Every antique enthusiast dreams of finding a “sleeper”, a antique that is greatly undervalued or not recognized for the quality that it is. I first had this thrill while digging through a bin of junk stainless and silver plated flatware that were being given away. Imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered 40 pieces of sterling [...]
How to Date Antique Jewelry: If the Clasp could talk
Short of a date monogrammed on your jewelry, the clasp on your antique jewelry is perhaps your most significant indication of the date your jewelry was produced. A clasp is not just a mechanism. It likely has a patent date and industrial hay day. The standard for antique Victorian pieces will be the c clasp [...]
How to Approach Unmarked Gold and Silver Antique Jewelry
Unmarked jewelry has a stigma for obvious reasons; antique jewelry has its share of unknowns. But often a good piece is turned down when a precious metals purity mark is not in sight. A fine gold bar pin can be dismissed when there is no stamped 14k or 585 on the back. A gorgeous Etruscan [...]
How to Research Your Costume Jewelry Maker Date and Value
To research a costume jewelry piece, find the maker, date it, and determine its value. Finding a Maker Look for a maker’s name on the body of your costume jewelry. Experienced vintage jewelers can identify vintage jewelry by their look, feel, and craftsmanship. Antique is unmarked, but boasts detailed elegance that it can be identified [...]
