Part of the fun that comes with collecting vintage jewellery is the hunt for that perfect piece. The pursuit of perfection can bring you to exotic locales, and helps contribute to your own personal history and attachment to the piece. Here are some tips on how you can find that perfect broach, necklace, charm, bracelet and more.
Research Many Styles
From art deco rings to Edwardian masterpieces, there are many styles to choose from. The If you want to identify a piece, it helps to learn how it’s made and what elements are usually a part of that era’s jewellery. You don’t need an appraiser with you to recognize the rows of diamonds and pearl settings that makeup the typical Victorian piece. Recognizing these styles is an important step to verifying the authenticity of a piece, says Cynthia Findlay Antiques.
Visit Estate Sales
Estate jewellery is typically purchased at an estate sale, which may be held at someone’s home or an auction house. These sales can be exciting for anyone, collector or viewer, but the goal is to bid on pieces to add to your collection at a lower cost than purchasing from a dealer. This is why it’s important to understand and recognize certain styles. You’ll come to an estate sale with an idea of what you want, and the keen eye to find an authentic piece at a good price.
Create Your Own Piece
If all else fails, you can order custom jewellery from Toronto that has the look and feel you want. Sometimes, older pieces are refitted with new gemstones that take away some of the appeal. For true collectors, this is especially disappointing. If you love the colors and craftsmanship of these pieces, but can’t find your own, custom jewellery is often the best course of action.