ESTATE JEWELRY TERMS TO KNOW

ESTATE JEWELRY TERMS TO KNOW

Art Deco – This pre-war design movement dates from 1925 to 1939.
Art Nouveau – This design bridged the transition to the modern era of the 20th century.
Cabochon – This decorative bead made of a gem or other organic material has a smooth domed shape.
Cameo – This is a portrait, usually of a woman, carved in low-relief style on a stone, gem or other organic material.
Edwardian – This refers to styles popular during the early years of the 20th century prior to the First World War.
Enamel – This paint, varnish or protective coating dries to a hard, glassy finish, features many colors and often has a brilliant shine.
Mine Cut – This diamond cut features a square with rounded corners and a round girdle. Dating from the 1700’s, this design is an early version of today’s brilliant cut.
Retro – For estate jewelry, this term often refers to a style popular during the 1940’s that featured large pieces and geometric shapes.
Rose Cut – This traditional cut for diamonds features a flat base and triangular facets that culminate in a point on top of the stone. The rose cut is rarely used today but can be seen in diamond jewelry dating from the early 20th century or earlier.
Signet – A signet is a personal implement, such as a ring, that has an engraved seal or name that identifies the owner and his elevated social status or occupation.

HOW TO CLEAN ESTATE JEWELRY
Estate Jewelry cleaning instructions will be available soon. Check our Blog daily.

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.

Estate Jewelry Blings Too!

We love estate jewelry here at Stanley’s. Of course, we are a little biased because we have the largest and best collection in the mid-South! People ask, “What is estate jewelry?”

We tell them it can be 15 minutes or 150 years old, and everything in between. Estate Jewelry is unique because it can not be reproduced and reordered like a new collection of jewelry.

Right now, we have estate jewels ranging from a ring/pendant convertible platinum 1970s large ballerina cluster with a fantastic intense blue sapphire, surrounded by baguette cut diamonds, to a turn of the century c.1900 lavalier pendant with natural pearl and accent diamond.

Like all our jewelry, our Estate Collection is inspected for quality before we offer it. Come see for yourself!