Vintage jewelry encompasses necklaces, rings, and other accessories usually made between 20-100 years ago. Collectors, history buffs, and jewelry enthusiasts flock to vintage jewelry auctions to find bargains on unique pieces with historical, aesthetic, and investment value.

You can also find vintage used jewelry for sale from estate jewelry auctions, which offer you a chance to own a one-of-a-kind piece with precious history and sentimental value.

FAQs

What defines a piece of jewelry as "vintage"?

The industry standard for “true” vintage jewelry is at least 50 years old, typically 50-100 years old, but anything over 20 years old is still considered vintage. Today, vintage jewelry includes pieces made from around 2000 or earlier.

Jewelry over 100 years old is considered “antique,” though it can also fall under the “vintage” category. Additionally, restored or repaired vintage jewelry should retain at least 50% of its original content.

Many vintage pieces are pre-owned, often acquired from estate jewelry auctions.

How do I know if a piece of vintage jewelry is authentic?

Various experts like jewelry appraisers, professional gemologists, and antique traders can examine used jewelry for sale and tell you if it’s vintage. If the vintage jewelry auction lists items from well-known designers, it may include documentation like receipts and certificates of authenticity.

You can also do a self-appraisal to assess:

> Hallmarks and Stamps: Check if items in a vintage jewelry auction have engraved marks for elements like purity, designer, date, and assay office authentication.
> Design: Look for era-specific elements such as geometric shapes in Art Deco jewelry.
> Metal: Settings in vintage used jewelry for sale are often made of valuable metals like solid gold or platinum, with more obvious signs of wear like patina and loose clasps in older pieces.

What types of vintage jewelry are available at the auction?

Our vintage jewelry auction listings span abundant styles, including standard vintage jewelry options like pendants, rings, earrings, and bracelets and nostalgic options like brooches, cufflinks, and tie clips.

The eras of our vintage jewelry auction items range from the 1890s to the 1990s and 2000s. Some notable brands you’ll see on our used jewelry for sale include Neiger Brothers, Avon, Hoffman, Tancer II, Stuart Nyte, DCE Curtis, Kenneth Jay Lane, and more.

How is the value of vintage jewelry determined?

In addition to verifying the authenticity of vintage jewelry auction items, expert appraisers can examine vintage jewelry and estimate its market value.

The value of vintage jewelry depends on factors like its rarity, provenance, craftsmanship quality, current market trends, and condition.

Are there specific periods or styles that are more valuable in vintage jewelry?

Older pieces in good condition will generally be more valuable, but not always. Vintage jewelry auctions from classic luxury brands from any era are usually in higher demand with higher prices, even if the piece isn’t as old.

Some of these brands include:

Tiffany & Co.
Van Cleef & Arpels
Cartier
Bulgari
Chanel
David Webb
Belperron
Harry Winston
Joel Arthur Rosenthal (JAR)
Tancer II

Can I get a certificate of authenticity for the vintage jewelry I purchase?

You may request a certificate of authenticity from the seller of any vintage jewelry auction on our site. Simply request an audit through our Sheriff Program, which lets you audit any vintage used jewelry for sale. An independent, third-party expert will verify if the item is authentic.

What are some tips for buying vintage jewelry at an auction?

Do your research first to discover which eras and styles you’re interested in. Examine the vintage jewelry’s condition for signs of wear, repairs, or alterations. Feel free to reach out to the seller with any questions.

Then, look through all the vintage jewelry auctions currently open or use the search functions to narrow down a specific brand or era. Examine the quality of metals and gemstones used, along with the rarity and historical significance of the piece.

Bargain hunters love our no-reserve vintage jewelry auctions, which don’t require a minimum bid above $1 and must sell by the end of the auction.

What should I do if I am not satisfied with my vintage jewelry purchase?

If you’re not 100% satisfied with your vintage jewelry, you can refund or exchange it within 7 days. On the Verified Sellers page, check the individual seller’s return shipping policies and rates under their “extended profile.”

What is the process for bidding in an estate jewelry auction?

Once you’ve found what you want, determine the maximum bid that fits your budget. Make an offer, then check back in later. If you’re on a No-Reserve vintage jewelry auction, set your highest maximum bid when you click “Place A Bid” and select “Auto Bid” for our system to outbid others on your behalf until it reaches your maximum.

Keep your notifications on to find out if you won the vintage jewelry auction and communicate with your seller promptly to coordinate shipping.

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