What is Estate Jewelry?
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Have you heard the term “estate jewelry” and wondered what it meant? Many people outside of the jewelry industry confuse estate jewelry with vintage or antique jewelry. Many people use these three terms interchangeably but each one means something entirely different.
Here is a breakdown of estate jewelry vs antique and vintage jewelry.
However, estate jewelry can also refer to jewelry that was sold by the owner while they are still alive. For example, if someone decides to walk into a jewelry store and sell some of their pieces, this jewelry would also be called “estate jewelry.”
Most people assume that estate jewelry is old. However, estate jewelry can be new or old. When people use the term “estate” to refer to jewelry that is old, they probably mean “vintage” or “antique.” It is possible that a piece of estate jewelry is also antique or vintage.
Vintage generally refers to jewelry that is between 50 and 100 years old, although opinions vary on the exact range. Today’s vintage jewelry is from several different eras, including the Retro Modern Era (1945-1960), the 60’s (which included jewelry inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy), and even the 80’s.
Since the only difference between vintage and antique jewelry is age, all antique jewelry was once considered “vintage” and all vintage jewelry will someday be considered "antique."
The best part of shopping the estate case at Koser is that you never know what you will find! We usually have a wide variety of items, including engagement rings and other diamond jewelry, watches, gemstone jewelry, and sometimes even cameos or brooches! Stop by and see for yourself some time, or browse our selection online.
Here is a breakdown of estate jewelry vs antique and vintage jewelry.
What is Estate Jewelry?
Estate jewelry refers to jewelry that has been previously owned. It may have been purchased during an estate sale but that is not always (or usually) the case. If you don’t know what an estate sale is, it’s when all or most of the contents of a person’s home are sold. These sales typically take place after someone passes away. Jewelry purchased during one of these sales is rightly called “estate jewelry.”However, estate jewelry can also refer to jewelry that was sold by the owner while they are still alive. For example, if someone decides to walk into a jewelry store and sell some of their pieces, this jewelry would also be called “estate jewelry.”
Most people assume that estate jewelry is old. However, estate jewelry can be new or old. When people use the term “estate” to refer to jewelry that is old, they probably mean “vintage” or “antique.” It is possible that a piece of estate jewelry is also antique or vintage.
The Difference Between Estate, Vintage, and Antique Jewelry
Antique jewelry is any piece of jewelry that is over 100 years old. Antique jewelry is often very valuable and made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. These items usually have a strong history attached to them, so they are treasured by collectors.Vintage generally refers to jewelry that is between 50 and 100 years old, although opinions vary on the exact range. Today’s vintage jewelry is from several different eras, including the Retro Modern Era (1945-1960), the 60’s (which included jewelry inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy), and even the 80’s.
Since the only difference between vintage and antique jewelry is age, all antique jewelry was once considered “vintage” and all vintage jewelry will someday be considered "antique."
Estate Jewelry at Koser Jewelers
At Koser Jewelers, we have a showcase dedicated solely to estate jewelry. Both antique and vintage pieces are sometimes included in this case, however, we do not typically know the history behind the items.The best part of shopping the estate case at Koser is that you never know what you will find! We usually have a wide variety of items, including engagement rings and other diamond jewelry, watches, gemstone jewelry, and sometimes even cameos or brooches! Stop by and see for yourself some time, or browse our selection online.
You can shop our estate case here.
