Fine Discount Jewelry

Finding fine discount jewelry, that has maintained its quality and character over the years, can be accomplished in a variety of ways. There are dealers who deal in antique and vintage pieces and there are auctions that specialize in these finer pieces, as well. There are even online sites that work as auctioneers, giving avid Internet traders the opportunity to buy, sell, or trade fine estate jewelry through cyberspace. Antique watches, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are collector's items of beauty that also prove to be good investments. But, before buying just any piece from a dealer, auction, or even estate sale, it will be a good idea to get an antique jeweler's education in spotting the real deal. It truly takes a trained eye to know if a piece is in the condition necessary to warrant fine jewelry pricing structures. And, learning about period pieces and the vintage markets is half the fun of buying and selling the beautiful pieces that graced the arms and necks of generations before. Read on and discover a few of the basic tips used in this trade.

There are many reasons to pursue buying a piece of antique jewelry. Pieces from the past make excellent gifts for moms, sisters, wives, and daughters. Old watches are also great gifts for the men in the family, as well. There is something special about owning a symbol of heritage, a representation of the character and values of days gone by. Fine estate jewelry is also collectible. Many love displaying these delicate pieces in glass cases in their homes or even offices. And, if the bracelet, earrings, watch, or necklace is in excellent condition, then the piece will also serve as a nice investment. Buying these exquisite items is not an inexpensive hobby and collectors and gift givers will want to know how to find fine discount jewelry that is not only affordable, but is also in valuable condition. This is why there is time and talent involved to be able to distinguish a real find from a fake or less valuable piece, and then conducting a search as if on a true treasure hunt.

Condition is the single most important factor in determining the value of any piece of jewelry. When older pieces have been carefully maintained in their original condition, they bring the highest pricing. Any original accessories that might accompany a bracelet or earrings will usually double the value. Original gift boxes, craftsman's signature or logo, or price tags that are with fine estate jewelry are truly special finds. Older pieces, that have been passed down through generations, may have had repairs or have been altered to fit the need of the owner. When the popularity of one style faded, owners would take the precious stones and metals from their necklace and make earrings, for example. It will be important to carefully inspect every piece under consideration, making sure that the piece is in the original condition. Reworked or restored pins, cuff links, earrings, and watches are less valuable. Of course, the history of the piece alone can make it fascinating, so if value is not the first priority in purchasing, it may not matter what the condition of the fine discount jewelry is in, if the buyer finds the piece interesting and attractive.

Serious collectors who are buying for investment purposes will need to purchase a loupe to inspect pieces before purchasing. This is an intense magnifying glass used by professional jewelers in creating and examining pieces. A loupe can help traders spot imperfections such as missing stones, pits, or even seams that indicate the piece has been restored or pieced together. The backside of any pin can reveal much about the history. Here, inspectors can look for different colored metals, which are indicators of a bad repair. Not all repair jobs are bad news for fine discount jewelry, but the best restoration work will be barely visible. A loupe is a must when trading in the vintage jewelry markets.

When embarking on learning the tricks of the trade of buying and selling fine estate jewelry, be sure and seek the wisdom of the experienced. Speaking with others about the art of recognizing finer pieces and the best places to find fine discount jewelry will help beginners avoid making purchasing mistakes. The Bible encourages readers to seek the wisdom of the experienced in every matter of life. Actually, the Bible explains that gaining wisdom is to be valued more that material possessions. Make the learning process as much of an adventure as the actual buying and selling of antique rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces. "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold." (Proverbs 3:13-14)

There is also much more information available about the trading of antique jewelry on the Internet. Take a couple of hours and browse the different sites offering tutorials. There are also books on antique pieces and their estimated values that can be found at local libraries or bookstores. And, again, enjoy learning how to determine whether that piece found at the garage or estate sale is truly worth the asking price, and that special piece just might be worth a whole lot more!

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