Estate jewelry is a popular and growing segment of the jewelry industry. Within the United States and internationally, jewelry is being recognized as an art form and one worthy of collecting. Estate jewelry pieces are often referred to as vintage or antique.
Auction houses and jewelers have found that the most popular estate jewelry are pieces from the 1920s and 1930s, especially items from the Art Deco period. The focus of art deco designs was bold colors and geometric shapes. If you are thinking of purchasing an estate piece there are several things to think about. First, pick an item that reflects your personality and style. If you plan to wear the item often, the jewelry should be something that is practical. Although you want to select something that speaks to you, it is also important that the piece have a good resale value. Classic styles will often sell better at a later date than trendy pieces. And beware getting caught up in the hype and excitement of an auction if that is where you are planning to purchase your jewelry. People are often led to overbidding under these circumstances. Do your homework in advance of the auction, so you know what an item is worth and won’t be tempted to over pay.
Finally, it is very important keep an eye out for fake estate pieces. Ask the jeweler or auction house if the piece has its original stones. If the item has a repair that is fixable, that is fine, but don’t purchase something with obvious, unrepairable flaws.
Sell Estate Jewelry - Back to the Learning Index