Don't you just love collecting vintage jewelry! When you find a piece that is vibrant and unique you know that you have found a treasure! Usually a good jewelry collector will know what a good piece is and what a bad piece is. For those who are not real familiar with vintage jewelry and would like to start collecting here are some valuable tips for picking out good quality pieces that you will enjoy for a lifetime.
Condition, condition, condition! The most important factor when examining a piece of vintage jewelry is the condition. You may fall in love with that sparkle, but if the piece is in bad condition it will be a bad investment. Look carefully at the stones. Are they all present? Is there any glue around the stones that may indicate the stones were replaced? Are the stones cloudy or dark? Always take these factors into consideration when buying vintage jewelry.
Collectors normally like to buy pieces that have prong settings because glue is not used with these pieces, and it will not yellow over time. In addition, the prong setting helps hold the stones in place and they will not become loose over time. A great way to keep the jewelry in top condition through the years.
Another way to evaluate a piece is to examine the stones that was used to make the piece. The best quality and most found rhinestone is the faceted round chaton. They normally have gold or silver foil backing on the stones, but some are unfoiled. When you are evaluating a piece of costume jewelry, look for creative uses of faceted chatons.
Here are just a few tips to help the new or avid vintage jewelry collector to pick out pieces that will be valuable for many years to come! Hunt! Hunt! Hunt! Be aware, and you will be a expert before you know it! Taking away a piece of the past is so much fun! Stop by Vintage Jewelry Delights for top quality vintage jewelry!
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