Buying vintage jewelry requires care and knowledge, especially if it is your first purchase. Of course, you need to properly assess the authenticity and value of a vintage piece of jewelry, but to do so, it’s important to consider several key factors, including authentication methods, value criteria, and the features of the most expensive and valuable pieces. Today, we’re going to tell you how to choose jewelry and value it correctly.
Methods for authenticating vintage jewelry
Checking the branding and markings
Every authentic piece of jewelry usually has a branding or maker’s mark, which may include the brand name, metal sample, and country of manufacture. Some famous brands like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels put unique distinctive marks on their pieces. It is by these that experts can easily navigate and determine the authenticity of the jewelry.
Condition check
Vintage jewelry often shows signs of “aging”. Jewelers refer to this as patina. This darkening effect is created on jewelry due to prolonged contact with air, body and because of time. Patina often indicates that the jewelry is many years old and that it is most likely authentic.
History of Origin
An origin story or certificates of authenticity from auctions or laboratories can confirm the authenticity of the piece. Don’t forget that it’s also important to get information about the previous owners of the jewelry if possible. This will allow you to more accurately assess its value.
The key criteria for assessing the value of vintage jewelry
Brand and manufacturer
Obviously, pieces from well-known jewelry houses such as Cartier, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels and others can have a much higher value than jewelry from unknown artisans or less popular houses.
Materials
The value of a piece depends largely on its materials. Precious metals such as gold, silver, and rare stones (diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires) always make the cost of a piece higher. Jewelry with high quality and rare stones, such as orange diamonds, are especially expensive.
Age and rarity
Vintage pieces launched as limited edition collections can be very expensive in the vintage market. The older and rarer the piece is, the higher its price.
Examples of expensive vintage jewelry pieces and their characteristics
Cartier “Panther” Brooch
One of the most famous vintage jewelry is the “Panther” brooch created by Cartier in the 1940s. Made of platinum and set with diamonds and emeralds, this brooch was once the face of the brand. The value of such pieces can exceed several million dollars at auction, depending on condition and rarity. For example, at Christie’s auction, this brooch sold for £206,500 with an original estimate of £60,000 – £100,000.
Tiffany & Co. “Jean Schlumberger” Brooch
Brooches created by famed jeweler Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. are also highly prized by collectors. One such example is a bird-shaped brooch set with rare diamonds and colored stones. Schlumberger pieces often achieved prices at auction exceeding $100,000.
Van Cleef & Arpels “Alhambra” Necklace
Created in the 1960s, this necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” collection has become a benchmark of beauty. It is made of gold and decorated with four petal motifs. Prices for such necklaces can range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the condition and material.
Conclusion
We have dismantled the main methods of assessing the authenticity and value of vintage jewelry. Now you will be able to figure out for yourself how authentic the piece is and whether it is worth its money. However, if you doubt the authenticity of your jewelry, you can contact our experts. Our experts will professionally evaluate your piece and check its authenticity.
