timeless
b y C A R O L B E S L E R
treasures
WHAT’S OLD IS A PRIMER ON VINTAGE & ESTATE JEWELRY NEWAGAIN
Estate ring with a 4.25ct emerald cut sapphire and a halo of 2.35 total carats of pear shaped and round diamonds.
Cameo brooch and pendant with diamond accents.
Platinum engraved engagement ring with a 1.60ct center diamond.
Victorian Era ring with black onyx and seed pearl accents.
Victorian Era bangle bracelet with 2.40 total carats of old European and old mine cut diamonds.
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Ballerina ring with a 0.75ct round center diamond and a baguette diamond halo.
reviously owned jewelry is a joy to own on so many levels. It can round out your collection with styles that are no longer being made. It can add some vintage flair to your wardrobe or infuse it with modern pieces that need a new home. You might even be looking for that special item to serve as the “something old” in your bridal ensemble. Many estate finds are unique, with elements such as old mine cut diamonds, romantic filigree designs, and period style characteristics that make them stand
apart from more modern pieces. Some are signed pieces from elite jewelry houses like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, and others are simply fine examples of jewelry from various eras by unknown makers. There are distinctions to be made between estate, antique, and vintage, as well as demarcations between periods, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Retro. ESTATE simply means the jewelry has had a previous owner. Pre-owned jewelry could be from any era; it could be antique
or close to brand-new. The word estate has its origins from a time when pre-owned jewelry was part of an estate, implying the previous owner is deceased. Now it simply means pre-owned. ANTIQUE jewelry refers to pieces that are over 100 years old. Some antique jewelry is made to extremely high standards, crafted at a time when generally only the very wealthy could buy jewelry. Other pieces are quite delicate and in need of restoration if they are to be worn safely.
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