Tips you need to know before buying antique jewelry

There are many reasons to love antique jewelry. Myself for example have recently fell in love with antique pieces, however as a antique "noob" it's hard to tell whether the ones I bought are real. They say knowledge is power, therefore I found it important to do some research so I don't end up over paying for something manufactured in the assembly line. Below are some tips I found pretty useful:

Ask the right questions
One thing I found very helpful is to ask how the seller came across a piece. Everybody loves jewelry with a story behind it. Not only that, a good seller are able to provide some information as to where the pieces came from, along with general information on the date and location the piece was acquired.

Check for hallmark
Almost all antique pieces have some form of hallmark behind it. If the piece is said to be made prior to 1950s, be sure to flip it over to check for some kind of mark, such as a small icon or initial. Over time you may start realizing the types of clasps and closures that the pieces should have, so if they are different it may indicate they have been altered. Repairs are usually done on the back, therefore the craftsmanship on the back should be the same level as the front. I came across this antique online encyclopedia which I think is very helpful for beginners.

The hands on phase
Nothing compares to actually getting out into the field and handling jewelry. This part is important because it allows you to put your book knowledge together with your eyes, brain and fingertips. If your area have any auction houses, trade shows...I'll recommend going to them and start talking to the jewelry specialists. If you're shy perhaps you could ask if they have any brochures you could take home and investigate the pieces more.

Never assume
Lastly, never assume that the pieces you find is extremely rare because there are many great pieces out there from different era. You can take a look at the video below to get a brief introduction to the different periods. Humans tend to wear what is considered acceptable, hence if it was a popular item from a period, there's a high possibility there are more of them somewhere. The point is really to do your research well, and go out to fields more, to see more, to talk to people more.