Vintage and estate jewellery is trending, from engagement rings to watches and everything in between. Many people may associate older jewellery with royal families and Hollywood, passed down from generation to generation, or displayed behind glass in museums. But vintage and estate jewellery is not just for the select few. You may even already own some yourself.
What classifies a piece as vintage or estate jewellery? Why and how should you start to collect your own? Let’s look at the hot jewellery trend — vintage and estate jewellery.
What is Vintage and Estate Jewellery?
Vintage and estate jewellery do have some overlap, but they are not the same, despite some confusion. Vintage jewellery is jewellery that is between 20 and 100 years old. It is usually pre-owned, though not always. Estate jewellery is jewellery that is simply pre-owned, regardless of age.
In most older jewellery of this type, the craftsmanship will be superior to any items available from factory-made, mass-produced jewellery chains. That alone makes these pieces stand out in comparison to imitations. Another appeal is their history, which gives vintage and estate jewellery its personality. The fact that these pieces have already stood the test of time, which cannot be said of fast-fashion jewellery, is one of the reasons vintage and estate jewellery is often described as “timeless.”
How to Style Vintage and Estate Jewellery
Whether a maximalist, minimalist, or somewhere in between, don’t be afraid to experiment with your jewellery. Start by categorizing your collection into “statement pieces” and “simple pieces” to help you determine when each will look its best. Statement pieces are made to have enough personality to stand alone, and usually shine brightest when they have little or no competition. So, when you have a stand-out piece of jewellery you want to wear, start with it as your foundation, and build around it. More delicate or demure pieces, on the other hand, are usually beautiful worn in multiples.
Bracelets — even with a watch — and rings often fall into “the more the merrier” category, and can be stacked to build an enchanting effect.
When choosing necklaces, consider your outfit’s neckline in order to decide on chain length, and then layer with several different chain lengths to complete the look.
When it comes to layering and stacking, mixing metals is no longer a faux pas. This is good news for vintage and estate jewellery collections, which are more often than not eclectic, colourful, and made up of unique pieces. Silver, platinum, and all golds are now finding themselves neighbors with striking results. Contrast is the star here, and is also what makes mixing different textures so effective.
Vintage and Estate Jewellery is Ethical
Most consumers are by now fully aware of the issues of ethics and sustainability when it comes to precious metals and stones. Thankfully, with vintage and estate jewellery you can shop with a clear conscience, because this is yet another area where vintage and estate jewellery really shines.
Sustainability concerns of invasive mining and dubious trade agreements are no longer a concern when purchasing any pre-owned pieces, since the economic price has already been paid. Think of this kind of jewellery as a way to bypass most of the “background check” necessary when buying new. Vintage and estate jewellery is free from the economic weight of mass production, and the ethical questions of labor practices, unsavory regimes, and politics.
But the sustainability angle doesn’t end there; even the most carefully sourced precious metals and stones used in new jewellery have a cost to the environment, and by purchasing a pre-existing piece of jewellery, you are giving those rare resources a second, or third, life.
How to Find Authentic Vintage and Estate Jewellery
With almost any valuable product, fakes are prevalent, and this is no less true here. Unless you are an expert in vintage and estate jewellery, you may not be aware of, or able to spot, a dupe.
It can be tempting to hunt for a really good deal from an obscure seller, this strategy is much more likely to land you with a lot out of pocket for something worthless. Thankfully, a little caution goes a long way. A much better bet is to seek out reputed businesses who have experience in vintage and estate sales.
When shopping for vintage jewellery, also remember that authentication is important. Start with respected sellers, and ask to see provenance and condition reports, if available. When these reports aren’t available, and you are unsure of a company’s reputation, get a second opinion from a vintage jewellery expert before investing in the jewellery.
Trust the Experts at Alberta Diamond Exchange
The lasting appeal of vintage and estate jewellery has brought it back into the limelight time and again. Its uniqueness and history gives it lasting appeal. It’s sustainable and ethical, and always trending. When purchased wisely, this jewellery is an investment that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. At Alberta Diamond Exchange, we have decades-long experience, and have always put transparency first in everything we do. Reach out today and we will help you find the perfect vintage or estate jewellery for your collection.
