How to Identify Antique Jewelry
Identifying antique jewelry can often be a hard task for even experts in the field. In order to accurately identify antique jewelry, it is important to have a traceable record. However, should you not have a traceable record and want to begin researching your jewelry’s history there are a few indicators which can help.
- Use your jeweler’s loupe and examine your jewelry.
- Make note of any signs that the jewelry has been repaired. This can be found by finding seams in the jewelry or visible replacement metal.
- Make note of jeweler’s marks or hallmarks.
- Use your notes and research the markings and hallmarks that you find. Using books available at the library or performing searches online can be a great source for reference.
- Research more information about the piece of jewelry. If it is a family heirloom, ask family members if they know anything about the history of the piece. If you bought it from someone else, try to question them on the piece's history. Make note of any changes which have been said about the piece.
Tips
- For better clarity when examining a piece of jewelry, many professional jewelers suggest a triple loupe.
- Jeweler’s markings may include initials, signatures, symbols and serial numbers
- If you can pinpoint the time period the jewelry in question was created, research the characteristics for other jewelry pieces in that era. This can help you to recognize common jeweler marks as well as identifying information for replicas.
- Should you decide to seek a professional appraiser's opinion, ask for a written appraisal.