There’s something timeless about genuine antique jewellery, which has certainly stood the test of time, yet if you are looking to acquire some antique jewellery , you must take every precaution to determine that the item is, in fact, a genuine antique. What might look very old, could actually be a carefully made fake and only an expert would be able to tell the difference, and if you are not very knowledgeable about fine jewellery, here are some essential points to bear in mind when sourcing antique jewellery.

• Carry Out Some Online Research – The Internet is always a great source of information and regarding antique jewellery, there are many websites dedicated to ascertaining the true nature of vintage and antique jewellery. Prior to attempting to buy antique jewellery pieces, spend some time browsing websites that focus on the specific period you are interested in, while most articles will have high quality images to help you ascertain the small things to look for.

• Source a Reputable Antique Jewellery Dealer – By reputable, we mean a dealer that has a good reputation within the industry and has been established for at least 5 years. No jeweller is going to risk tarnishing his hard-earned reputation by selling something that is substandard, and if the dealer is local, you can visit and view the items in person before making any commitment to buy.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions – When a seller is offering an antique jewellery item for sale, they would no doubt have some information about the piece. You should ask how the dealer came across the piece, which might be that he purchased a job lot of estate jewellery or he found the item at a flea market or auction. The seller would likely know a few things about that specific piece and would be able to date it to within a few years, and in the event the seller has no information, it is possible the item was stolen or is a fake. There is some further reading on what to look for when buying antique jewellery, which highlights the points covered in this article.

• Check for a Mark – Most antique jewellers would leave their mark on a piece of jewellery somewhere and often, a careful examination will reveal this. Of course, the seller should already be aware of any hallmarks and should point them out when you view the item, which gives you the peace of mind that the item is genuine. This might come in the form of a tiny metal stamp, which could be anywhere on the item and most likely out of sight.

• Be Wary of Low Prices – If someone is selling what they call an antique jewellery item, then it should fall within a price range, which would depend on its age, rarity and condition. The age old saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is” comes into play when looking to acquire antique jewellery, so avoid anything that is unusually cheap, as it is likely to be a copy.

Unless you happen to be an experienced collector, you should only buy antique jewellery from an established outlet, as this all but guarantees that the item is genuine and is priced fairly. It is worth noting that while an antique diamond ring might be very costly, it will certainly appreciate with time, and many people acquire antique jewellery as a form of long-term investment.