Finding and Buying Vintage Jewelry

Seeking Vintage jewelry is fun but as a buyer you should remember a few key things that will help you find pieces that are not about to fall apart. Especially if you are just starting a collection or just want a piece or two of vintage jewelry for a special occasion. To begin with, the heavier the piece, the older it is. Pieces from the twenties were made of pot metals, such as brass and steel, and are more substantial. Pieces made after World War II often contain plastics and aluminum.

Look for the designer’s signature on the back. Pieces signed by Hattie Carnegie, Sarah Coventry, and Miriam Haskell are assembled better than those without names. Look for it on the rhinestone balls or the clasp backs.

Notice the type of clasp on the piece. Many old pieces have hook-like C-clasps which come undone too easily. Around the time of the sixties, sturdier clasps came into popularity. These resemble the lobster claw kind used today.

Don’t shy away from a piece because of grime. You can have it cleaned by a watch cleaner, who will usually charge less than a jewelry specialist, or you can clean it using light steel wool. You can buff off tarnish or dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and swab it.

You can find vintage jewelry auction on eBay by going to Jewelry and Watches, then clicking Vintage and Antique. Categories on the left side of the page help you narrow your search by type.

The keyword search function lets you search for specific words. As you go deeper into the website, you can narrow your search by subcategory. If you are unable to find what you seek, try looking in eBay Stores, or go to the eBay Community and create a post under Want It Now, or you can save your search on My eBay, and they will alert you when the item comes available.

Remember to figure shipping costs into your price. If the item is expensive, see to it that the seller insures the item. For more information from a seller, just click the “Ask seller a question” link under their profile. Be sure to make your transaction on eBay with either Buy It Now, a bid, or Best Offer, so that you will be covered by their protection programs. Do not pay through MoneyGram or Western Union. PayPal is the safe option, because you can pay the seller without them viewing your account numbers. PayPal offers 100% buyer protection, and your purchase is covered to $1,000.

Notice the seller’s rating and the number of transactions they have completed. Look at their positive response percentage and read the buyer feedback before purchasing from them. By doing a bit of research on antique shops, vintage jewelry auction or other vintage pieces and the individual selling them, you can protect yourself and make a quality purchase at a reasonable price.

Choosing jewelry is much like choosing clothing, and so it is with vintage jewelry. Vintage custom jewelry should be something that you feel comfortable with, yet is a great way of adding a little flair to your jewelry box. Whether choosing costume or Vintage jewelry, accessorizing with just the right rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings is a great way to give a finishing touch to any outfit.