Perhaps you’re planning to get engaged with the love of your life, and you’re looking for the perfect gift to give them. When it comes to jewellery, know that there can be charm in antique pieces instead of choosing the sparkly newly made ones. Of course, they have both their pros and cons, so below are some considerations that you need to know before buying.
Deciding which piece of necklace or ring to buy can be tricky. However, here’s the pros and cons of buying a new one.
Why Buy New?
People want to be the first owner of something expensive and valuable. This is why they are more likely to buy new ones, but they also tend to pass these down to the next generations. Some may also want to choose a more ethical designer dedicated to crafting synthetic diamond necklaces instead of the so-called “blood diamonds.” Read info about the synthetic types on this webpage.
When you buy new products, you can select the manufacturers that have ethical sourcing practices. Also, there will be countless styles, and you can also incorporate your own design if you wish.
However, there are some disadvantages as well, and this can be in the high mark-up of retailers and the value-added taxes that come with them. Also, they are not excellent value for money because they’re too expensive. It takes a good eye and years of experience to determine which ones are going to appreciate in value, so some people may actually be disappointed that they’re not getting a decent price when they sell in the future.
Reasons to Buy Antique
For some, buying antique pieces of jewellery can be worth it, and if you’re not going to include them in your collection, then you’re missing out. Some of their advantages are the following:
Some of these rings and bracelets came from various eras that span hundreds of years ago. They have stories with romance, wars, and kingdoms that may make you feel like you’ll be the next chapter of its history.
Also, they tend to be made up of high-end materials and they’re crafted by skilled artists. The bespoke ones were made to order by wealthy patrons in the past, and their sophistication is commonly seen in their intricate designs, gold embellishments, and jewels.
It’s also an eco-friendly option to buy them because of the decreased need to use the raw materials from the mines. There will be limited usage of the earth’s resources, and they can be bought with excellent value. You’ll also have the unique and distinctive styles with hand engravings that were common in previous centuries.
Making a statement at parties and achieving a different look can be possible with them. Brooches and engagement rings were flaunted by actresses and singers on the red carpet. The antique jewellery may be owned by someone famous, and it may be a popular fashion piece of the past decade. Their authenticity can be an excellent investment because you can rest assured that the gemstones, gold, silver, and other precious metals have survived the test of time.
Of course, there are some disadvantages as well. For one, antique pieces require more care and attention because they are very fragile. They need to be looked after and maintained, so they won’t easily break. Also, they’re not going to be for your everyday wear because of their condition. It’s best to call an expert if you want to know more about which pieces are available for daily wear.
What to Look for When Buying Antiques?
Inspect the piece and see if it’s still in excellent condition. Find out if there are scuffs and nicks, especially around the jewels and if the enamel is starting to chip. Examine the back part and see if there were significant alterations or fixes that were made. When you’re unsure about how to check the piece that you like, ask an expert jewellery specialist. This way, you’ll have someone who will spend a significant amount of time appraising your item and providing you with advice.
Antiques have undergone restoration and repair at some point because too many people have worn them. In the case of rings, see if the shank part is already thin or if there are scratches and scuffs on the stones. However, the tightening of the clasps and rings shouldn’t decrease the overall value of the piece. However, make sure that the inspection has been carried out by a professional jeweller, so you know that you’re making the right choice.
Also, check for the presence of assay marks or hallmarks which are all distinctive punches. They will tell you the manufacture date of the piece as well as the retailer’s signature and stamps. It’s a piece of history that will tell you about whether you’re holding a 22, or 18-karat gold, the date, and if you have an Edwardian garnet or a diamond ring. Read info about karat in this link: https://www.dictionary.com/e/karat-vs-carat/.
Authenticity of the Piece
It can be tricky because antique styles can come and go, depending on their popularity in a certain era. Some fade while others make a comeback after two decades. During the 1980s and 1990s, there was a surge in the reproduction of Victorian gold earrings and other Art Deco gems. They were deliberate copies, and what you need is an expert who can help you determine if a piece is genuine or not.
The copycats are not as polished as their original counterparts and the setting of the stones tends to be more modern. In the world of antiques, know that this can be decided by supply and demand so if there are fewer pieces available, expect to pay a premium price for them. When buying, it’s best to consider the reputation of the jeweller and only buy from the ones with impeccable records.
Also, there are a lot of other benefits that you can gain from investing in antique pieces. With their smaller productions in the past century, their styles are going to be increasingly unique. This means that you’ll be able to buy something that you won’t see anywhere else.
