Estate and Antique or Vintage Jewelry

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As with the paintings of artists from the past, antique jewelry may be unique. There may be similar antique rings which share general characteristics, such as milgrain or engraved shanks or have exceptionable workmanship. However, the antique or vintage diamond ring which is in consideration will be distinctive, even inimitable. And as such, these will be scarce.

Researching and shopping for vintage or antique jewelry has other rewards besides the acquisition of a vintage diamond ring or antique wedding band or antique earrings. Of course, there is the thrill of the hunt: who wouldn't want to brag about the captured prey? In addition, just learning to make distinctions between antique and vintage can be a rewarding experience.

In addition to having a remarkable and appealing experience while searching for an antique diamond engagement ring or vintage wedding band, there is the added prestige of participating in the new and vital area called passion investing, regarding antique or vintage jewelry. What guarantees that this is different from all other types of investments are three aspects: scarcity, history and legacy.

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Moreover, whichever historical period catches the eye, there will be a history connected to that style of antique jewelry. For example, jewelers during the late Victorian period used diamonds and bright, feminine gemstones such as sapphire or peridot. Art Nouveau jewelry, inspired by René Lalique or Louis Comfort Tiffany, will have natural designs using flowers or butterflies, often worked in enamel. The later Art Deco period, which was influenced by modern art, showed geometric designs, sharp lines and bright colors. Women wore long necklaces and many bracelets at one time. Usually, these pieces are designated by the term vintage jewelry because they are evocative of a particular era.

Ultimately, by seeking out and buying an antique or vintage diamond engagement ring, a couple expresses optimism and hopefulness that their future will be as long-lived as the antique or vintage diamond jewelry they have chosen! As John Keats wrote in 1818, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever..." How true that is, when applied to the antique, vintage or estate jewelry we choose to celebrate our most meaningful moments.

Generally, most authorities consider that to be an engagement ring sets, or an antique wedding band, the object must be at least 100 years old or more. The term vintage may be applied to jewelry which is evocative of a specific era, such as Art Deco or the Victorian era. So before shopping, it's always a good idea to learn a little about the stylistic characteristics which are indicative of that specific time.

Finally, there is the issue of legacy. What will this antique diamond engagement ring mean for future generations? Will this antique wedding band or sapphire ring or antique pair of earrings remain in the family, passed down from mother to daughter or son? Besides the emotionality connected with becoming engaged, will there be the beginning of a tradition for the new family being created?

Tiffany Jewelry Most Desired Designer Jewelry

Tiffany jewelry was first offered in the 1840s, not long after the Tiffany & Young store opened in New York. Silver-based jewelry, dressing table sets and gift items have attracted customers from the start because of the designs and because of the amazing workmanship. Demand for Tiffany jewelry was very high in the 1800s and remains so in the 21st century, even with the rather high initial cost of most pieces.

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The Tiffany name became so famous that a movie was made with the company's name in the title. "Breakfast at Tiffany's" featured top-name actors and indicated how well-known the company had become 100 years after its inception. Today, when most people think of the name "Tiffany's" the image of exquisite jewelry comes to mind. Add to this the fine gold and platinum items from the company studio and it is no surprise that someone might ask, "Is it Tiffany?"

This is true of jewelry from Tiffany & Co., the New York company founded 170 years ago by Charles Lewis Tiffany. In fact, some consider Tiffany to be the best example of quality and desirability in the world of designer jewelry. Even with the long history of designer jewelry, reaching back centuries, Tiffany & Co. pieces stand out among the best among fine jewelry manufacturers and artists.

These very features - quality craftsmanship and unique design- have caused Tiffany products to be copied worldwide. This company's jewelry is, in the minds of many, the ultimate possession among designer jewelry. However, those who could not afford a Tiffany original often turn to the reasonable price of a well-made copy. While this is certainly a compromise, people around the world often wear a Tiffany imitation for an entire evening and others are none the wiser.

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There are more affordable alternatives for those whose budget won't allow them to purchase an original from the New York company. Many replicas and imitations of Tiffany jewelry are, in fact, well-made and quite attractive. It would unfair to call them "cheap" because these copies are quite desirable among many jewelry wearers. "Inexpensive" might be a better label. In addition, women buy silver Tiffany jewelry as a "substitute" for the higher-priced diamond jewelry items from Tiffany. While even the Tiffany silver can be expensive, many of the pieces are within range for a larger section of the population.

Caution is the key when buying any jewelry however, because even the lower-priced silver Tiffany pieces have been copied and imitated. Those who want to display "Tiffany" but cannot afford the top-line platinum, gold and diamond pieces should take care when purchasing silver jewelry advertised as Tiffany pieces. The safest way to ensure that the item is truly a Tiffany product is to buy from the original source. Tiffany also has a Web site and the Blue book (published from the first year of jewelry offerings in 1845). The company's products are more widely available than ever.

Many people are perfectly happy buying custom jewelry from one of the fine, lesser-known craftsmen working around the world. Many of the quality items produced in these shops and studios is as well-made and beautiful as some of the products from more famous names. But there is something special about owning original designer jewelry that has created a following, a culture, unlike any other.