Nowadays the internet can be used to purchase anything from kitchen appliances to holidays, however you must always be careful whatever it is you are looking for as not everything is what the internet states it to be. Antique jewellery is something which many people are willing to pay a relatively large amount of money for in order to own a beautiful, unique and excellent quality piece of jewellery which will last them many years to come. Making sure you know what you are buying is crucial and there are things to look out for to help you determine whether the piece is genuine or reproduced in order for you to spend your money wisely.
One of the main things to look out for whilst choosing an antique piece of jewellery is a hallmark. This can sometimes be easier if you are purchasing jewellery from an antique jewellers or stall as you can hold the piece in your hand, however professional and respected online sellers should post many detailed pictures of the product to give an accurate overview of exact product details. A hallmark is an indentation in the metal which gives information regarding when and where the piece was made, so with a little research you can soon find out if you are investing in a genuine antique piece.
Another thing to look out for is the quality and wear on the piece. Although you may be about to pay a reasonable amount to invest in a piece of jewellery, antique pieces are generally around 100 years old so they won’t look shiny and new. Wear on the piece is a good sign that the piece is old so don’t be put off by this. If there is a particular style or era of jewellery which interests you do some research into what individual pieces and designs looked like and it will give you an idea of what to look out for.
Don’t be affraid to ask a seller or dealer questions. If you are buying from an online shop it is likely that the seller sourced the piece themselves and they may have some information about where it came from. If not and you are still unsure, ask to see more pictures of the piece especially if there isn’t currently one including the hallmark or wear. Never buy a piece unless you are happy with the price and believe in what you are buying. If the price seems too good to be true then it probably is, and alternatively you could visit a high street dealer to find the perfect piece for you instead or ask a second opinion if something online has really caught your eye.
