Familiarize Yourself with Jewellery Terminology

Antique rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and brooches are a fine addition to your jewellery collection. These pieces appeal to different moods and tastes, and include a valuable history. The fun part about shopping for vintage jewellery is learning about where the pieces came from and their stories. While shopping for vintage jewellery, you may be unfamiliar with what some commonly used terms mean in the industry. Here are some definitions of these words, so you understand more about the pieces you are looking at while you browse.

Estate jewellery is any jewellery that has been owned by someone before. This doesn’t necessarily mean that its old. Estate jewellery doesn’t need to be an inheritance as the name suggests, just previously owned  by another person.

Antique jewellery is older jewellery at least 100 years old. Because they are so valuable and rare, these pieces are more expensive. However, obtaining a piece of antique jewellery gives prestige to your collection. Vintage jewellery is at least 20 years old and typically range from the 1940s to the 1980s.

Vintage reproductions are manufactured recently but are made to look like real vintage jewellery. Older jewellery often inspires new trends, so although a piece may not be authentically vintage, it’s an alternative for those who want the same look for a cheaper cost.

Fine jewellery can be modern, vintage or antique. It is made with precious stone and metals and it’s often very pricey. Costume jewellery, on the other hand is made with base metals, glass, wood and other non-precious metals. This was particularly popular during the art deco period when the emerging middle class started buying mass produced jewellery.

Guest post is provided by Cynthia Findlay Antiques. Find unique art deco rings from our vintage jewellery selection. Visit the website at www.cynthiafindlay.com for more details.