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Collecting Vintage Jewelry

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As the gold market continues its strong performance, dancing around the $1,000-per-ounce mark, more collectors are turning to vintage jewelry to add a unique touch to their wardrobes. Vintage jewelry expert Jill Burgum of Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas, gives advice on how to make sure your money is well spent.

Q: What’s your best advice for beginning jewelry buyers and collectors?

A: My most common advice is don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether you are buying from reputable dealers or from shops. There is also a lot of information you can find online. The Internet is a great way to educate yourself. Also, don’t expect that a modern jewelry seller or store will know much about vintage or estate jewelry. They often don’t because it’s simply not their market.

Q: Does “antique, vintage or estate” jewelry mean lesser quality?

A: Not at all! The common thread among those terms is that the item is previously owned, and there is a lot of value in purchasing estate or previously owned jewelry. First, you can get great deals. The premium paid when purchasing a brand new piece at full retail price will not be transferred once that same item is resold. It’s an excellent way to purchase designer names at a fraction of the original price. Also, purchasing estate jewelry is a fantastic way to acquire pieces with “Old World” craftsmanship. This is a lost art. Production costs are prohibitive in today’s market, making it unrealistic from a cost perspective to do a lot of the precision handwork you can find in older pieces of jewelry. Purchasing estate jewelry is also a wonderful way to acquire platinum-set jewelry. Traditionally, platinum jewelry holds its value better than gold jewelry. And don’t forget that you can find diamonds at a fraction of what you would pay at a new jewelry retailer. The savings can be amazing, up to 75 percent.

Q: What’s the one thing you have to look for when buying vintage jewelry?

A: Condition, condition, condition! Don’t overlook damage such as missing prongs, bends and dents.

Q: Anything buyers should be especially wary of?

A: I’m always careful when selecting items that appear as Art Deco. Ask if they really are Art Deco or “Art Deco style” or “Art Deco reproduction.” There will be a significant difference in value and potential resale. You should also ask if the piece is original. Was it always a pendant-brooch or was it originally a brooch that someone altered to make it wearable as a pendant, too? Was the bangle watch originally an Art Deco watch that was later centered in a gold bangle? This is referred to as a “marriage,” meaning a combining of elements, and it affects the piece’s originality and value.

Q: Anything else?

A: Make sure what you are buying is what it is purported to be. Gold vs. gold-filled. Real vs. synthetic. Gemstones vs. glass. You don’t want to purchase a gold jewelry item without gemstones and think that it will go up in value. The gold market fluctuates on a daily basis, but typically not in big enough swings to where you can make money, especially if an item is acquired when the gold market is high.

Q: So how do you distinguish between a good piece and a not-so-good piece?

A: Make sure to check for the quality of craftsmanship, finish, gemstones and repair. Ask yourself if the item is nicely detailed with clean or crisp edges. Check closely to see if the piece displays serious wear. Are there dents or cracks? Are there any signs of repair? Sometimes, yellow gold solder has been used to repair platinum jewelry by unskilled bench jewelers. Definitely keep a keen eye out for signs of lead solder repairs on antique jewelry as this affects the piece’s value. In the case of a bracelet, is the construction stiff vs. flexible? The more flexible piece is better designed and manufactured. Is the piece scratchy? That is a sign of either a new piece or lesser quality of manufacture. If gemstones are involved, are the colors clear, bright and lively? Are they of medium color? Generally, more commercially made items have lighter gemstones of lesser quality, meaning mass production. For diamonds, check the quality. Avoid diamonds that look like snowballs or diamonds appearing like gravel due to heavy inclusions.

Q: What are some of the most collectible names in vintage jewelry and why?

A: There are too many to list, but there are a few “top of the top.” Some of the firms noted for their exquisite designs and craftsmanship include Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Mauboussin, and Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Their true vintage pieces, made prior to 1960 in Paris, command a premium. There are the rare designers, who are so exclusive that their pieces are unsigned, as in the case of JAR. Others produce limited quantities of very high-quality designs and to come across their works is the equivalent of finding treasures. These include Rene Boivin, Carven French, Pierre Sterle, and Janesich. Among contemporary names, Bvlgari, Harry Winston, Graff, and H. Stern all utilize the finest in both diamonds and colored gemstones.

Q: There seems to be controversy as to whether vintage jewelry is a good investment. What’s your take?

A: For the most part, not consider the majority of jewelry to be what most individuals would traditionally think of as a good investment. It typically isn’t high finance. Is it a money-maker on down the road? No. So why the interest or why should you purchase or care about vintage jewelry? Vintage jewelry, as with contemporary jewelry, is largely an emotional purchase. You have to ask: Does it make me feel good? Does the piece excite me? Do you get a visceral reaction or enjoyment? If the answer is yes, then that particular piece is a good investment in terms of the pleasure value. In my opinion, jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed. There is also the sentimental value factor that you attach to items. Was it the one-and-only engagement ring a woman wore? Was the item received for a special occasion such as the birth of a child, a birthday or a milestone? Or was the piece passed down through the generations of a family? Sentiment cannot be measured on the open market. It is entirely and uniquely personal.

Q: What if someone still wants to approach this as an investment?

A: To make a true financial investment, you may want to target designer name materials, because they have a better tendency to retain value or, in some instances, even increase in value. Or you may want to consider larger or higher quality diamonds or rare gemstones for investment purposes. Generally speaking, the items that will hold value are going to be beautifully executed and include fine diamonds or colored gemstones set in gold or platinum. As an aside, and would point out that there are far more pieces out in the marketplace that are unsigned vs. signed, but that should not be a negative factor or a reason to overlook them. Beautiful construction combined with fine materials will always be saleable and in demand.

AN EXPERT’S INSIGHTS
Noted vintage jewelry expert Jill Burgum, who received degrees in bench jewelry manufacturing from Bowman Tech and Stewart’s International and previously worked at Butterfield & Butterfield, offers these tips for today’s vintage jewelry market:

+ Trends: Jewelry follows fashion trends, even when looking at vintage and estate pieces. “Right now,” Burgum says, “1970s fashions are hot — so is yellow gold in textured forms. But be careful. The odds on nugget jewelry and rope chains coming back in style are not good.”

+ Quality: When establishing a jewelry wardrobe, look for timeless designs — a simple pair of moderately sized hoop earrings, three-stone rings, a tennis bracelet, diamond solitaire pendant, or stud earrings.

+ Care: Be aware of how you store your fine jewelry. “Don’t toss it into a jewelry box,” Burgum says. “Diamonds will scratch other gemstones as well as other diamonds.”

+ Upkeep: Keep your jewelry clean — it looks so much better, brighter and fresher. “Occasionally check to make sure stones are tight and not loose. Make sure your pearl necklaces do not have stretched silk cord — an indicator that they should be restrung before a potential loss or breakage occurs.”

+ Recycle: Keep in mind the “green factor” when looking at jewelry. If you have items that are (to you) outdated or damaged, turn it into cash that can be applied towards the purchase of something else you would like, or use the money to pay bills or take a trip. “The metal,” Burgum adds, “can also be melted and made into another item. Gemstones can be removed from one item and utilized in another. Be creative.”

Provide Old Jewelry New Life With A Jewelry Extender – Copy

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Have you given up wearing that stunning bracelet that has been handed down for generations because it has gotten too snug around your wrist and you don’t want to risk breaking it? Have you got beautiful necklaces that you’d love to wear, but they have been relegated to the back of your jewelry box because they no longer fit correctly? Maybe you bought a stunning anklet during a vacation trip to have as a souvenir, and you can no longer wear it? If you have any of these problems, there’s a new chance for your jewelry. Making use of a jewelry extender can provide all your jewelry new life. This jewelry accessory can make wearing the old jewelry feasible once again.

A jewelry extender serves to change the length of your jewelry. Regardless of whether the fit is too tight or the jewelry just doesn’t hang exactly at the length necessary to complement your outfit, an extender will work magic. You can get extenders in a variety of lengths. Whether you need several inches of additional length on a necklace or just a little bit more give in a bracelet or anklet, an extender can be ordered or custom designed to produce the perfect fit. Should you have a youngster or teen who is still growing, jewelry extenders are ideal for adding extra length to their jewelry as they grow. With a perfectly chosen extender, precious jewelry that was given at milestones can be worn for years to come, even as a girl grows and matures.

If you have a fine piece of jewelry and you are concerned with an extender ruining the quality appeal, you don’t have to worry. Extenders can be found in the very best finishes in both silver and gold. Beaded extenders are also available with beautiful pearls, crystals, beads, or cubic zirconium. The extenders will never detract from the original piece of jewelry. Extenders can blend right in and add in an extra, positive element to the jewelry.

There are a selection of different styles of extenders available for sale. You can find extenders that have different types of clasps attached to them. Lobster claw clasps are fairly popular, and you can also acquire spring-ring and basic clasps. Magnet extenders are great for changing the conventional clasps on a piece of jewelry to a magnetic clasp. Magnetic clasps are particularly useful for making jewelry much easier to put on. Have you ever battled to put a bracelet on one-handed? Maybe you’re sick and tired of dealing with spring-rings that are to small on necklaces? These tasks become easy with a quick and easy magnet clasp.

When choosing a jewelry extender look for only the finest-quality products. You don’t want to throw away money on an inferior quality extender that won’t give you long-lasting u se. The very best quality extenders are handcrafted and custom-made by professionals. These extenders can be crafted with materials that will last for many years to come, while looking beautiful at the same time. Extenders can be found to fit any budget from inexpensive pricey. When you think about the benefit of making jewelry useable once more, the value is even greater. Extenders permit you to wear the jewelry that you already own thereby helping you save the more expensive cost of having to replace your old jewelry with new. Extenders bring renewed life to jewelry, no matter the reason for wanting to wear the jewelry again.

Steal Michelle Obama’s Jewelry Style

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A woman that exudes confidence and authority; that is First Lady Michelle Obama, clearly she matched his husband Pres. Barrack Obama’s equally influential persona. Since his husband assumed in his position as a president last January 2009, Michelle Obama had been a favorite subject of paparazzi, often photographed just to scrutinize the first lady’s fashion sense and her much talked about charms jewelry. I find it quite absurd, but then on the other hand, knowing her role as the wife of one the most powerful man in the world, then indeed it is inevitable. Go First Lady, show your dignified style.

Noticing the First Lady’s pictures, she is always photographed with personalized necklaces, her necklace with a HOPE dog tag pendant in particular. There had been rumors that it’s her necklace charm that made Obama the first African-American president in the history of America. But I doubt it, Obama won because he was elected by people, charm and magic has nothing to do with it. Mrs. Obama had been supportive during his husband entire campaign rallies from state to state.

Though, she was not born on the month June the public just cannot ignored the First Lady’s penchant for pearls. During her speech at Emily’s List gala during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado her 36 inches pearl necklace that can be wrapped a couple times marked as one of her fashion statement.

Her dedication as a mother was known to public with the credits coming from paparazzi. One notable candid picture about the first family is when the president playfully raised his younger daughter, Sasha into the air with his both hands while Michelle and Malia were pictured laughing heartily while the family is about to board a private plane in Pueblo Memorial Airport. Despite the couple’s tight schedule they continue to attempt to schedule family time and date nights.

Pearl’s versatility make it an indispensable accent to any mothers jewelry. From necklace, bracelets down to earrings, name it, you can find any jewelry made and accentuated of pearls. All mothers’ regardless of his social status deserves gift. This holiday season take time to find a special gift only jewelry can deliver.

How To Remove Scratches From Silver Jewelry

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Silver jewelry has become the excellent term in fashion standards. Currently new styles have incorporated larger pendants on sterling chains leading to a hot trend. It suits with every outfit and can be worn in different occasions from weddings, business lunches and a day of shopping with friends to evening dates.

In Sterling silver chain jewelry fashion we have various new classic styles like Sterling silver chains for pendants, sterling silver bead chain, silk cord, sterling silver chain necklaces, silver anklets, silver bead chain, snake chain, box chain, italian silver chains, gold plated chain. Designing of Silver chain necklace for men has been given a warm welcome around them. This Sterling silver chain jewelry is an investment in quality that stands time to time. Choosing selected pieces can accessorize the wardrobe beautifully.

As we already know silver is a very soft metal, scratches may occur in a very short period of time. If scratches already exist in the silver jewelry, clean it soon before you carry out with your work so that any dirt in the scratches will be removed. To make your silver jewelry look new again, start the process with polishing and cleaning. Polishing is a process of removing the surrounding metal from the core metals. Polishing the silver will make the scratch less noticeable.

Sterling silver omega necklace, long silver chain, bulk sterling silver chain, silver omega necklace, rings, bracelets, etc will be subjected to get bumped or rubbed or will be in contact with other surfaces such that scratches cannot be avoided. If bracelets happens to have any enameled work on it they can be effectively shielded with the help of bare silver plated.

The alternative way is to choose any polishing materials. If you are not satisfied with the silver polish, use common household products such as baking soda or toothpaste to polish the scratches present in them. Be careful in selecting the toothpaste such that it must be a paste, not gel, and must not have any whitening options. If baking soda is used mix it up with hot water.

The other way is to use the cream that can be purchased from the malls to make the Sterling silver chain jewelry accessories shine brighter and remain them with less number of scratches. Give it a try and remember to work in circular motion, it definitely works.

The best way to prevent more scratches for a longer term is to store them in a case or some type of storage boxes. All pieces should be completely dried before being stored. Wrap the silver in flannel or tissue paper before placing the sterling silver chain jewelry accessories in the storage container.

Scratches are almost unavoidable. If you get it re- polished soon enough it will get scratched again. If you keep trying to polish it often it will be a vicious cycle. But the best advice to live without scratches is the only way that can be re-polished now and then.

Carring For Your Handmade Copper Jewelry – Copy

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Placing your handmade copper jewelry in re-sealable plastic bags along with anti-tarnish jewelry paper will keep it bright and shinny flor a long time. Before storing your handmade copper jewelry, make sure it is clean and moisture free. Look for handmade copper jewelry that has been treated with a protective coating that resists tarnishing. Copper jewelry that comes in direct contact with the skin, such as rings, necklaces, cuffs, and bracelets will tarnish faster than earrings due to constant abrasion that wears off the protective coating.It’s surprisingly easy to care for handmade copper jewelry once the protective coating wears off, just as it is for caring for Sterling Silver jewelry. The only kind of metal that won’t tarnish, but is way too soft for most jewelry applications, are 24K Gold or Fine Silver. Copper acts as an oxidation catalyst, but due to its strength, is commonly alloyed with most metals.

One of the simplest ways to bring back shine to your handmade copper jewelry is by using a jewelry polishing cloth that can be purchased at most local drugstores or from your local jeweller. A jewelry cloth (commonly referred to as a rogue cloth) is well worth having, since it can last for years. For those more delicate pieces, have a professional jeweler steam clean or use an ultrasonic cleaner. If the piece is set with gemstones, don’t attempt to clean the piece yourself, or you could damage the piece and reduce the value. Quite a few gemstones can be easily damaged by using an ultrasonic cleaner, so you might save a few dollars by cleaning your jewelry yourself, but you might end up with a worthless piece. If your are unsure, take your jewelry to a professional. Touch base with the artist you bought your handmade copper jewelry from. Most artists will clean their own work for a nominal fee, or sometimes even for free.

If you are short on time and need a quick fix to spruce up your handmade copper jewelry, you can use any of these easy solutions (not to be used on jewelry with gemstones or pearls):

* Vinegar – (White, Apple Cider, Wine, Balsamic) – Set the jewelry in a plastic or glass container. Make sure you don’t use metal. Pour enough vinegar into the container until it covers the entire piece of jewelry. Let stand four about 10-15 minutes. Rinse under warm water, dry off, and your finished!

*Lime or Lemon Juice – Same directions as above for vinegar, but throw in a dash of salt as a catalyst.

*Ketchup or Worcestershire Sauce – Squeeze a dab onto a soft cloth or toothbrush, then rinse throughly under lukewarm water. Make sure not to expose gemstones, as they should not be exposed to any natural or chemical cleaners.