Jewelry isn’t just looking good, it tells a story, reflecting culture, art and personal style. Most People use the terms like vintage, antique, or estate jewelry interchangeably. But what is the actual difference between antique vs vintage? And it is important to know these differences if you are planning to sell your antique or vintage or estate jewelry in Houston.
Let’s get into the details of each one of them.
Antique vs. Vintage vs. Estate Jewelry
Vintage jewelry is defined as jewelry older than 20 years, antique jewelry as jewelry older than 100 years, and estate jewelry as second-hand jewelry (regardless of age).
Below is a clear chart that explains it clearly:
Antique Jewelry | Vintage Jewelry | Estate Jewelry | |
Age | 100 Years+ | 20 Years+ | – |
Eras | Art Deco and Earlier | Retro Era, Mid-Century, and 70s | – |
Previous Owned | Not Necessarily | Not Nessasarily | Yes |
Certificate Mention | Yes | Yes | No |
Added Value | Possibly | Possibly | Possibly |
Example | Ruby Ring from 1922 | Diamond Ring from 1952 | 2nd Hand Jewelry |
What is Vintage Jewelry?
What is considered vintage jewelry? It is also called second-hand jewelry (typically watches). These are timepieces between 50-100 years old. You must have seen the pieces from the retro era, Hollywood era 1940s jewelry, and dramatic jewelry of 1970s and 1980s. Such accessories come under vintage pieces.
Old vintage jewelry mixes well with modern clothing styles. You can definitely consider wearing them at the events. Moreover, such accessories do not break easily. You can look ravishing with vintage jewelry designs that are enough to add an extra flair to your dress!
What is Antique Jewelry?
What is considered as antique jewelry? Antique pieces are the ones that are more than 100 years old. Due to their age mark, they are invaluable pieces whose value increases over time. These are second-hand jewelry derived from the Gregorian era, Victorian era, or Edwardian era. Talking about it, these are the pieces that came into this world before 1922.
High-quality materials are used for creating antique gold jewelry or antique jewelry as compared to the materials used in modern accessories. Some people refrain from wearing such pieces due to their extreme value. Thus, there is no denying that selling them can fetch you a good amount of money.
What is Estate Jewelry?
What is considered as estate jewelry? The estate jewelry is somewhat different from the two mentioned above. It is simply a piece that comes from a previous owner. It could be a six-week-old piece or a 100-year-old piece.
However, experts limit the usage of the term “estate jewelry” and consider such pieces should be more than 30-50 years old. There is a common misconception associated with estate jewelry. People have the notion that these are the pieces of someone who has died, but it is not necessarily to be true. The owner might be alive too.
Key Differences Between Antique, Vintage, and Estate Jewelry
Age:
The primary difference between vintage, estate, and antique jewelry is its age:
- Estate jewelry is merely pre-owned, it refers to the jewelry that is not new so often categorized as vintage or antique.
- Vintage jewelry is between 20 and 100 years old and manufactured prior 2004.
- Antique jewelry is beyond 100 years old and it is created prior 1924.
Historical Value:
As compared to vintage and estate pieces, the historical value of antique jewelry is greater. It is because of the craftsmanship and age of the antique jewelry.
The historical significance of vintage jewelry is enhanced when it is associated with any significant 20th-century trend or movement.
On the other hand, Estate jewelry varies in value depending on the particular piece.
Style and Craftsmanship:
Each item of jewelry has a unique style and level of craftsmanship.
Antique pieces capture the changing fashions of the 20th century, whereas jewelry with more elaborate patterns is considered antique.
Value and collectability:
People value antique jewelry more than vintage and estate jewelry because it is difficult to find. Vintage jewelry are quite valuable if they were created by well-known designers or date from significant eras.
On the other hand, the condition, provenance, and appeal of each piece determine how much an estate piece is worth.
The age and the material used in the jewelry determine the worth of your how old is old antique jewelry. For instance – the jewelry pieces designed in the 1910s will be more valuable than that designed in the 1970s.
How much is my Jewelry worth?
Various factors like age, material, time period, condition, type of the pieces etc. determine the value of your vintage, antique and estate jewelry. For example, jewelry designed in the 1910s is often more valuable than those designed in the 1970s.
For accurately determining the value of your jewelry it is important to consult with antique jewelry experts like DJP Diamonds. DJP Diamonds offers reliable jewelry appraisal service in Houston, utilizing professional methods to determine the value of your assets. As best estate jewelry buyers in Houston, we ensure that you receive the fair market value for any type of jewelry, whether you want to sell it or merely appraise it.
Also if you want to know more about how much your jewelry worth? Click here!
Conclusion
Selling old, estate, vintage, or antique jewelry is not an easy task as many of you have your emotions associated with such pieces. But, knowing the story related to such pieces can even bring you closer to the people who belong to such jewelry. And knowing their value will make you take better care of the items.
Furthermore, selling them becomes easy if you know the difference between such jewelry pieces. It is advisable to take assistance from jewelry experts to know the real value of your timeless possessions. It has become easy with DJP Diamonds to sell you old jewelry items or get their appraisal from our experienced technicians.
Schedule an appointment for further details. We would be more than happy to help you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What classifies jewelry as vintage?
In the jewellery sector, ‘vintage’ refers to a piece manufactured between 50 and 100 years ago. So, at the time of writing, all jewellery made between 1920 and 1970 is considered ‘vintage’.
How can you tell if the jewelry is antique?
Antique jewelry is defined as pieces that are 100 or more years old. So the jewelry pieces made in 1922 or before that can be recognized as antique jewelry pieces.
What is special about antique jewelry?
Antique jewelry holds an outstanding value and it is like an investment. So, if you are looking for monetary gains, you can definitely consider selling your antique jewelry as an option.
How old is vintage jewelry?
Vintage jewelry typically refers to pieces that are at least 50-100 years old.
How old is antique jewelry?
Antique jewelry is generally defined as being more than 100 years old.
What is the difference between antique and normal gold?
Jewelers use different ratios to make gold. And this ratio is responsible to change the composition and hue of the gold metal. You can recognize the difference between the two once you visit a professional jeweler. Antique gold is warmer than normal gold and comes in different types like – gold-filled antiques, rolled gold antiques, or gold-plated antiques.
How can you tell if jewelry is vintage or antique?
Antique jewelry is over 100 years old, vintage jewelry is at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old, and estate jewelry is pre-owned and may be antique or vintage.
Is antique jewelry better quality?
The quality is better
Antique and antique jewelry were nearly always handcrafted or, in the case of newer vintage jewelry, hand-finished. Even with high-end bespoke modern items, we rarely see the same degree of quality and craftsmanship as we do in antique jewelry.
