Splashed all over Instagram and social media are advertisements for big brands who have the budget and bandwidth for hot placement ads. These automated and mass-produced pieces aren’t curated for you — they’re meant to appeal to the masses and sell their brand.
As modern collectors grow up, so does their style and sensibility. This recent and continued resurgence of estate jewelry has shown that there has been a marked shift in mindset from modern collectors and their changing values.
Young collectors are growing tired of the big brands and are turning towards emotive values instead. The modern demand for estate jewelry has grown alongside the demand for unique pieces that carry historical richness and have a story behind its craftsmanship.
Investing in vintage jewelry is simple with Joshua Kodner Galleries. Our team can help you buy a one-of-a-kind piece that’s perfect for your style. Wondering which one to pick? Continue reading below for our estate jewelry buying guide.
What is Estate Jewelry?
You may be wondering what the difference is between estate jewelry vs antique jewelry — let’s break it down.
Antique jewelry are items that must be over 100 years old. Any jewelry that was made around or before 1925 in the Victorian, Georgian, Edwardian, and Art Nouveau eras are all antique.
Estate jewelry refers to second-hand jewelry that has been previously owned and passed down through the generations. These pieces are often bought through auctions, estate sales, or antique dealers. Estate jewelry has no age or timeline and can include pieces from any time period, as long as they were previously owned.
Jewelry That Tells a Story
In 2023, market research company Kentley Insights pegged estate and antique jewelry retail sales at $4.4 billion worldwide, and this number is expected to rise. Younger customers are drawn towards investing in vintage jewelry that tells a story and offers more options to express their individuality.
Estate jewelry often remains high in value because of its artistry, craftsmanship, and quality of raw materials. Modern collectors are more attracted to estate jewelry now because of their one-of-a-kind nature, significant rarity, and their sustainability.
If your estate jewelry could speak, what stories would it tell? Was it dancing in the halls of Studio 54? Walking down the boulevard of old Hollywood? Grabbing a drink at a speakeasy behind the laundromat during the Prohibition Era?
Intricate designs and well-crafted materials leave a lasting impression on the buyer, because of its resiliency through time. These jewels have been here a lot longer than we have, and there isn’t any additional waste in making new items. Investing in vintage jewelry means contributing to a more sustainable future, which is a high value point for modern collectors.
How Do I Buy Estate Jewelry?
With estate jewelry becoming more and more popular, the jewelry industry is responding in kind. Here’s our estate jewelry buying guide and tips to consider:
Educate yourself first
As more customers gain greater access to inventory, so should their education on whether a jewel is real or not, if it’s a good price, or if the seller is trustworthy. Doing your homework and researching the seller’s reputation is crucial when buying estate jewelry.
Does the auction house have favorable reviews? Who else has the dealer worked with before?
The main trouble with consumers buying estate jewelry themselves is being able to determine authenticity. Some questions to consider when shopping:
- How is the craftsmanship of the jewelry?
- What is the look and feel of a piece? Can it be associated with a time period, like Art Deco?
- Are there any stamps or markings on the jewelry?
- Are there any precious or semi-precious stones or metals used?
The only way to really know for certain if the gems or metals are real is with a professional appraiser. Their trained eye allows them to determine value and worth and can potentially save you from a costly mistake.
Use the web to your advantage
When buying online, it’s important to dedicate a few minutes for a quick Google Search to price shop between auction houses and retailers. Our favorite sites are Beladora, 1stdibs, and eBay, which often give us a good measure on how much an item should be.
When selling, check auction catalogues and 1stdibs to monitor sales results so you can price your item as competitively and fairly as possible.
Find trusted places to shop vintage
Shopping for estate jewelry no longer means going to estate sales and doing it yourself. The jewelry industry has launched new marketplaces for vendors and more space on trade show floors for vintage and estate jewelry. Bergdorf Goodman, a major department store in New York, even debuted their vintage collection last August, making it even easier for consumers to shop vintage.
Trust in Joshua Kodner Galleries to Price it Right
When buying or selling estate jewelry, pricing is important. It could be the decision that brings it profit or causes an unnecessary loss. Our team at Joshua Kodner Galleries are able to bring you peace of mind with the right price, every time.
