Why Choose Estate Jewelry?

Estate jewelry is jewelry that is purchased (or sometimes inherited) from the collection of another person, whether departed or living. Basically, estate jewelry is used jewelry that has had a previous owner. This type of jewelry may or may not be vintage or antique. There are many reasons why people choose estate jewelry.

One reason is its value. Often, estate sales feature incredible prices on the items. This is why so many online auction sellers frequent estate sales -- to find valuable items at good prices. Another reason is for personal use. If you're looking for that one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, you just might find it at an estate sale. The type of jewelry you'll discover can vary widely and simply depends on the preferences of the previous owner. Some estate sales have incredible fine jewelry, while others feature inexpensive vintage costume jewelry.

By definition, antique jewelry is anything created before 1930. Everything after 1930 is usually called vintage jewelry. After the 1930's, women were more likely to desire more inexpensive pieces to match their various outfits, which led to the birth of costume jewelry. Costume jewelry can range from colorful plastic beads to rhinestone encrusted hair combs and everything in between. At many estate sales, you'll find colorful vintage pieces that may hold value, or at the very least, personal interest.

Often, you can find gorgeous heirloom pieces at estate sales as well. Lockets, cameos, cocktail rings and bejeweled brooches are just a few potential treasures you might come across on your search. It helps to have an idea of what you are looking for before heading to an estate sale. If not, then you may end up spending more money than you can afford or spending money on pieces that are different than what you wanted.

You may also want to read up on different kinds of collectible estate jewelry as well. There are guidebooks available that feature black and white as well as color pictures of various pieces. These books also list the maker of the jewelry, various details about the jewelry, and the current market value. Being informed and prepared is one of the smartest things you can do, especially if you're estate shopping for resale items. After your first estate sale, it's likely you'll get hooked and want to go again and again!

Copyright 2006 Frances Coleman - All Rights Reserved

Jewelry News:
Oakland Museum exhibits work by Bay Area jewelry pioneer Margaret De Patta - San Francisco Chronicle (blog)

San Francisco Chronicle (blog)
Oakland Museum exhibits work by Bay Area jewelry pioneer Margaret De Patta
San Francisco Chronicle (blog)
The Bay Area artist, who modernized the art of jewelry making with her one-of-a-kind creations from the 1930s to the 1960s, is being honored in the exhibition EURSpace-Light-Structure: The Jewelry of Margaret De Patta,EUR at the Oakland Museum of .

..

Exclusive Diamond Jeweler Announces Site Update - Houston Chronicle

Exclusive Diamond Jeweler Announces Site Update
Houston Chronicle
The popular custom diamond jeweler, Diamond Cutters Intl., has announced an update to their online website which features resources on how to buy a diamond for the general public. The new updates are intended to further their position as the leading .

and more »
..

Melrose Jewelers Announces the Last Few Days of its Valentine's Day Rolex . - San Francisco Chronicle (press release)

Melrose Jewelers Announces the Last Few Days of its Valentine's Day Rolex .
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
Taking it into consideration, Melrose Jewelers has launched the Valentine's Day sale on its line of Rolex wristwatches. The sale items include the store's top-selling watches to make the romantic season a bit more special. People are busy looking out .

and more »
..

Jewelry store thieves fooled by cubic zirconia - KARE

CBS Local
Jewelry store thieves fooled by cubic zirconia
KARE
Thieves thought they made a haul when they broke into a Long Lake jewelry store early Friday and made off with a bunch of wedding rings. Turns out, the crooks were fooled by a bunch of fakes. The owners of Albers Jewelry say thieves broke into the .
Thieves Break Into Store, Take Cubic Zirconia RingsCBS Local

all 3 news articles »
..

Roses, chocolate, jewelry not as meaningful as simple gestures - Kansas State Collegian

Roses, chocolate, jewelry not as meaningful as simple gestures
Kansas State Collegian
You can tell him or her exactly why you fell in love without the roses, jewelry or chocolate, and you might find that simple, heartfelt gestures are often more meaningful and romantic, especially when they're not over-the-top extravagant and mushy.

and more »
..

Charmed at Juicy: Juicy Couture showcases D.I.Y. jewelry - Examiner.com

Charmed at Juicy: Juicy Couture showcases D.I.Y. jewelry
Examiner.com
The EURCouture YourselfEUR event featured Juicy's new jewelry collection (launched January 1, 2012), cocktails, and a look into the future with renowned astrologer Susan Miller. The new DIY Charm Collection, EURMade by Us, Styled by You,EUR encourages .

and more »
..

Technorati Tags: , ,