When you’re shopping for estate jewellery, you have to choose where you buy from. If you live near any major city, or even a large suburb, you can probably find an estate sale in your area. There are also dealers, such as Cynthia Findlay Antiques, who offer pieces that are verified and for sale online. Buying from a dealer tends to have certain stigmas, such as price or reputation, that allow people to talk themselves out of a beautiful piece.
Buying antique engagement rings from a dealer carries several advantages. Here are the two biggest ones.
Learning the History
Vintage engagement rings carry history with them. They are pieces that have survived sometimes for an entire century or longer, and they typically carry a story with them. Although not as elaborate as pieces in a museum, you can learn about the jeweler who created the piece and the family that owned it. You might even learn some fun facts about its previous owners, and a little bit about why it’s a valuable piece. When you buy from a department store, you’re in essence starting the history of that piece. When you buy from an antique dealer, you’re buying into the history of something, which is an interesting concept for today’s collector.
Verifying the Quality
You’ve heard of the four C’s, but antique dealers will take sales a step further to provide more detailed evidence of a piece’s quality. Identifying the gemstones, the metalwork, and sometimes even the insignia all have significance when assessing the value of a ring. When you buy from an estate sale, you have to trust your own eye. If you’re great with antiques, then you might find a bargain. However, a dealer’s appraisal means you can get your ring insured for value.