As you start your search for the perfect piece of jewelry, you may come across the terms “estate,” “antique” and “vintage.” While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are actually some subtle differences between them. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the difference between estate, antique and vintage jewelry:
Estate Jewelry:
Estate jewelry refers to any piece that was previously owned, regardless of its age. This could include anything from a family heirloom to a piece that was recently purchased at a garage sale. Because estate jewelry has been pre-owned, it may show signs of wear and tear. However, this can also add to the charm and character of the piece.
Antique Jewelry:
Antique jewelry is at least 100 years old. To be considered an antique, a piece must be from a previous era and show signs of aging such as patina or wear. Antique jewelry is often more valuable than estate or vintage jewelry because it is more rare and unique.
Vintage Jewelry:
Vintage jewelry refers to anything that was made between 20 and 100 years ago. Unlike antique jewelry, vintage jewelry does not need to show signs of aging to be considered authentic. However, many vintage pieces do show some wear and tear due to their age. Vintage jewelry can be found in a variety of styles, making it a popular choice for those who want something unique and stylish.
Now that you know the difference between estate, antique and vintage jewelry, you can start your search for the perfect piece with confidence. Whether you’re looking for a family heirloom or a stylish statement piece, there’s sure to be something out there that fits your taste and budget.
There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to estate, antique and vintage jewelry. Here are ten key differences between these three types of jewelry:
1. Estate jewelry is previously owned while antique and vintage jewelry may or may not have been previously owned.
2. Antique jewelry must be at least 100 years old while vintage jewelry is at least 20 years old.
3. Estate jewelry is generally more expensive than antique or vintage jewelry.
4. Antique and vintage jewelry may be made from a variety of materials including gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, pearls, and gemstones while estate jewelry is typically made from precious metals and stones.
5. Estate Vintage & Antique rings can vary greatly depending on the era they are from while estate jewelry is typically a mix of styles.
6. Antique and vintage jewelry may be signed by the designer while estate jewelry is not typically signed.
7. Antique jewelry is often one-of-a-kind while vintage jewelry may be mass-produced.
8. Antique and vintage jewelry may be found at auctions, pawn shops, thrift stores, and antique stores while estate jewelry is typically found at estate sales or jewelers.
9. Antique and vintage jewelry should be cleaned and inspected by a professional before being worn while estate jewelry may or may not need to be cleaned or inspected.
10. When buying antique or vintage jewelry, it is important to know the 4 Cs of diamonds (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) as well as the different types of precious metals and gemstones. When buying estate jewelry, it is important to have a general understanding of the value of different types of jewelry.
