Things You'll Need:
- Books about antique jewelry
- Magnifying glass
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Step 1
Decide how much money you want to spend to start your collection. Many older pieces, especially those containing antique diamonds or other precious gems, can be very expensive. You are less likely to overspend if you create a budget before you start to shop.
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Step 2
Read about the different styles of jewelry. "The Official Identification and Price Guide to Antique Jewelry" by Arthur Guy Kaplan, is available on Amazon. See the Resources section below for a link. This guide contains many pictures that can help you decide what jewelry styles you like, as well as useful price ranges.
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Step 3
Determine what your purpose is for your collection. If you plan to wear the jewelry regularly, you may want to choose less expensive reproductions of the styles you like rather than authentic pieces.
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Step 4
Investigate the various ways of purchasing antique jewelry. Estate sales, antique stores, flea markets and online stores all carry antique jewelry. One of these outlets may be better than others depending on the particular piece you want to buy. "Antique Jewelry: A Practical & Passionate Guide" by Rose Leiman Goldemberg is available at Amazon and has information on different types of dealers. See the Resources section below for a link.
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Step 5
Inspect jewelry carefully when shopping. Use a magnifying glass to see tiny details, including manufacturer's emblems, signatures or engraving.
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Step 6
Ask the antique dealer questions about the jewelry you are considering for your collection. Ask what metals are used in the piece. Find out if any original stones have been replaced or if repairs have been made. Newer stones added to original settings might diminish the value of the piece.
