Fine Vintage Jewelry

Typically, the condition of a piece of jewelry might be described using one of the following terms:

Mint: no flaws or wear, as new, and has original packaging or tags

Near Mint: like mint, but without original packaging or tags

Excellent: has been worn or handled and has no flaws, very close to near mint condition

Very Good: has been worn or handled and may have minor noted flaws (should be noted in the description)

Good: has general overall wear, any flaws are noted, and is wearable as purchase or is repairable

Fair: Overall wear is noted, as are flaws. With care or with repair will be useable

Poor: damaged and in need of serious repair and/or parts

Ask the seller questions if you need more information. A reputable seller will always be happy to give you as much information as s/he can.

Cameos have long been a popular type of jewelry. People began making them in ancient times, and we still love them today. They are, in essence, miniature portraits, created to commemorate historical figures or for romance, to remind us of a loved one.

Cameo is an Italian term for a relief that is cut so it is raised. Typically a layered stone such as agate is used. First, a piece of layer stone with different colors in even parallel layers is cut out of a block of agate. (If necessary, the lower layer is dyed black or red-brown. The upper layer remains white because it does not absorb the pigment.) The main features of the cameo are laid out, and the engraver then carves the white area. The more precise the carving, the better!

Cameo lovers and collectors can find vintage cameo pendants, cameo rings and cameo bracelets. Scenes from mythology, ancient Greek women, and heroic soldiers are some of the many designs you might find. Hand carved Italian cameo jewelry is among the most prized by collectors.

Shop for vintage and antique cameo jewelry

Handcrafting cameo jewelry

If you have or plan to buy diamond jewelry, the Gemological Institute of America offers these recommendations for diamond care:

Diamonds are remarkably durable, resistant to scratching except by another diamond, and maintain their brilliant fire extremely well. These qualities make a diamond well-suited to regular wear and are perfect for engagement and wedding rings, which are usually worn every day.

But even a diamond isn't indestructible. It can be chipped by a sharp blow or become loose in its setting and fall out. A diamond should be worn with care.

Because diamonds tend to pick up grease and oils, they can become dirty with handling and should be occasionally wiped with a lint-free cloth. Other methods for safe cleaning include warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush or a commercial cleaning solution. It is not recommended to use ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

Shop for fine vintage, antique and estate diamond jewelry

The array of vintage and antique gold bracelets available is wonderful -- everything from the simplest bangle bracelets to unusual charm bracelets to unique designs laden with precious gems.

Shop for fine vintage, antique and estate gold bracelets

Retro buckle bracelet courtesy Lang Antiques

Pins and brooches seem more subject to the whims of fashion than other pieces of jewelry - sometimes they have been extremely popular, while at other times they're not worn by many.

Throughout the years jewelers have created simple yet elegant gold pins without any gemstone adornments. Circle pins and pins shaped like initials have been popular styles. At the other extreme, some gold pins have been so laden with precious gems that you can barely see the gold!

Stick pins were very popular in the 1800s up through the mid-twentieth century. Pins shaped like insects, animals, and birds are often adorned with tiny gems or feature fine enamel work. The diversity of vintage and antique pin and brooch styles is such that you can find almost any design to suit your interest.

Shop for fine vintage, antique and estate pins and brooches

photographs courtesy Lang Antiques

Since the earliest days of human history, we have been piercing our ears in order to adorn them with earrings. Men and women both have worn earrings through the ages. For a time (roughly from the Great Depression to late twentieth century), women in the U.S.A. made clip-on earrings fashionable, but that appears to have been a rather brief diversion - pierced earrings continue to rule.

Earrings have been made from many types of material, but if you are looking for fine vintage or antique earrings, stick with precious metals.

Shop for fine vintage, antique, and estate earrings

photographs courtesy Lang Antiques

Antique Jewelry University (AJU) is an on-line organization made up of scholars, educators, jewelry professionals and interested individuals from all over the world who share a passion for antique, estate and vintage jewels. Their goal is to make available to the public and professionals alike, an ever expanding repository of information, useful and arcane, related to the subject of period jewelry.

In addition to generating a vast Wiki style encyclopedia of historical data, definitions, in depth articles and the like, AJU hosts a forum for the general public to have their questions answered by experts, and a second forum restricted to qualified members only for the exchange of information, ideas and industry gossip.

The site has a great deal of information that will make antique/vintage jewelry lovers happy: encyclopedia, index, glossary, articles, a photo gallery/archive, bibliography to assist in scholarly research, and a calendar of jewelry related events.

AJU is sponsored by LangAntiques.com

photograph courtesy Lang Antiques

Necklaces have been worn by humans since ancient times. The Egyptians created turquoise pendant necklaces in 3500 BC. Gold chokers and beaded necklaces were worn by Sumerians as far back as 2500 BC. The peoples of Asia have been wearing necklaces throughout much of their history. And, of course, we still love necklaces today. Even Major League Baseball players wear necklaces (titanium necklaces said to promote pain relief - not proven).

Shop for fine vintage, antique, and estate gold necklaces

photograph courtesy Lang Antiques

People have been adorning their hands (and toes!) with rings for as long as they have been wearing jewelry. Rings can, of course, be made from almost any type of material, but when it comes to fine vintage and antique rings, platinum and gold (and sometimes silver) are best! Real gemstones don't hurt!

Shop for fine vintage, antique, and estate rings

Shop for both new rings and vintage, antique, and estate rings

photographs courtesy Lang Antiques

If you're not lucky enough to inherit vintage jewelry, you can always prowl around consignment stores, flea markets, thrift shops, and estate sales. It's also a good idea to hunt online. In addition to eBay (be sure to check a seller's feedback before you buy) you can look try these sites:

Bidz.com - Live Jewelry Auctions Starting Every 5 Seconds (antique, vintage and new)

biddersnetwork.com - often has auctions for vintage and antique jewelry

liveauctioneers.com - one of the leading site for online auctions from around the world including jewlery, collectibles, antiques, and art auctions