What is the Difference Between Vintage and Antique Jewelry

Vintage and antique can sometimes be used interchangeably, and in some cases, they are.  But what does it really mean when it comes to your jewelry?

Ring and picture from Ravensbury Antiques

The difference between vintage and antique is that vintage refers to pieces 20 years to 99 years old, while antique, refers to pieces 100 years old and over. Vintage is relatively not too long ago and antique is a long time ago!  Some of the things I look for are:

·       Hand-made vs machine made: Vintage pieces will generally show evidence of being made through modern ways, whereas, antique pieces were made very differently than today.

·       Quality stamp: The stamp will sometimes give it away quickly! Modern quality stamping looks different from antique quality stamps. Many times, the antique pieces won’t have quality stamp. The National Gold and Silver Stamping Act of 1906 required jewelry sold in the United States to be stamped with the metal quality on it, so if there is no stamp, it could be indication that it is an older piece (in conjunction with other attributes).

·       Style: jewelry styles can pin point when a piece was made very quickly.

·       Stone Cutting: Gemstones were cut very differently than they are today. Older cut gemstones lack the precision the ones in modern times have. The advent of electricity changed the way diamonds were cut in terms of machinery, and because diamonds needed to be cut better so that they sparkled in electric light, as opposed to candle and gas light. 

Jewelry is so fascinating to me because it is one of the only things that can be worn for multiple generations with regular repair and upkeep.  I would love to help you with vintage or antique jewelry! Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:

• One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)

• Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)

• Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 28 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)

Learn more about me and my process: www.AngelaCisneros.com 

Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.AngelaCisneros.com/book-appointment