Welcome back to the H. Moradi Jewelers blog! Our blog is the place to learn about all things jewelry-related. In our last blog, we gave a brief history of Victorian jewelry. The Victorians loved to include as much symbolism in their jewelry as they could. A message would be “hidden” in a piece of jewelry based on not only the shape, but also the stones included. Read our last post if you missed it, or stay right here to learn more about estate jewelry.
How Do I Describe My Jewelry?
Today, we are going to answer a question that we are frequently asked at our jewelry stores in La Jolla: what is estate jewelry? For some of our clients, they inherit a jewelry box full of statement pieces and fine jewelry and they wonder what they can do with them: they wonder if the pieces are valuable, and even what they are. Many times when clients are talking to us about the jewelry they want to trade in, they will describe them as antique, estate, or vintage jewelry, and may use these terms interchangeably. However, it is important that you understand that these terms are different.
What is Estate Jewelry?
Estate jewelry refers to any piece of jewelry that is pre-owned, used. Your wedding ring could be considered estate jewelry if you decide to sell it. Usually when a jeweler buyer refers to a piece of jewelry as “estate” without any other identifying terms then it is safe to assume that your piece of jewelry isn’t that old; it is most likely made within the last 30 years. Estate jewelry is all second-hand jewelry.
What is Vintage Jewelry?
A piece can be considered vintage jewelry if it is 20 to 30 years old: anything made during the 1990s as well as those pieces made much earlier. In many cases, vintage jewelry is mass produced, but 20 to 30 years old. Even though vintage jewelry technically is estate jewelry because it is used, the term “vintage” is more specific: it not only tells that the jewelry was previously owned, but it also indicates approximately how old it is.
What is Antique Jewelry?
Antique jewelry could also be considered estate jewelry. However, like vintage jewelry, the term “antique” is more specific. Antique jewelry is anything that is 100 years old or older. Pieces made in the 1920s are considered antique. When a piece of jewelry is said to be antique, you can assume that it is very old. An “antique styled” jewelry piece means that the item is likely a reproduction of an older style, but isn’t actually that old at all.
Ready to Sell Jewelry For Cash?
It is important that as you sell jewelry that you understand industry terms, what they actually mean, and are vigilant when buying or trading in your piece of jewelry. The jewelry buyers of H. Moradi Jewelers would love to help you sell jewelry for cash or even trade your piece in for something that you will love to wear. To learn more about us, our selection, and our jewelry buyers in La Jolla, visit our website!