Starting an Antique Collection – Here’s What You Need to Know

When you’re looking to start a jewellery collection, why not consider antique, vintage, or estate pieces? These items are usually made in a distinct manner and style that will ensure you stand out from the crowd versus a run in the mill contemporary piece that everyone else is wearing.

What’s more, vintage, estate, and antique jewellery hold their intrinsic value. This means they are pieces that you can pass down through your family tree for generations to come. From Retro to Georgian, there are a variety of eras to explore, fall in love with, and add to your collection. Just consider buying antique jewellery online at www.kalmarantiques.com.au and you’ll see what we mean.

But you might well be asking where to start and what to look out for. Here are 4 things that you should know when purchasing antique jewellery to add to your collection.

 

 

Do the Research

With loads and loads of options on the market today, you will need to know what to look for as well as have an understanding of the history behind each piece of jewellery. Never be afraid to ask about the background and details on an item.

If you know which era of jewellery you are interested in, or perhaps you’re looking specifically for antique pocket watches by Kalmar Antiques, you can do your own research online before deciding on a piece. There is a vast range of sources available these days, just make sure you are always aware of the document’s source and if it is reputable information. Jewellery associations are a great place to start your research.

Always Pay Attention to the Details

When buying any antique, vintage or estate jewellery items, it is important to carefully evaluate the item’s condition. Make sure you check for any cracks or chips in the enamel or stone. Other flaws to look out for include discoloration, holes, corrosion, cracks, and bumps in the surface of the silver, platinum, or gold pieces. Whenever possible, you should purchase antiques in mint, or at least very good, condition so as to retain their value for years and years to come. The craftsmanship’s quality and the finish should be good; lines should be straight and the stones should be set symmetrically.

You Be The Judge

Most important before buying a piece of antique jewellery is to decide if you like the item and will enjoy wearing it. If you don’t absolutely love it, you run the risk of regretting ever investing in it in the first place. Jewellery items are objects of beauty. Be sure to try on the piece and see if you like it.

Caring For Your Antique Jewellery

Once you have purchased your antique jewellery, you’ll need to know how to care for and clean it.

All vintage pieces need to handled and stored carefully to preserve their value and beauty. This kind of jewellery is delicate and necessitates special care when handling, storing and cleaning.

To prevent pieces getting scratched, it’s a good idea to store them in a soft cotton-lined box at room temperature. What’s more, you should avoid house cleaning, bathing, exercising and gardening in your jewellery as it can easily get damaged.

Make sure you do your research on the right way to clean your antique pieces. You may like to have the items checked twice a year to make sure all the gemstones are tight and the piece is still in good condition to wear. Gemstones do tend to loosen over time and you’ll need to fix them when they’re a little loose as opposed to having to replace a lost stone.