Vintage and Antique Estate Jewelry

     We already know that the word Estate is often used to describe pre-owned jewelry items whether it’s fine or costume.  For jewelry to be considered antique estate jewelry, it must be 100 years old or older.  Vintage estate jewelry may include pieces from the 80’s and 90’s.
     Estate jewelry is a loosely used term to identify jewelry from a collection of a deceased, but what it really means is jewelry that’s preowned. Whether it’s new, vintage estate jewelry or antique estate jewelry you have, not all estate jewelry pieces are created equal.  Here are some tips to help you identify and get the highest value for family heirlooms and jewelry collections. It literally pays to know what’s what when it comes to estate jewelry.
     The obsession with jewelry is endless, whether it’s the quality, unique design, historical or resale value, everyone flocks to the jewelry cases at thousands of estate sales across the country on a weekly basis. Estate jewelry tops the charts along with vintage tools and other collectibles. In the Estate Sale Industry, the majority of family heirlooms and jewelry finds are broken into a few main categories.  They’re all considered estate jewelry because they’re pre owned, but value will differ drastically. Separating the jewelry into categories will ease the process of researching and pricing the many pieces found at the Estate Sales of avid jewelry collectors.
     Estate Costume Jewelry may include brooches, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other jewelry pieces that are made of regular alloy.  Some Estate Sale Companies will include the sterling silver jewelry in their estate costume jewelry collection and only consider gold, diamond, and platinum pieces as fine jewelry.
     Fine jewelry can include various types of jewelry pieces that have desirable Gemstones, are made of gold, platinum, and may include sterling silver pieces also.
Once a collection of jewelry is separated into two main categories, the research begins.