Begin by gathering relevant information about classic jewelry. You can do this by either attending shows that display antiques and collectibles and browse through antique shops. The Internet can also serve as a good source of information and will enable you to assimilate all the necessary information pertaining to classic jewelry. Reading books on similar topics and making inquiries with dealers will also be very beneficial for you. This way you will be able to familiarize yourself with the several styles of jewelry from different eras and can use these findings to establish the authenticity of the jewelry piece.

Another way to assess your antique and vintage jewelry is to examine it cautiously from all angles. You can tell if the piece is genuine even by inspecting and scrutinizing it carefully. Old pieces always have clues and telltale signs that will help you to confirm validity. Besides this, checking the piece of jewelry for markings, signs and hallmarks is definitely a very good idea. You will find the pieces signed or marked in unusual places like on the stem of the pin, along the edges, the back of the pin stem or inside of the bale. These will help you to learn and ascertain the true value and worth of your classic jewelry. Another way to learn and get to know more about antique and vintage jewelry is to constantly keep comparing new designs to the old ones. Once you learn to differentiate and recognize the salient features of antique and vintage jewelry, you will be in a better position to judge.

A special collection of jewelry, some of European descent, from a New York Estate, has recently been offered to the public for sale. Quite a few extroadinary pieces, especially for collectors and researchers of the time frame are available. Body Copy: Recently “Ice Originals II”, a collectibles and antique website, had the pleasure of acquiring a portion of a large New York Estate that includes jewelry items from the 1800’s through the mid 1900’s. Quite a few of the earlier pieces are of definite European manufacture, as they feature the European style clasps and hinges and definite European designs. There are some very interesting pieces, that appear as if they could have historic and research value, as well as the normal interest related to collectors.

Several of the pieces feature hand chasing and enamel, inlaid into the gold. Several are watch pins, as well as sash pins, brooches, and some very nice cut steel and gold earrings. The art deco and art nouveau movements are clearly represented as well as some transition pieces. These jewelry items, each very well designed and crafted, are true representations of the jewelry of these early decades.

Anyone who is a serious collector, as well as anyone researching this period of jewelry in encouraged to visit this website and view these beautiful pieces. Along with all the items described, there is also a collection of hand carved shell and hard stone cameos, as well as cameo rings. Some of these pieces pre-date the 1860’s, and have been so carefully protected and stored that they appear to be in nearly new condition! As said previously, these items are part of a New York Estate, passed down though a family, and only a portion of this beautiful collection has recently been placed up for sale to the public. Other pieces not for sale include an entire suite of mourning jewelry, made of jet, that is just phenomenal, as well as several pre-1860 pieces that are just perfect, in gold, and containing precious stones such as diamonds and rubies. Many appear to be custom made pieces and contain strong European influences, most likely originating in the UK or surrounding areas. The owner of the collection is not completely sure of all lineage of the family, so any viewers of the pieces up for sale are welcomed to email any input they may have on the items and their origins to the owner of the website, as the collection owner is eager to learn more about the items before they are sold. These pieces are offered on consignment basis to the seller, so therefore, prices are firm, although most are moderately priced, well within the serious collectors price range.

Whether looking for that special gift for a special lady,interested in Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Edwardian design, or doing research of the time frames indicated this is definitely a visit worth your time!