| Collecting exquisite pieces of antique and vintage | | | | You can tell if the piece is genuine even by |
| jewelry is not only a hobby, but can also prove to | | | | inspecting and scrutinizing it carefully. Old pieces |
| be an elating addiction for many. This type of | | | | always have clues and telltale signs that will help |
| jewelry comprises of distinct works of art from | | | | you to confirm validity. Besides this, checking the |
| the past that are not only part of an exhilarating | | | | piece of jewelry for markings, signs and hallmarks |
| experience for the wearer but for the collector as | | | | is definitely a very good idea. You will find the |
| well. Since, these are one-of-a-kind jewelry you | | | | pieces signed or marked in unusual places like on |
| need to ascertain the authenticity and value | | | | the stem of the pin, along the edges, the back of |
| before purchase. Hence, it is strongly | | | | the pin stem or inside of the bale. These will help |
| recommended that you buy them only from | | | | you to learn and ascertain the true value and |
| well-known, reputed dealers. This way you not | | | | worth of your classic jewelry. |
| only guarantee the purchase, but also can learn a | | | | In the absence of hallmarks, such as in Victorian |
| few vital tips from the dealer as to what you | | | | jewelry pieces, you can verify the authenticity by |
| should look for in a jewelry piece in order to | | | | checking for other details. For instance, a long pin |
| determine its genuineness. Listed below are a few | | | | stem in a Victorian brooch indicates that it was |
| of the many basic hints that will help you to | | | | made during the early Victorian age while a |
| evaluate your classic jewelry. | | | | comparatively shorter pin stem indicates that it |
| Begin by gathering relevant information about | | | | was made later. Factors like the clasp, the hinge, |
| classic jewelry. You can do this by either | | | | and other similar features of your antique and |
| attending shows that display antiques and | | | | vintage brooch, necklace or bracelet are all good |
| collectibles and browse through antique shops. The | | | | indications. Also, try matching your findings with |
| Internet can also serve as a good source of | | | | the designs of that particular era. The |
| information and will enable you to assimilate all the | | | | above-mentioned information will help you to |
| necessary information pertaining to classic jewelry. | | | | arrive at appropriate conclusions about the true |
| Reading books on similar topics and making | | | | value of your jewelry. |
| inquiries with dealers will also be very beneficial for | | | | Another way to learn and get to know more |
| you. This way you will be able to familiarize | | | | about antique and vintage jewelry is to constantly |
| yourself with the several styles of jewelry from | | | | keep comparing new designs to the old ones. |
| different eras and can use these findings to | | | | Once you learn to differentiate and recognize the |
| establish the authenticity of the jewelry piece. | | | | salient features of antique and vintage jewelry, |
| Another way to assess your antique and vintage | | | | you will be in a better position to judge. |
| jewelry is to examine it cautiously from all angles. | | | | |