How to Buy Estate Jewelry

Find the elusive individual style you strive for by purchasing estate jewelry. Wear estate jewelry for a one-of-a-kind look that sets you apart from the crowd. Vintage costume and fine jewelry are available from estate jewelry retailers and estate sales.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Attend estate auctions. Be prepared for very competitive bidding on estate jewelry from professional jewelers and resellers. Preview auction items early and set a firm price in your mind. Resist being caught up in bidding wars. Stop bidding at your preset amount unless you really want a certain piece of jewelry.

2. Cruise tag sales and garage sales, both excellent sources for estate jewelry. Go early to find the best selection of vintage costume jewelry and fine jewelry. Bargain with the sellers but do not expect a huge reduction in price. Demand is high for all kinds of estate jewelry.

3. Visit antique and jewelry shops that specialize in estate jewelry. Seek out local shops in your area or shop the numerous estate jewelry retailers found online. Find estate jewelry at smaller new jewelry stores known for selling a wide range of jewelry items.

4. Buy from a reputable dealer or learn how to identify fine jewelry. Do not be fooled by fakes, poor quality stones or disreputable jewelers. Do your jewelry homework before spending large amounts of money on estate jewelry.

Resources

• Look for jewelry on the Antique Jewelry Mall website.