Jewellery has been a part of people’s lives since the very beginning of civilization when special bracelets, necklaces, rings, amulets and other ornaments were used to indicate status or decorate the body. Today they (especially gold and silver pieces) are great investment items as well as fashion accessories. Jewellery is available these days in second hand as well as brand new, but buying estate jewellery can be tricky and there are some factors you should definitely consider when doing this.
Estate jewellery, also known as second hand or used Jewellery, stands out for several reasons, chief among these are the lower prices and the unique character that some have. If you have a limited budget or enjoy one of a kind items, estate jewellery may be a great option for you. Estate jewellery is usually economical and depending on your taste, you may be able to find the right fit for you. Sometimes Estate jewellery can be quite pricey. This often happens when the piece falls in the category of antique or designer made. There is just something intriguing about a piece that has history. This is a part of the allure of estate jewellery.
At Colonial Acres, you can browse through an expansive collection of high quality genuine pieces, many of which were custom designed making them truly one of a kind.
We extend extra effort in ensuring that the estate jewellery you buy from us is of the highest possible quality. Our expert appraisal team does thorough examinations of all second-hand estate jewellery to ensure that we arrive at a fair price and accurate description.
Estate jewellery is a broad term that describes any piece of jewellery that has been previously owned. Generally, the term encompasses all second-hand pieces, regardless if they’re antique, vintage, or heirlooms. A particular item can be weeks or months old, but they can still be classified as estate jewellery if they have been owned previously.
It is generally considered that estate jewellery is a worthwhile investment. On the one hand, their high-quality materials; coupled with superb craftsmanship are a few reasons items have increased in value with age. But in order for them to be properly appraised, it’s best to understand the different categories that play a key role in determining the age, style, and value of a piece. Plus, by doing so, you can find out, which ones tell a story or have a significant history.
If you want to obtain timeless pieces that are worthy of investment, Colonial Acres is a perfect choice. Here, you can browse through an expansive collection of high-quality genuine estate pieces, many of which were custom designed - making them truly one of a kind.
Our personnel go the extra mile to ensure that buying used jewellery from us is of the highest quality. Our expert appraisal team completes thorough examinations of all second-hand jewellery to ensure that we arrive at a fair price and accurate description. This is a very meticulous process which includes examining items closely for condition, identification markings indicating metal content, purity, and maker marks. Read more about Buying and Selling Estate Jewellery
With the help of our knowledgeable staff you can find the timeless pieces you desire. Take a few minutes to read about the different jewellery eras and what makes items from these periods of time unique and special.
GEORGIAN (1714 TO 1830)
Jewellery from the Georgian Era are known for their superior and extensive design. The vast majority of pieces were part of matching sets that include earrings, bracelets, necklaces, tiaras and more. These pieces were also commonly adorned with vibrant gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, topaz, emeralds, and amethyst. It’s important to note that due to their age, authentic Georgian-era jewellery is extremely valuable and usually auctioned at high prices.
VICTORIAN (1837 TO 1901)
The Victorian Era refers to the period that was ruled by Queen Victoria of England. She was responsible for several significant changes in jewellery styles. This era in itself is divided into three periods: Romantic, Grand, and Aesthetic.
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The Romantic Victorian Era
This period is drenched in traditions and jewellery that were complemented by natural motifs set in gold and silver. They are often complemented by clear stones and gems.
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The Grand Victorian Era
This era coincided with the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband. He succumbed to typhoid fever, which was later diagnosed to be a form of progressive cancer. The queen was devastated by the loss. This period of mourning included jewellery pieces that are large, dark, somber, and dramatic. Often complemented by black onyx, amethyst, golds, and garnet.
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Aesthetic Victorian Era (1885 to 1901)
The Aesthetic Victorian Era is heralded by many as a reaction against foregone jewellery periods. During this time, Victorians (individuals who lived during the Victorian period) became somewhat disillusioned with fashion as well as furniture. In the process, people sought a way out of the norm. When it comes to jewellery, they made it a point to break away from traditional imitative ones and therefore came up with something new.
This evolution paved the way for more natural shapes as well as soft curves that were complemented with exquisite colours. It’s safe to say that these are results of overreaction from past designs. Along the way, gemstones (emeralds, amethysts, opals, etc.) were cut en cabochon (French word for knob). Cabochons, in general, come with no facets and are polished to the fullest and come with oval or round outline.
EDWARDIAN ERA (1901 TO 1910)
The Edwardian Era, also known as the La Belle Epoque Era took place during the tenure of England’s King Edward. It gained notoriety for paving the way for the use of platinum in the jewellery scene since prior to the mentioned era, the said element was crafted together with gold. In addition to this, pieces during this era are known for their understated as well as feminine design. Furthermore, they are also complemented with white silk and lace; on top of diamonds, amethyst, blue sapphires, rubies, aquamarines, and many others.
ART NOUVEAU PERIOD (1890 TO 1910)
The Art Nouveau Period - adopted from the French term for “new art”- was named after the opening of Siegfried Bing’s Persian Gallery. Flowery, draping, and other similar designs were popular during this age. Aside from these details, jewellery from the Art Nouveau Period are organic and with no set symmetry. Art Nouveau Period jewellery are a bit pricey since a lot of times, they are rare and difficult to find.
HOW TO ENSURE YOU FIND THE PERFECT PIECE OF ESTATE JEWELLERY
If you’re buying used jewellery you’d like to add some pristine, high-quality, reasonably priced Estate pieces to your jewellery collection, Colonial Acres should be your first choice. You can rest assured that the pieces you purchase from us will meet or exceed industry standards since each item of estate jewellery has gone through a rigorous process of quality checks by our experienced jewellery experts.
View some of our current inventory here. Our team is dedicated to maintaining our well established standards for excellence and we are more than happy to serve our local customers in Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge, or even those from all over Canada. Additionally, our team will always be on standby, waiting to answer any questions you may have and offer helpful advice and tips as well.
Simply put, Colonial Acres is your premier Canadian dealer. Whether you are selling or buying estate jewellery and we are committed to making sure you feel satisfied with your decisions.
Read our blog about Unique Gifts and Jewellery at Colonial Acres Coins
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