What is Vintage and Estate Jewelry?
- Posted on 3rd September 2020
- in Estate Jewelry, Vintage jewelry
- by Alan
When you sell or buy antiques from the Venice area, there are so many types and styles, which originate from so many countless sources, that it’s often difficult to tell them apart. To see a good example of how confusing a single focus area can be, we need only look at vintage and estate jewelry. Because these terms are so misunderstood, they are often lumped into subcategories and filed under antique jewelry. These rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other pieces are often misidentified and sold for far less than they are worth to buyers who are unaware, or uncaring, of their historical value.
Who buys estate jewelry?
At Sarasota Antique Buyers, we frequently buy vintage and estate jewelry from Venice residents, so we make it our business to be the most knowledgeable source in the field. Right about now you’re probably thinking, “Well what is the difference between the two?”
To put it simply: Estate jewelry is a term that usually refers to pieces that were previously owned, though they do not necessarily come from the estate of the deceased. While not always historically significant, some of the more notable examples include:
- Georgian
- Retro
- Early, Mid, and Late Victorian
- Edwardian
- Art Deco
Vintage Jewelry includes bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings, and other items that were made from 1940’s up through the 1980s. Some collectors also use this term to refer to any pieces which are less than 100 years old.
Finally, in order for any item to be considered antique jewelry, it must be at least 100 years old. To clarify, while estate jewelry can be antique, this is not a guarantee that all estate jewelry will be antique. It’s also important to realize that vintage pieces can be considered “estate” if they are included as part of estate liquidation. While this may seem confusing, the simple fact is this, any piece of jewelry that is at least 100 years old is considered antique.
If you live in Venice or its surrounding areas and have any additional questions, or are looking for someone who buys vintage and estate jewelry, then please call me today at 941-373-1234. You can also contact us using the form on the right-hand side of our website.