Category: Jewelry

As the gold market continues its strong performance, dancing around the $1,000-per-ounce mark, more collectors are turning to vintage jewelry to add a unique touch to their wardrobes. Vintage jewelry expert Jill Burgum of Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas, gives advice on how to make sure your money is well spent.

Q: What’s your best advice for beginning jewelry buyers and collectors?

A: My most common advice is don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether you are buying from reputable dealers or from shops. There is also a lot of information you can find online. The Internet is a great way to educate yourself. Also, don’t expect that a modern jewelry seller or store will know much about vintage or estate jewelry. They often don’t because it’s simply not their market.

Q: Does “antique, vintage or estate” jewelry mean lesser quality?

A: Not at all! The common thread among those terms is that the item is previously owned, and there is a lot of value in purchasing estate or previously owned jewelry. First, you can get great deals. The premium paid when purchasing a brand new piece at full retail price will not be transferred once that same item is resold. It’s an excellent way to purchase designer names at a fraction of the original price. Also, purchasing estate jewelry is a fantastic way to acquire pieces with “Old World” craftsmanship. This is a lost art. Production costs are prohibitive in today’s market, making it unrealistic from a cost perspective to do a lot of the precision handwork you can find in older pieces of jewelry. Purchasing estate jewelry is also a wonderful way to acquire platinum-set jewelry. Traditionally, platinum jewelry holds its value better than gold jewelry. And don’t forget that you can find diamonds at a fraction of what you would pay at a new jewelry retailer. The savings can be amazing, up to 75 percent.

Q: What’s the one thing you have to look for when buying vintage jewelry?

A: Condition, condition, condition! Don’t overlook damage such as missing prongs, bends and dents.

Q: Anything buyers should be especially wary of?

A: I’m always careful when selecting items that appear as Art Deco. Ask if they really are Art Deco or “Art Deco style” or “Art Deco reproduction.” There will be a significant difference in value and potential resale. You should also ask if the piece is original. Was it always a pendant-brooch or was it originally a brooch that someone altered to make it wearable as a pendant, too? Was the bangle watch originally an Art Deco watch that was later centered in a gold bangle? This is referred to as a “marriage,” meaning a combining of elements, and it affects the piece’s originality and value.

Q: Anything else?

A: Make sure what you are buying is what it is purported to be. Gold vs. gold-filled. Real vs. synthetic. Gemstones vs. glass. You don’t want to purchase a gold jewelry item without gemstones and think that it will go up in value. The gold market fluctuates on a daily basis, but typically not in big enough swings to where you can make money, especially if an item is acquired when the gold market is high.

Q: So how do you distinguish between a good piece and a not-so-good piece?

A: Make sure to check for the quality of craftsmanship, finish, gemstones and repair. Ask yourself if the item is nicely detailed with clean or crisp edges. Check closely to see if the piece displays serious wear. Are there dents or cracks? Are there any signs of repair? Sometimes, yellow gold solder has been used to repair platinum jewelry by unskilled bench jewelers. Definitely keep a keen eye out for signs of lead solder repairs on antique jewelry as this affects the piece’s value. In the case of a bracelet, is the construction stiff vs. flexible? The more flexible piece is better designed and manufactured. Is the piece scratchy? That is a sign of either a new piece or lesser quality of manufacture. If gemstones are involved, are the colors clear, bright and lively? Are they of medium color? Generally, more commercially made items have lighter gemstones of lesser quality, meaning mass production. For diamonds, check the quality. Avoid diamonds that look like snowballs or diamonds appearing like gravel due to heavy inclusions.

Q: What are some of the most collectible names in vintage jewelry and why?

A: There are too many to list, but there are a few “top of the top.” Some of the firms noted for their exquisite designs and craftsmanship include Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Mauboussin, and Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Their true vintage pieces, made prior to 1960 in Paris, command a premium. There are the rare designers, who are so exclusive that their pieces are unsigned, as in the case of JAR. Others produce limited quantities of very high-quality designs and to come across their works is the equivalent of finding treasures. These include Rene Boivin, Carven French, Pierre Sterle, and Janesich. Among contemporary names, Bvlgari, Harry Winston, Graff, and H. Stern all utilize the finest in both diamonds and colored gemstones.

Q: There seems to be controversy as to whether vintage jewelry is a good investment. What’s your take?

A: For the most part, not consider the majority of jewelry to be what most individuals would traditionally think of as a good investment. It typically isn’t high finance. Is it a money-maker on down the road? No. So why the interest or why should you purchase or care about vintage jewelry? Vintage jewelry, as with contemporary jewelry, is largely an emotional purchase. You have to ask: Does it make me feel good? Does the piece excite me? Do you get a visceral reaction or enjoyment? If the answer is yes, then that particular piece is a good investment in terms of the pleasure value. In my opinion, jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed. There is also the sentimental value factor that you attach to items. Was it the one-and-only engagement ring a woman wore? Was the item received for a special occasion such as the birth of a child, a birthday or a milestone? Or was the piece passed down through the generations of a family? Sentiment cannot be measured on the open market. It is entirely and uniquely personal.

Q: What if someone still wants to approach this as an investment?

A: To make a true financial investment, you may want to target designer name materials, because they have a better tendency to retain value or, in some instances, even increase in value. Or you may want to consider larger or higher quality diamonds or rare gemstones for investment purposes. Generally speaking, the items that will hold value are going to be beautifully executed and include fine diamonds or colored gemstones set in gold or platinum. As an aside, and would point out that there are far more pieces out in the marketplace that are unsigned vs. signed, but that should not be a negative factor or a reason to overlook them. Beautiful construction combined with fine materials will always be saleable and in demand.

AN EXPERT’S INSIGHTS
Noted vintage jewelry expert Jill Burgum, who received degrees in bench jewelry manufacturing from Bowman Tech and Stewart’s International and previously worked at Butterfield & Butterfield, offers these tips for today’s vintage jewelry market:

+ Trends: Jewelry follows fashion trends, even when looking at vintage and estate pieces. “Right now,” Burgum says, “1970s fashions are hot — so is yellow gold in textured forms. But be careful. The odds on nugget jewelry and rope chains coming back in style are not good.”

+ Quality: When establishing a jewelry wardrobe, look for timeless designs — a simple pair of moderately sized hoop earrings, three-stone rings, a tennis bracelet, diamond solitaire pendant, or stud earrings.

+ Care: Be aware of how you store your fine jewelry. “Don’t toss it into a jewelry box,” Burgum says. “Diamonds will scratch other gemstones as well as other diamonds.”

+ Upkeep: Keep your jewelry clean — it looks so much better, brighter and fresher. “Occasionally check to make sure stones are tight and not loose. Make sure your pearl necklaces do not have stretched silk cord — an indicator that they should be restrung before a potential loss or breakage occurs.”

+ Recycle: Keep in mind the “green factor” when looking at jewelry. If you have items that are (to you) outdated or damaged, turn it into cash that can be applied towards the purchase of something else you would like, or use the money to pay bills or take a trip. “The metal,” Burgum adds, “can also be melted and made into another item. Gemstones can be removed from one item and utilized in another. Be creative.”

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Diamonds they say are a womans best friend. If you are a woman reading this then Im sure you would agree. Well, diamonds or not, jewelry has always been a big favorite with women down the ages. Worn as an adornment usually, jewelry also shows ones social standing. And now, it is a tool for displaying your political affiliation too. Yes, I am talking about republican womens jewelry. Showing your support for your favorite party was never so fashionable. The range is made up of delightful charms, pendants, bracelets and a whole lot of other pieces crafted with the republican symbol, the elephant.

All the pieces in republican womens jewelry consist of the republican elephant in its inimitable shape made on gilded metal and even silver. The colours are red and blue enamel work that adds to the patriotic theme as well. Some pieces even sport tiny jewels to look like stars. You could go in for a precious piece which has an excellent finish and an adorable pattern. And in case of souvenirs, the options are immense. From small sized charms and earrings to large pendants and necklaces, republican womens jewelry is a style statement in all its forms.

They look as good with jeans as they do with dresses. A pair of blue jeans and a red top would get accentuated with a republican womens jewelry piece. Match your favorite sundress with a charm bracelet and you are ready for that Fourth of July barbeque. The best part about republican womens jewelry is that you will avoid all heated arguments by subtly displaying your political stance. There is an almost sport like appeal to a political discussion. It starts off in a very dignified manner and soon you realise its become a free for all with actual shouting happening. Now when you wear republican womens jewelry, everyone knows you as a very pro-Republican person and youve made your point clear without uttering a word!

Just when you think that the republican womens jewelry has a complete range, youll be surprised to find out that its just the tip of the iceberg. The potential for this jewelry is so large. Imagine having little embellishments on your outfit – probably a fastener charm or the buckle on a broad belt. You can almost picture what your plain dresses would look like with such a belt! And the best part of it all its like a little community. When you see another lady wearing a similar piece of republican womens jewelry, you know youll have something in common with her. Striking up a conversation is so much fun. Guys you see the possibilities too dont you?

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Professional and experienced fashion jewelry purchasers must know that wholesale jewelry business with two secrets are most popular till now. These two secret tools can bring Wholesale jewelry business rapid development and doubled profits. You must be wondering now which two kinds of secrets can have such great power that to promote the sucess of fashion jewelry business. Now let me express them one by one to you in person.

First of all, no minimum order. Many jewelry buyers pretend to buy one piece for each product when wholesale jewelry in order to check the detailed quality. However, many jewelry suppliers give a minimum requirment in order to protect their own profits. As a result, customers must buy one hundred pieces for one individual product. If the products are very poor in quality, the customers have to accept the loss and failure as unavoidable unluckily. This does very bad at customers’ profits. Frankly speaking, it is selfish although it is a common rule among wholesale jewelry industry. We should improve it and never let the bad industry habits to take up the wholesale jewelry business and influence our business life.

Secondly, free shipping. Every body enjoy free shipping via cheap price. If the two same fashion jewelry are sold as the same price, the customers will buy the one which provide free shipping with out any doubt. Free shipping is a trump card which many wholesalers and suppliers would like to promote. Actually speaking, it costs not very much for wholesale jewelry. For example, it only costs 10USD to ship a order under 1kg in China to United states. However, everyone has the desire to gain petty advantages from others, especially from the suppliers since buyers always think sellers are trying their best to gain more money from their pockets. So free shipping can push more buyers to buy fashion jewelry.

Wholesale jewelry business is a industry with great profits to gain. Buy with 1 RMB and sell with 10 USD is possible and doable. However, it is also strongly competive to set foot in wholesale jewelry industry since it is very easy to set foot in wholesale jewelry business. It only costs less than 100 USD to ope n a fashion jewelry online store and 1000USD to build up a local fashion jewelry store by your own. As a result, many people can set foot in jewelry business.

To learn more news and information about wholesale jewelry here.

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Are you looking for Valentines day gifts for that special someone? Are you looking for a gift that she will really love? If you have you been looking for that special gift for your special someone for a long time, but still can’t decide on what to get her, here is why you should get her personalized jewelry.

Personalized jewelry makes fabulous Valentine gifts for many different reasons. Jewelry is always a great gift for Valentines day. But when the jewelry is also personalized, it is an even better gift.

There are a few different types of personalized jewelry available, so read this article to find out what they are. One is personalized rings. There are many different types of personalized rings and you can personalize the ring with anything you want. For example, you can personalize the ring with her birthstone, her initials or her name. Another thing you can do with a ring is to have both of your birthstones on it, to reflect your special bond.

A personalized necklace is another great personalized jewelry gift idea. You can personalize the necklace with her name or her birthstone, and she will love this thoughtful personalized Valentines gift. A personalized jewelry piece is very unique, and it shows that you wanted to get her a special gift.

Here is why you should get personalized jewelry as her Valentines day gift:

– Personalized Jewelry Is Unique. When you personalize jewelry for her, that piece of jewelry becomes unique. No one else has a piece just like it, especially when it is personalized with her name.

If your special someone wants something unique as a gift for valentines day, then you must take a look at personalized jewelry and find her a piece that she will love. Personalized jewelry makes great unique gifts.

– Personalized Jewelry Is Birthstone Jewelry. Everyone loves jewelry with their birthstones. And you can personalize her jewelry gift with her birthstone, what can be better? There are many different jewelry pieces that can be personalized with her birthstone.

– Couples Jewelry. Another great thing about personalized jewelry is that there is couples jewelry. This means that there are rings, bracelets and necklaces that can be personalized with both of your names, both of your initials or both of your birthstones.

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Ever since the first prize-award ceremony was held, celebrities have held the titles of the newspapers with their splendid outfits and impeccable accessorizing style. Throughout the years, famous designers have decorated the bodies of celebrities with their creations, providing their unique sense of style and glamour. Today, there are a lot of people interested in possessing celebrity inspired jewelry, pursuing the latest trend in terms of fashion.

Fortunately, the Internet is one of the best resources for celebrity inspired jewelry, helping one to pick out replicas made after the famous pieces worn by stars such as Jessica Simpson, Catherine Zeta Jones and Britney Spears. All these women have definitely made their own fashion statement including by wearing expensive, exquisitely custom-made jewelry. Nowadays, women have a more affordable alternative in the form of imitation jewelry, especially produced with sterling silver and cubic zirconium.

When youve seen those gorgeous women walking down the red carpet, looking all perfect and wearing the most beautiful accessories, you just wish you could do the same thing. With celebrity inspired jewelry, you can be in your own way a start and dazzle everyone with your personal style. There are various pieces of imitation jewelry out there starting with bangles, necklaces and earrings. Without a doubt, you will look absolutely fabulous.

The demand for celebrity inspired jewelry is now higher than ever. Designers use 18k gold, sterling silver and cubic zirconium rings. The wide variety of colors and the wonderful blend of styles make imitation jewelry particularly attractive, not to mention the incredible price offered. The center stone in replica rings may vary from pink, blue to transparent purple.

With imitation jewelry pieces advertised online, you can feel like Eva Longoria or Charlize Theron. You will have wonderful accessories, for every outfit and turn every head around. As the Internet presents so many stunning designs, you may have a hard time deciding but it is always recommended to choose the ones that will enhance your personal style and body type. You can now have a beautiful look, at affordable prices.

The industry of fashion jewelry has seen it all from the most expensive pieces of jewelry in the world to low-cost priced items. No matter the price and the materials used, if you now how to accessorize then you are all set. Such kind of jewelry can inspire new trends, especially with the astonishing replicas created in sterling silver and cubic zirconium. You can even select one of the celebrity inspired engagements rings and amaze everyone with the choice youve made, being one of a kind.

Celebrity inspired jewelry is for the everyday women that dreams of being special; it represents a unique touch to ones style and reveals refined taste. An affordable option, imitation jewelry can be widely found online as there is practically an explosion in that field. The increased demand is due to the versatility of the jewelry items and also because they tend to be what is called a secure choice, women feeling safe when wearing them. So, if you are going for tasteful and elegant, go with celebrity inspired jewelry and you will discover youve made the right choice.

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