that looks new most likely is.
• The Mark. Good pieces have a stamp or signature of the company who made it, especially prior to the 1950’s. Look for a small icon or the initials of the maker.
• One of a Kind. Look for items that are one-of-a-kind pieces. Individuality is a key for authenticity. If there are several of the same pieces offered, chances are that the items are not antique.
• Ask. At an Estate sale, a good host should be able to tell you something about the piece. They may even have the jewelry certification. If not, being at an Estate Sale, you can pretty much bet that you are still getting a special and unique piece.
At Heritage Estate Sales, we’re be available to answer any question you might have about a piece that you want to have. You can check out sale offerings on the website, or come to the sale to speak with us directly. We’ll make sure that you find a piece that serves any purpose that you are looking for, from beautiful to functional. With any luck, one day it will become your own sentimental antique piece.