The right jewellery completes any outfit and gives you the look you’re aiming for.
A necklace, bracelet, and pair of earrings add flair to your style. It helps highlight your unique taste and transform a simple outfit into something special.
Vintage luxury jewellery also lets you express yourself. Whether you’re aiming for elegance, edginess, or just a bit of sparkle, you can show off your unique personality with the right trinkets.
Shopping for jewels can be fun, too. There are always new and classic styles and designs that look great on you and are worth adding to your collection.
You can even get highly coveted vintage designer accessories if you want to expand your collection with more valuable trinkets from the past.
A Guide to Buying Vintage Designer Jewellery
Buying vintage designer jewellery is a great way to own something luxurious without the hefty price tag. This option lets you own exquisite pieces crafted by renowned designers at lower costs.
Vintage trinkets have a unique charm and character. You may even be lucky enough to find rare or limited-edition items, making you the owner of these special trinkets.
Opting for vintage jewellery is also a more sustainable choice. It gives beautiful pieces a new lease on life and reduces the demand for newly mined materials.
Enjoying these benefits, though, starts with buying an authentic piece.
If you want to be sure you buy only a genuine vintage designer trinket, follow these tips:
1. Decide what you want to buy.
Narrowing down your options makes it easier to find the perfect trinket to add to your collection.
Browse online fashion magazines, blogs, and social media sites to look for inspiration and pieces that you find interesting. Are you interested in buying an Edwardian gold pearl necklace, an Art Deco-inspired line bracelet, or a pair of clip earrings from the 1980s?
Once you have a list of possible options, get as much information as you can about them, including their manufacturers or brands and original and current selling prices.
As such, lower your expectations, or you’ll spend countless hours looking for that ‘one’ piece. Appreciate the imperfect beauty of these trinkets and learn to love their unique charm.
2. Set a budget.
Prices for vintage jewellery vary significantly based on factors like rarity, brand, craftsmanship, and materials used. With a budget, you can avoid overspending and focus on finding the best item within your price range.
Also, research the general market value of the vintage jewellery you want to buy. Doing so can ensure you get a fair deal and avoid paying inflated prices.
Aside from checking and comparing prices on online shops, visit auction sites, vintage jewellery shops, or online marketplaces. With the information you gathered, you can have a better understanding of whether a piece is worth the asking price.
3. Buy only from trusted shops.
When buying vintage jewellery, choose a reputable seller to be sure you’re getting an authentic piece in good condition.
Reputable online shops that sell preloved and vintage often have experts who verify the jewellery’s history and condition. Because of this, you won’t have to worry about counterfeits or hidden flaws.
If you’re shopping online, choose a shop that has detailed product descriptions and high-quality images, and offers warranties and secure payment channels. If you have already found pieces you like, request certificates of authenticity, if there are any, to ensure you get a genuine item.
4. Check the piece for a brand logo or mark.
Most designer jewellery pieces bear the brand mark. If you’re shopping online, ask for close-up photos of the trinket bearing the logo and compare it with images of products from the same company you’re certain are genuine.
If the trinket doesn’t have a logo or signature, read about the unique qualities or features that distinguish the brand. For instance, Rolex watches come in a unique waterproof watch case, the Oyster case.
If you’re shopping for earrings, Chanel pieces with the brand’s iconic CC logo ensure you get the real deal.
Remember to request documentation that guarantees the piece’s authenticity. If the seller can’t provide any, you’ll have to double-check the product to ensure it’s genuine.
When you do your research well, you’ll be able to recognise fake trinkets and choose an authentic piece with confidence.
5. Review the item’s condition details and return policy.
Aside from scrutinising the product photos, make sure to read the description and check for any mention of wear, repairs, or imperfections. Also, request for more high-resolution pictures with multiple angles to assess the trinket’s quality.
As you check the photos, look for signs of loose stones, scratches, or worn clasps that could affect the item’s durability. If possible, request additional videos to get a clearer view.
Take the time to understand the shop’s return policy in case the jewellery isn’t as expected when it arrives. Make sure there is a fair return window and the policy covers cases where the condition doesn’t match the description.
Like shopping for luxury homeware items, buying the perfect vintage piece of jewellery can be tricky. But with these tips and tricks, you’ll find one that’s worth your money and can be a valuable addition to your collection.