We’ve all probably heard of “estate jewelry” but what exactly is it? Is it just that old gaudy looking stuff we see in our grandma’s jewelry box? The answer is no. Estate jewelry is technically any jewelry that has been owned previously. It doesn’t matter how old it is.

The reason for the confusion is that estate jewelry is often sold side by side with “period jewelry.” What is period jewelry? Well, that is jewelry from a particular era such as Art Deco, Art Nouveau, or Edwardian. What confuses the situation more is that many modern jewelry items are being made in these period styles, and called “vintage-inspired” or “revivalist” jewelry. The appeal of this jewelry is that it is said to be a classic and thus never goes out of style.

But back to estate jewelry. Estate jewelry is a market that has increased dramatically in the last twenty years. In fact, industry experts have said that it is the fastest growing segment in the fine jewelry market. In addition to estate fine jewelry, estate costume jewelry is also being increasingly sought after by shoppers, who like its kitschy and often funky look.

If you are thinking about buying a piece of estate fine jewelry at a San Diego pawn shop, make sure it is coming from a shop whose owner or staff knows fine jewelry, diamonds, and craftsmanship. You need to always beware of counterfeit pieces or items that have been repaired or tacked together from parts of different pieces of jewelry.

Don’t expect that original paperwork or a receipt will accompany the piece, as that rarely happens. After all, remember that the person who gave the estate jewelry to the pawn shop owner was using it as collateral on a cash loan. They weren’t actually selling to the pawnbroker or were asked to provide such things as the original receipt.

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When people go to San Diego pawn shops, they often wonder what they should be looking for. Well, we have one answer: Look for Colored Diamonds!

Rare vintage jewels are increasingly popular investments to protect against rising inflation and economic uncertainty, and Art Deco designs are commanding the most attention from collectors. “There are a lot of people now with jewels in their safes for a rainy day,” said Carol Woolton, jewelry editor of British Vogue, a top fashion and lifestyle magazine. Signed, classic Art Deco Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels pieces are among the most prized assets, she said.

“If you have classic vintage Cartier or Van Cleef pieces of the 1930s, signed, they will never drop in value.” Bentley & Skinner, an established retailer in London’s premier jewelry quarter on Bond Street, is renowned for its antique jewels, including some superbly hand-crafted Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces.

Senior sales representative Stanley Lester said the credit crunch had not crimped spending, although footfall had eased off. “Regular customers who come in are spending a similar amount to before the credit crunch,” he said.

“Art Deco is without doubt the most popular. It never really went out of vogue. Many Americans are looking for jewelry of the Art Deco period. Many customers are looking for Art Deco engagement rings. Victorian pieces are also extremely popular.”

Read More Here.

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If you are interested in collecting vintage jewelry in San Diego as an investment, then you better keep your eye out for unique jewelry finds at pawn shops and action houses. For example, check out this article: Skinner Announces Highlights of Upcoming Auction.

Skinner, one of the nation’s leading auction houses, has announced highlights of its upcoming fine jewelry auction. The auction, which takes place on September 16th in Skinner’s Boston gallery, features fashions of every style – with almost 600 lots of Art Deco, Victorian, Art Nouveau and contemporary pieces.

To be offered at the sale is a collection of beautiful reverse-painted crystals, many quite rare in size and quality. All eight pieces, coming to Skinner from a single consignor, are high-end examples of this type of jewelry. Included is a brooch depicting a bird with orange breast and striped wings (lot 274, est. $3/4,000); an enamel hunting bracelet composed of crystal links portraying waterfowl, joined by crossed shotguns (lot 277, est. $2/3,000); and a wristwatch depicting fishing lures and leaping brook and rainbow trout (lot 278, est. $1,8/2,200).

Another highlight of the auction is a collection of Lover’s Eye jewelry. While it’s remarkable for Skinner to see one piece of this unusual jewelry during a sale, here is an entire collection of five pieces including an antique miniature eye portrait pendant on ivory (lot 211, est. $1,5/2,000); an antique miniature eye portrait pin framed by split seed pearls (lot 212, est. $1,5/2,000); and a Lover’s Eye ring (lot 214, est. $4/600).

Colored gems will shine bright on the 16th, particularly a very rare and stunning pink and blue diamond twin stone ring (lot 590, est. $150-250,000). Subtlety set together, the gray-blue marquise-cut diamond weighs 2.87 cts. and the pink marquise-cut 2.60 cts. The ring is accompanied by GIA certificates. Two alexandrites also are up for bid including an antique alexandrite and diamond pendant brooch (lot 585, est. $40/60,000) from the turn of the century that comes to Skinner through the family of the original owner. With a beautiful color change, the stone is well cut and an important size for an alexandrite. For those that can’t afford the more significant alexandrite, a smaller alexandrite ring (lot 583, est. $5/7,000) framed by old European-cut diamonds is a perfect alternative.

For collectors of Art Deco jewelry, the sale features several interesting pieces including: a platinum, emerald and diamond brooch by Marcus & Co. (lot 555, est. $4/6,000), no longer in business but once recognized as one of America’s best jewelers; a Cartier platinum and diamond charm bracelet (lot 570, est. $6/8,000), which was created for the original owner with charms representing her family members and their lives; and a very wearable platinum and diamond necklace (lot 589, est. $15/20,000) in a geometric shape with a total diamond weight of 7.70 cts.

Several stunning works by Van Cleef & Arpels are on the block including two exotic wood pieces, which the company no longer makes: an 18kt. “Nerval” clip brooch (lot 401, est. $2,5/3,500) and earclips (lot 402, est. $1,5/2,000). Both feature wood petals and full-cut diamond highlights. Also by Van Cleef & Arpels is an 18kt gold, coral and diamond “Rose de Noel” brooch (lot 400A, est. $7/9,000). As well, a very collectible