How To Buy Antique Jewelry

Learning how to shop for antique jewelry does not require a lot of study. A buyer merely needs to keep a close eye out for replicas and forgeries while having a basic knowledge of jewelry style periods to help date a piece. When in doubt about the authenticity or age of a piece, there are resources available for consultation to help determine whether or not a piece of antique jewelry would be a good purchase or merely a unique gift.

1. The history of jewelry is varied, and there are nine distinctive periods of time antique jewelry is classified within by collectors. If shopping for a jewelry item from a particular time range, then it is essential to know these periods when requesting an antique piece. These periods range from Georgian era jewelry documented as early as 1714 to jewelry that is labeled retro which covers a time period through 1960. 
2. When shopping for any type of antique jewelry, it is best to take a close look at the item in person or to only buy from a reputable source. Many marketplaces and stores, both online and brick and mortar, can carry fake or replica antique jewelry. Sometimes it is a legitimate mistake while at other times it could be a deliberate deception. In either case, most antique dealers have a strict no return policy which means any buyer needs to be certain there jewelry is authentic before purchase.
3. There are resources available for both the new buyer and the professional acquirer of antique jewelry, and any shopper would do well to utilize these resources. One of the most notable of these is The American Society of Jewelry Historians.  Members have access to articles, journals, and numerous other resources to further their knowledge of jewelry history in general as well as acquaint themselves with the current market conditions for buyers and purveyors of antique jewelry.

Tip: Take it slow at first when shopping for antique jewelry.  Unless a rare opportunity presents itself, invest in a few small pieces at a time to master the basics of the shopping experience.

Shopping for antique jewelry can be a fun hobby, but it also can be a lucrative one. By mastering the different periods of jewelry creation and learning to date jewelry while taking advantage of antique jewelry groups, the casual buyer can turn professional in no time.