Antique Vs. Vintage Jewelry (Including Rare Pieces!)
The term ‘vintage’ is often times loosely used to infer that the date around which an object was made is significant to its style or quality, and its technical definition varies from product to product. For example, a wine described as ‘vintage’ is made from the grapes of one single year, whereas vintage clothing refers to clothes that date back 20 odd years or more.
Similarly, ‘antique’ is often used simply to describe a collectable object that is valuable because of its age and quality, but guidelines are in place to define what qualifies certain objects as antiques. For example, the strict laws around firearm categorisation.
In the jewelry trade, there are technical terms to help identify when a piece of jewelry was made (rather than when that particular style was fashionable). This eliminates confusion around modern reproductions, which can be poor quality and often fail to employ the authentic techniques and materials from the era in question. So for example, be wary of anything that claims to be, e.g. “Art Deco style” – it is not likely to be an authentic Art Deco piece.
Vintage
In jewelry trade terms, ‘vintage’ describes a piece that was made between 50 and 100 years ago. So at the time of writing, all jewelry produced between 1920 and 1970 is technically ‘vintage’. From the AJC collections, our Art Deco, Retro, snd Mid-century, jewelry all fall under the vintage bracket.
Antique
In jewelry trade terms, ‘antique’ describes a piece that was made at least 100 years ago. That means that any jewelry made around 1920 or before is technically antique. In terms of the AJC collections, our Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau jewelry is all antique.
Refurbishment
The general rule of thumb (and in some cases, the law) is that antique or vintage jewelryy that has been restored or repaired must still be at least 50% original in order to retain its label of ‘antique’ or ‘vintage’.
1. 1960s Unique Vintage Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 18K Rose and White Gold - $10K Appraisal Value
This Bangle's Unique Ridged Design features 10 Diamonds weighing approximately 1 Point each. The Bracelet measures approximately 2.2" in diameter and weighs approximately 21.3 grams-- that's almost 0.75 oz. of 18K Gold!
Appraisal Value: $10,000.00
Our Price: $4,995.00
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2. GUCCI Vintage Sterling Silver Link Bracelet - $3K Appraisal Value
The joy of wearing a piece of art on your wrist is within reach when you grab this stunning Gucci's Vintage Bracelet! The bracelet's main pendant is 14 x 19mm and the chain is approximately 5 inches. It's an extraordinarily rare and beautiful bracelet which has an exceptional collector's antique look. This is a truly spectacular piece that could easily become a family heirloom. This bracelet measures approximately 5 inches. The overall weight is approximately 33 grams.This timeless piece will ship exactly as photographed in Excellent, Like New Condition. This bracelet also comes with: FREE $3,000.00 Certified Insurance Appraisal & FREE Certificate of Authenticity
Appraisal Value: $3,000.00
Our price $895.00
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3. Vintage 1970's Hinged Bangle Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold - $10K Appraisal Value
This 14K Yellow Gold bracelet features an elegant "ripple wave" motif that gradually fades on the sides. There is a hidden box clasp at the side with a push-button release. There is also a figure-8 lock for added security. Stamped "14K" on the tongue of the clasp.
Appraisal Value: $10,000.00
Our Price: $5,900.00
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4. BVLGARI 1970s Vintage 4 Carat Turquoise & Diamond Ring in 18K Gold - $15K Appraisal Value
This Bvlgari Ring in 18K Yellow and White Gold features a 4 Carat oval-cut Turquoise stone in the center. The ring has a beveled motif that tapers down the shank and is flanked by a row of Diamonds set in White Gold on either side.
Appraisal Value: $15,000.00
Our Price: $7,900
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5. VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra Pendant 18K Yellow Gold & Malachite - $5K Appraisal Value
Luxury and the beauty of nature meet with this stunning Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold and Malachite Alhambra Pendant. Faithful to the very first Alhambra® jewel created in 1968, the Vintage Alhambra creations by Van Cleef & Arpels are distinguished by their unique, timeless elegance. Inspired by the clover leaf, these icons of luck are adorned with a border of golden beads.
This emblematic and celebrated clover shaped pendant features the most in demand stone of the collection, the gorgeous green Machachite stone.This is an extremely rare opportunity to own one of the finest pieces ever made from a highly-coveted collection! This gorgeous pendant hangs from a delicate 18K Gold chain that measures approximately 16.8 inches long. It is perfect for everyday wear and will always be a timeless and wearable work of art.
Van Cleef and Arpels' craftsmanship and stone expertise is perfectly encapsulated in each Perlée piece; the sense of detail and the manual work reflects the highest standards of quality and excellence. Please note that each Van Cleef & Arpels creation is handmade. As a result, carat weight and stone quantities may differ slightly from one creation to the next.
Appraisal Value: $5,000.00
Our Price: $2,995.00
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