All About Buying the Perfect Vintage, Antique or Estate Jewelry

 Jewelry trends are ever-changing! What is popular today probably had been in fashion years and years ago. Vintage and antique jewelry pieces are such collections that have been gaining prominence over the past few years. They are more valuable and considered more than a piece or brand.

Antique Engagement Rings

There’s always been a craze for vintage and antique jewelry collections. They are rare, one-of-a-kind enchanting jewelry pieces that hold rich histories and stories. The vintage or antique jewelry pieces also express the personal style of wearers. For example, the intricately Design vintage Art Deco engagement rings and other eras will melt the heart of a person who has an affinity towards the past.

While antique jewelry pieces are found to be more than 100 years old, vintage jewelry can be from any specific period made between 40 and 100 years old.

While the desirable Retro and Mid-century jewelry pieces fall under the vintage collections, the popular Art Deco, Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Edwardian jewelry are all antique.

Estate Jewelry

There is also another type of jewelry that comes from the age of the piece called Estate Jewelry.

It differs from antique and vintage collections in the fact that the jewelry piece has been previously owned, regardless of age.

Since estate jewelry has been owned previously, the jewelry has had time to age, and the piece is rarely sold immediately for the estate after it is bought. However, jewelry of this kind has been around for at least a few years and is categorized as either antique or vintage.

Understanding the difference between these collections is significant to know how valuable a piece of jewelry is and get exactly what you need.

Vintage and antique jewelry pieces are becoming more and more popular due to their unique character, timeless value, quality, and unmatched craftsmanship. Wearers are drawn to these categories to find historic, stylish, and rare jewelry pieces that current jewelers don’t produce. The vintage, antique, or estate jewelry pieces have sentimental value that prompts buyers to add to their collections.

No matter what you like or buy, there are some essential things to be considered before these timeless jewelry purchases.

Important Things to Consider

Estate Jewelry

If you are not perusing the Gesner Estate Jewelry website, make sure that the seller is credible and the jewelry pieces listed are authentic. An authentic antique or vintage jewelry piece has the antique look and quality but is not necessarily worn down.

Ask and find out where the particular jewelry piece is found in the first place – from the local trade or an estate sale. There are times when a particular jewelry piece does not have a known provenance.

Reputed dealers will be open to answering your questions about certifications and tests to confirm the authenticity and quality.

You can look for high-quality photos, urge on transparency from the seller and make sure your jewelry purchase is insured and easy to return or ship if required.

Now that you know the primary elements to look for, here are some tips that may help you choose the best from a vast selection of vintage jewelry collections.

Tips for buying vintage or antique jewelry collections at a reputed brand online

While you search the website of Gesner Estate Jewelry or another website, make sure you are in the vintage, antique, or estate jewelry section. If you see jewelry shown as “Art Deco style” or the “style” word used with any era, it is an item that is not authentic and most likely will be a reproduction.

Use specific keywords to search online or at a particular site. For example, use the terms “Art Deco Engagement Rings,” “Vintage Art Deco Engagement Rings,” “Estate Jewelry,” or “Antique Engagement Ring” rather than just “engagement rings.”

Be sure to use the category filters on the page to limit your results.

Know your measurements, such as the ring size for engagement or other special occasions.

If you find an antique jewelry piece you like, add it to your favorites so you can find it again.

Contact sellers if the pictures or information are lacking. If they don’t respond, don’t purchase from them.

Look for brands with lots of positive reviews. Red flags would be sellers or brands that don’t respond on time or the item quality is below standards.

Check the seller’s shipping and policies on the “Shipping and Policies” tab before deciding.

Read reviews and buyers’ feedback on the site, only buy from brands with consistently satisfied customers.

If you buy a ring, check if the seller offers to resize.

This Article is originally posted here: https://www.gesner.com/blog/all-about-buying-the-perfect-vintage-antique-or-estate-jewelry/

Antique Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/engagement-rings

Estate Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/estate-jewelry/engagement-rings

Gesner Estate Jewelry: https://gesner.com/

Historical Wedding Traditions

The antique wedding band has a long tradition dating as far as 860 A. D. Wedding traditions varied greatly between “cultures, ethnic groups, religions and countries”, according to Wikipedia – Wedding.

Roman wedding customs gave way to the engagement ring as a gift. Today, an antique engagement ring would be looked at in the same way. It was worn on the third finger of the left hand, as it is today. It was believed that a nerve ran from the finger directly to the heart.

In Scottish weddings, the custom was to marry just outside the church with a ceremony in the Scottish language. The wedding party and guest then went inside the church for a ceremony in Latin where wedding bands were exchanged believing that the rings symbolically had no beginning or end. Of course, the event was followed by a marriage kiss.

In Hawaii, very little is known about the old marriage tradition as there is no language of old Hawaii. However, we do know that they exchanged wedding bands symbolizing the sun, the earth, and the heavens.

Pope Nicholas, in 860 A. D, told all that the engagement ring was required to seal the marriage. The ring was considered a ring of gold. It wasn’t until 617 years later that adding a diamond to the ring of gold as an engagement ring became popular.

In old England, the tradition of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, started. Although these customs are used today, few know anything of their relevance.

Something old is symbolic of continuity, usually a piece of lace or an old piece of jewelry. Today, an antique wedding band or vintage wedding band could be used for something old. Something new could even be an antique wedding band and would be considered that something new. It is a new gift to the bride-to-be. Something borrowed would be symbolic of future happiness and that was given to the bride by a friend. Something blue meant purity and a band of blue cloth was worn on the bottom of the bride and groom’s wedding attire.

During the time of the knights, the knight would go into a tournament wearing a single flower or a handkerchief from the bride. That has turned into the custom of the groom wearing a flower from the bride’s bouquet.

The white gown was not a symbol of purity but rather, of joy. In 1499, Ann of Brittany started the tradition of the white gown being fashionable wedding attire.

Today, some traditions have changed but many are the same. The diamond engagement ring, the wedding band symbolizing the never-ending love between the husband and wife, the white wedding dress, the something blue, and the single flower are still popular traditions today.

This Article is originally posted here: https://www.gesner.com/blog/historical-wedding-traditions/

Antique Wedding Bands: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/wedding-bands

Antique Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/engagement-rings

Gesner Estate Jewelry: https://gesner.com/

Edwardian Engagement Rings

 When it comes to Edwardian Jewelry, engagement rings have become some of the most coveted items with brides-to-be.  Ladies that value the elegance of the era can truly appreciate the design and attention to detail that distinguishes Edwardian rings from today’s more contemporary jewelry.   These neo-classical styles of the early 20th century make Edwardian engagement rings some of the most exciting pieces of jewelry for any woman to appreciate.

Value of Edwardian Style Engagement Rings

Whether you are looking to buy or sell an Edwardian engagement ring, you can be sure that you are dealing with something that is very special.  Gesner Estate Jewelry specializes in early 20th century Edwardian and Art Deco platinum and has a very large inventory to choose from.

If you are interested in selling your jewelry, you will definitely want to consider bringing it into one of our two locations in the Tampa Bay area.  Our associates will be very happy to evaluate your jewelry and make you a very fair offer. 

Types of Edwardian Engagement Rings

Even though Edwardian rings are hard to find, there are still many options when it comes to the various styles that one has to choose from.  Many of these elegantly hand-crafted rings offer a variety of settings and stones which make them extremely unique.  These Edwardian rings later become heirlooms due to their amazing detail and beauty.   Many hours of design and craftsmanship went into this jewelry and those efforts will be appreciated for years to come.

The value of a natural pearl & Edwardian antique pearl ring

A large natural pearl is considered the oldest and most valuable gemstone. When found, a single perfectly round natural pearl would be sold as a collector’s item because of its scarcity and considerable value. The larger the pearl, the more it is worth.

In 1520 B.C., a portion of a rare natural pearl was found in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess. This information is not surprising because natural pearls are not only considered extremely valuable but have been known to symbolize humility and purity. 

Another example of the value of a single pearl is the historical fact that the Roman general, Vitellius, sold one of his mother’s pearls to fund an entire war. Hard to believe, but true!

This dainty and feminine natural Antique pearl and diamond ring is from the Edwardian time period, circa 1901-1914. It has a 3.8mm pearl and is surrounded by .33ct. T.W. of Rose Cut diamonds with SI clarity and G-H color. Furthermore, the shoulders of this ring have a leaf design with prong set diamonds. Crafted in Platinum and 14 karat yellow gold, this is a classic and elegant Antique Vintage pearl ring. A perfect addition to any woman’s jewelry wardrobe.

This article is Originally Posted here : 

https://www.gesner.com/blog/the-value-of-a-natural-pearl-edwardian-antique-pearl-ring/ &

https://www.gesner.com/blog/edwardian-engagement-rings/

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Checkout our Antique & Vintage Jewelry : https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry

Types of Antique Engagement Rings

There are various styles of Antique Engagement Rings that people can choose from.  Making the proper selection will depend on the particular look  that one is attracted to and, of course, establishing budget parameters.  Here are some examples of great styles of engagements rings that Gesner Estate Jewelry can offer.

Edwardian Engagement Rings

Edwardian Engagement Rings

Edwardian Engagement Rings were some of the most popular rings of the early 1900’s.  These rings offer a lace-like detail filigree that was cherished by ladies of the Edwardian era.  These classical rings offer a sense of diversity and special appeal that is unique to the era.  The Edwardian rings were usually delicate and very feminine.

Art Deco Engagement Rings

Art Deco Engagement Rings

Art Deco Engagement Rings cover the time period between the 1920’s and 1930’s.  Emeralds, Sapphires and Rubies became very popular and were often used with diamonds to create the “look” of the Art Deco era.  The Art Deco “look” often combines influences of cubism, geometric and angular design.  They are equally popular with the Edwardian look and certain to be cherished for years to come.   These rings are very hard to find and are still very much in high demand.

Platinum Engagement Rings

Antique Platinum Engagement Rings

Antique Platinum Engagement Rings are what we specialize in and our collection features a very large inventory of breathtaking craftsmanship, style and design. 

Gesner Estate Jewelry offers the finest selection of quality antique engagement rings at great prices.  Take the time to view all the options that we offer on our site and please contact us if you have any questions.  Visit us at https://gesner.com/ for a true visual experience!  We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your needs. (813)282-1008 or (727)586-6000

Vintage Jewelry from the Edwardian Period and the Victorian Period

 Vintage jewelry is jewelry that dates from 1950 or before. Estate jewelry includes vintage jewelry and contemporary jewelry. To add to your jewelry wardrobe, you might want to consider a little something from the Edwardian Period or the Victorian Period.

One way you can find vintage jewelry is to look for an estate jewelry store in your area. Look on the internet for an estate jewelry store near you. If you are lucky, you will find an estate jewelry store that sells from their website as well as in person. You are sure to find something you are looking for there.

The Edwardian period dated from 1901-1914. Platinum was the metal that was used primarily. Vintage diamonds from that time period were either Old Mine cut or European cut diamonds. These diamonds had amazing brilliance and fire and were almost always inclusion-free to the unaided eye.

The designs you would find from the Edwardian period would be little pieces of art. Bows, honeycomb patterns, flower garland, and scalloped edges were the major patterns created for vintage engagement rings and platinum jewelry of all kinds. Colored gemstones such as all colors of sapphire, emerald, and ruby were used to accent the jewelry design. Long strands of pearls were popular then as they are today.

The Victorian Period dated from 1837-1901. You will find Queen Victoria’s personal jewelry preferences in everything from that period of time. She loved floral designs, fine scrollwork, and animal themes. Much of her jewelry interest, from the mid-Victorian era, was in heavy yellow gold and colored gemstones as well. Later on, jewelry became more modest. A woman’s jewelry wardrobe might include a strand of pearls, a gold necklace, and a carved or hand-painted brooch with seed pearls.