Estate jewelry and antique jewelry are often used interchangeably in the world of trade. Both refer to valuable collections of ornaments and jewels, each varying in rarity, features, and beauty. Both types of jewelry are crafted to perfection, with unique and exceptional designs and patterns.
Estate jewelry consists of decorative pieces that were once owned by people from various eras. Known for their top-quality workmanship and flawless craft, these pieces are considered irreplaceable and are often referred to as the “caviar of the jewelry business.” Nowadays, owning these pristine items is becoming increasingly difficult due to limited supplies and the fact that they are often only acquired from someone else’s estate.
Antique jewelry, on the other hand, embodies classic art and reflects jewelry refinement from the past. These pieces represent the era from which they are believed to originate, and they hold more value compared to modern jewelry, perhaps due to their attached significance, beauty, rarity, and age. Strictly speaking, a jewelry piece must be over seven decades old to be rightfully considered “antique.”
Key Takeaways
- Estate jewelry refers to ornamental pieces that were once owned by people from different eras, while antique jewelry must be over seven decades old to be considered “antique.”
- While most antique jewelry is expensive, not all estate jewelry is valuable. The origin of the estate usually determines its worth, whereas antique jewelry is made more valuable by its age and historical significance.
- Both estate and antique jewelry are crafted to perfection, with unique and exceptional designs and patterns, and are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
