What Is Estate Jewelry?

WHAT IS ESTATE JEWELRY?

The basic definition of estate jewelry is any estate piece that was previously owned. Just as people give other beautiful items, such estate silver or crystal, to family members as heirlooms or save and sell them as antiques, people also sell jewelry to merchants who specialize in vintage and/or high-end pieces.


The term estate jewelry refers to the fact that the jewelry is often part of the estate of someone who has passed away; in some cases, the previous owner just may have decided to sell his or her own items.

Sometimes the terms estate jewelry, antique jewelry and vintage jewelry seem to be used interchangeably; however, these terms have different meanings. Estate jewelry pieces are not necessarily old and can include fine jewelry from any era.

Antique jewelry is 100 years old or older; some collectors date it to 1920 and older. Vintage jewelry reflects the most distinctive or attractive design elements of a certain period, and the patterns and materials of vintage jewelry are still appealing to many people.