Vintage evokes nostalgia. If you have a deep and abiding affection for anything from the past, if there are eras that you love, and you want to own jewelry that reflects those times, you’ll want to shop for fantastic vintage pieces. Here are some pointers that can help you with your search. Have fun finding jewelry that takes you back to when the world was still without mobile phones, IG, and the internet. Some things take us back—art, beauty, craftsmanship. It only takes one look at something to bring us to a moment in the past. Beautiful jewelry pieces have that magic, too.
Know the Terms
It helps if you’re familiar with the terms when shopping for vintage jewelry. Retro refers to pieces that come from the 1930s to the 1940s. These pieces were popular during World War II. When you find retro pieces, they are usually feminine and ornate in style. That was to balance out the streamlined, tailored design of women’s clothing at that time, which was thought to be a bit masculine. Estate jewelry pieces are second-hand or pre-loved. Art Deco pieces are pieces made in the time between World War I and World War II. You might be surprised to know that pieces from this era are said to be delicate, using sharp geometric designs inspired by the frivolity and hedonism prevalent in those days.
Look for Distinguishing Features
The best way to determine if you’ve got a vintage piece is to check for distinguishing features. Jewelry pieces from different eras have characteristics that match them to a specific time or period. Those features tell you the times and styles they reflect. Everything is a product of its time. Whatever you find will help you match a piece of jewelry to its era. That will make it easier for you to learn more information about the jewelry you want to buy.
Consider Wear and Tear
Don’t underestimate the wear and tear of a piece. You might find something beautiful, but if it’s too worn out, it might not be worth the money. If you love the piece, you’ll want to consider the cost of having that item or set repaired. That way, you’ll know how much it will take out of your budget to own that piece. Some parts that often show wear or tear are the clasps. Are they easy to lock and secure? Some pieces might have a loose clasp. If you’re buying pearls, some of them will have dull spots. The spots are usually places where the jewelry touches the skin. This is common in necklaces or bracelets.
Check for Marks
You will also find pieces that have logos or marker marks when you shop around. Those recognizable brands make it easy for you to identify the era that the piece comes from. The marks provide valuable clues, especially if you are looking at older pieces of jewelry.
Determine the Manufacturing Methods
Manufacturing methods can also tell you when a piece was made. Some clasps are indicative of an era. Some styles or materials can also tell you which age matches your vintage jewelry.
