Get Noticed Using Vintage Jewelry When choosing an outfit for the day, very few additions give your ensemble that extra bit of pop quite like the proper accessories. Even belts and scarves, though functional and funky, are unable to do what vintage jewelry can do for a personal fashion statement. The wearer's fashion viewpoint or an appreciation for classic designs can be showcased or for use as a conversation starter with a stranger in the coffee shop, unique pieces, including broaches, necklaces or eyecatching rings will do the trick. How Can You Tell If A Piece Is Vintage? Because the meaning of “vintage” is often fairly broad, it is sometimes difficult to know how it relates specifically to jewelry. When describing jewelry, the waters can be further muddied using similar terms including “antique” and “estate." "Vintage" often refers to an item that is more in the range of 50 years old, while "antique" is generally used for items which are at least 100 years old. To further define it as "estate" jewelry, the piece will likely have been owned by someone else. However, it’s important to note that “vintage” can mean different things to different people. Some would say the term could make reference to an item clearly tied to a specific design style, like MidCentury, but not a specific age. It’s crucial that one identifies a piece’s era before claiming an item is vintage or before purchasing jewelry labeled as such. On the Hunt for Top Quality Pieces As with any purchase of a preowned item, it’s always a fantastic idea to do a bit of research prior to handing over money for a piece of jewelry. There are a few things that can be useful in this process including knowing a specific designers’ marks or a company’s icon and having an understanding of the styles from different eras. It is ideal if you can recognize defining traits like if an item’s patina or gem-setting method can help peg it to a period of time. If a store is displaying five rings of the same style, those are new pieces rather than vintage because preowned jewelry typically is one of a kind. A piece might have been manufactured a week ago and then treated to seem aged. Reputable sellers will be able to show that their jewelry isn't just authentically vintage, but also that gemstones or metals on the pieces are genuine. Buyers shouldn't hesitate to ask questions before making a purchase. Jewelry Care Guidelines For individuals who wish to wear vintage jewelry every day, it’s crucial to store and clean the collection properly. Any items that are strung, for instance pearl necklaces or jewelry with beading, should lie flat in order to prevent stretching and all of the pieces should be arranged so that they aren't bumping into or scratching one another. Because they can cause glues to break down or metals to pit, high heat and moisture should be avoided. Before one uses household cleaning chemicals, jewelry should be taken off.
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Get Noticed Using Vintage Jewelry If you have vintage items, there are many jewelry cleaners that may be used. Careful use of glass cleaner is okay also. Regardless which is used, jewelry should be totally dry before it is tucked into its storage pouch or a curio cabinet. Any jewelry wardrobe can profit from stylish, classic items. By knowing vintage characteristics, shopping prudently and taking good care of items, owners can enjoy their unique statement pieces for a long time. Gray & Sons carries vintage estate jewelry that will make for a gorgeous and unique gift for your spouse. Take a peek at Gray & Sons by looking at their site which is http://www.grayandsons.com/.
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