Learning to Appreciate Antique and Diamond Jewelry
Years ago, I was a diamond freak. Any diamond, any shape, any size. If it sparkled, I was sold. Ten carat gold, fourteen carat gold, white gold, yellow gold, who cares? I was sold by the sparkle. Dazzle me and I am all yours.
But I have learned about jewelry. As with most things of value there is real value and there is passing value. As I have learned about the real value of jewelry, as I have been taught about jewels and the art of jewelry making, I have been drawn more and more to antique and estate jewelry.
Don’t misunderstand; I still love the sparkle and the shine. But I have learned to tell the difference between the Mona Lisa in the art of jewelry design and the large sofa print sold at the starving artist sale.
There is no greater pleasure than finding a quality old piece of jewelry. An antique ring or old pair of earrings made before machinery made mass produced pieces. Finding a rare piece of estate jewelry that is, and always will be, unique. There may be other pieces that are similar but no piece will be exactly the same. Those are the pieces of jewelry, of art, that will stand the test of time. Such treasures are rare but they are well worth waiting for.
The only way to become a connoisseur is to sample. Buy a piece of antique jewelry. Wear it, admire it and see what others say.
Then, enjoy. Continue to look for the older, the rarer pieces. The gemstones and designs that are indicative of another era. The pieces of jewelry that will not match what everyone else in the room is wearing. That unique piece of jewelry that will never be offered at a department store or mall jewelry store. Look closely at the craftsmanship of the rare piece of jewelry that you now own. You are wearing art.
That is what makes Estate and Antique Jewelry collectible. A unique piece of art, a piece of history, for you to wear and enjoy and for you to pass on.
But I have learned about jewelry. As with most things of value there is real value and there is passing value. As I have learned about the real value of jewelry, as I have been taught about jewels and the art of jewelry making, I have been drawn more and more to antique and estate jewelry.
Don’t misunderstand; I still love the sparkle and the shine. But I have learned to tell the difference between the Mona Lisa in the art of jewelry design and the large sofa print sold at the starving artist sale.
There is no greater pleasure than finding a quality old piece of jewelry. An antique ring or old pair of earrings made before machinery made mass produced pieces. Finding a rare piece of estate jewelry that is, and always will be, unique. There may be other pieces that are similar but no piece will be exactly the same. Those are the pieces of jewelry, of art, that will stand the test of time. Such treasures are rare but they are well worth waiting for.
The only way to become a connoisseur is to sample. Buy a piece of antique jewelry. Wear it, admire it and see what others say.
Then, enjoy. Continue to look for the older, the rarer pieces. The gemstones and designs that are indicative of another era. The pieces of jewelry that will not match what everyone else in the room is wearing. That unique piece of jewelry that will never be offered at a department store or mall jewelry store. Look closely at the craftsmanship of the rare piece of jewelry that you now own. You are wearing art.
That is what makes Estate and Antique Jewelry collectible. A unique piece of art, a piece of history, for you to wear and enjoy and for you to pass on.
posted by Fred at
1:13 PM
