Antique vs. Antiqued Jewelry: How to Spot the Difference & Determine Value
Question
Jewelry
My friend bought these being told that they are antique. They are pretty with the darker silver, heavy, and have amethyst's in them. He paid based on antique and I think he was ripped off. Can you tell me what type of jewelry this is and maybe what it might really be worth? thank you.
AnswerHello Cathy and thank you for your inquiry. It would be difficult to tell the age of this piece without a hands-on examination. It looks like it might be sterling silver with possibly amethysts and marcasites and it looks like smaller topaz stones. Not all antique jewelry was marked or clearly marked so testing of the metal would be needed to value the item as well as stone authenticity. There is also a difference between being vintage and antique (over 100 years old). The age is not always considered where value is concerned. It is the condition as well as desirablity and stone values. If you are concerned about these things when purchasing you should # 1 Always know your seller and # 2 Ask for an appraisal or official description/provenance especially if you are paying a large sum of money for the item. The phrase "Buyer Beware" is true. If your friend wants to have the item valued, I would suggest taking it to either a gemologist or estate jewelry appraiser where it can be thoroughly tested. It is a very pretty piece to be worn and enjoyed ! Hope this helps.
