How to Identify Reproduction Antique Jewelry

Reproduction antique jewelry has risen in popularity in recent years. Many people are attracted to the unique designs of Victorian-era jewelry for its intricate craftsmanship and unusual designs. It is important to be able to identify reproduction antique jewelry from the real thing, especially if you are about to pay for the authenticity of the item. Identify reproduction antique jewelry to ensure you do not pay the steep price of an authentic antique.

Instructions

1. Ask the jewelry store or collector for the name of the designer and year. This information should be easily available to an individual who is a professional collector of antique jewelry. If you are buying from an estate sale, avoid taking the seller's word on the jewelry because many people do not make it known that they buy reproduction jewelry.

2. Find a picture of the authentic item to compare with the piece of jewelry in question. You can either find pictures online or in a book of costume jewelry. Make sure that the stones that were used were used by the original designer.

3. Examine the metal on the antique jewelry. Vintage jewelry will often have a thin layer of patina, which is a coating of oxide on the surface of the jewelry. Inspect bronze jewelry for the thin green layer of oxidation.

4. Look to see if white gold jewelry has rhodium plating. Rhodium plating is used in creating white gold jewelry and is generally bright, reflective and tarnish-proof. Platinum is grayish white and not as bright as rhodium.

5. Turn the jewelry over and look for the designer's engraved signature or tag. Though a tag can be engraved onto the jewelry, research the exact look of the signature to compare with the engraving.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase jewelry sold through a licensed antique jewelry seller. Ask to see a certificate of authenticity at time of purchase.

• Keep receipts of items bought online in order to return any jewelry that was improperly labeled authentic.

References

• DY Jewels: Jewelry Education
• Bead and Button: How to Identify Vintage Jewelr Components
• Notes from the Lane: Beware of Reproductions