Tuesday, March 22, 2016

How to Select the Right Antique Jewelry


 
If you are fond of antique jewelry, then you should know the best ways of selecting the right, reputable dealer. There are plenty of stores that claim to sell various antique items. You may find some jewelry pieces there as well. However, it must be mentioned that not all of them are trustworthy and authentic. This is why you should be very careful when purchasing antique jewelry. Here are some things to look for in your next antique jewelry dealer. Keep these tips in mind when you are shopping around.
Choose Based on Reputation
How long have they been in business? Are they accredited by the Better Business Bureau? What is their reputation online? What is their reputation in the local community?
These are all fair and valid questions to ask before you journey on your quest to find antique jewelry. You need to be sure about choosing a reputable store so that you know the products you are paying for are genuine and not fake. Always ask yourself these questions so you’ll have no doubt as to the authenticity of the jewelry you are buying.
Choose Based on Expertise
When you’re buying antique or vintage jewelry from a brick and mortar store, ask how many of the staff members are certified gemologists. You want to make sure that the people selling you your jewelry have not been duped themselves. The more expertise they have in the jewelry industry, the more credible their statements will be.
Pro Tip: Did you know that a piece of jewelry can only be called vintage if it is older than 30 years? Similarly, when a piece crosses the 100 year mark, only then can it receive the mark of an antique item.
Selecting a store with knowledgeable staff members is crucial to getting a good deal on a piece of jewelry. If the staff members do not know their craft, then you should take your business elsewhere.
Choose Based on Environmental Impact
Also question the manager about the environmental impact of the jewelry they sell. Do their practices have any environmental or political repercussions? Always check so that you feel safe in buying your new piece of antique jewelry with a clean conscience.