Your Used Diamond Jewelry Might Be Considered Antique
July 18th, 2008 by admin
An increasing number of diamond collectors prefer antique diamond rings and jewelry because of the prestige associated with them. The first decision to make is whether to choose treated or untreated stones. Traditionalists prefer untreated while others believe that treated varieties make for enhanced color and other unique characteristics. In either event, any and all laboratory enhancements must be spelled out to the buyer and shown on the receipt of purchase.
Antique, previously used diamond jewelry can be dated back to European historical periods including Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Victorian and Georgian. Back then, the class structure of Europe entitled the wearing of these gems only to those considered royalty. Durning the 17th century, a wealthy merchant class sometimes wore a diamond - but their rarity earned them the acclaimed name of “the royal gem”.
Many belonging to the Edwardian High Society wore diamonds. The members of this group were respected because of their birth which emphasized the distance between the different castes. Because it is when people started to question societal differences, this particular period in history may have been the turning point which allows anyone to wear these dazzling stones today.
It’s important to mention that not all used diamonds are antiques. Many times someone will buy a gorgeous diamond bracelet and later decide they want something else or need to sell it for some reason. Used diamond jewelry that has been carfully worn can be a fabulous find for someone looking to save a bit of money. Don’t pass an opportunity to buy someone else’s jewelry provided you verify it’s quality first.
Diamond Clarity And The Other 4 Cs
Common quality characteristics are known as the four C’s and are made up of carat, cut, color and clarity. While love is traditionally the reason we buy diamond engagement rings, it’s wise to pay attention to the market value of your purchase as well. Knowing the basics of how they are evaluated will help you choose the highest quality diamond for your pocket book.
If you find yourself on a limited budget and unable to afford the higher priced jewelry store options, take a look on the web and at diamond jewelry auctions for some real deals. As long as you’re careful and get all documentation relating to your purchase, you can get some great jewelry at fantastic prices.
Once you’re through shopping for antique diamonds and finding the perfect fit, don’t forget to properly care for your gently used diamond jewelry. Since diamonds are natural magnets for grease and dirt, natural skin oil can get trapped in your jewelry without much trouble. Use a gentle jewelry cleaner and make it a habit to clean your gem on a regular basis so it can continue to look as beautiful and dazzling as the day you got it!