vintage jewelry
The Victorian era included tube hinges until a more streamlined design was introduced in the later the main era. Other types of hinges such as roll over, C shaped and protection pin types evolved over time. A lobster catch is definately not on a piece involving authentic antique jewellery.
The colors and metals changed in style through the years. The art deco period of time featured bright primary colours although Victorian era did not necessarily. Being able to identify the cut of the stone and the kind of stone in the piece will likewise help in dating this piece. Modern brilliant cut diamonds, for example, are not introduced to the market before early 20th century.
Aluminum, platinum, pot metal and copper have been completely the popular metals in the 20th century. White gold for example, although first introduced at the turn of the 1900s, wasn't in wide move until about 1920 when it was eventually used as a cheaper method to platinum. As another example, 15 carat gold was a British Empire gold standard until it's discontinued in 1932 and it was commonly used within Victorian jewellery.
But often in Victorian times there would be more emphasis on that workmanship and beauty of the item than on the products materials used. Pinchbeck for example, an alloy of zinc together with copper, was a respectable method to gold in the Victorian era but is commonly found at the cheaper end of the market today when a great deal importance is placed on jewellery being made of gold or platinum.
Feeling the weight of the piece can also assistance identify its age nevertheless, if you're buying online, ask the seller the amount of it weighs. A brooch from your Victorian era can look considerably heavier than one that was reproduced in recent years but often a significant piece was made reasonably light in order that it didn't pull on that wearer's clothing. Check and to see if jewels are glued in and if the piece is made by hand or the product of a mould.
A sign up mark on a piece will give you an accurate time mode as will hallmarks. A makers mark and label is another help identification. There are plenty of guides and forums available online to aid identify hallmarks.
Lastly, try to find an image of the item to equate to the piece in issue. Often pictures are for sale in books, such as Carter's Antiques Guide (Australia), and also online. Obviously, some of these checks are trickier to make use of if you're buying online however, if the piece is not as described whenever you receive it (ie. fake), then you are entitled to a full refund. Your local Trading Principles or Fair Trading company should help you out in the event of any difficulties in the following.
Do ones homework. Check the seller's credentials and use the internet for clues and, most importantly, ask lots of doubts!
.
Tried searching for antique jewellery to own on eBay lately? Have you been more than a little suspicious above the sheer number of items purchased at rock bottom prices? Don't some of those bargains look just too good to remain true? OF COURSE that they do!
