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| Entity | Definition |
|---|---|
| Antique Jewelry Austin | Authentic antique jewelry pieces available for purchase in Austin, TX. |
| Antique Jewelry Austin Texas | Vintage and antique jewelry collections found in Austin, Texas. |
| Antique Engagement Rings Austin | Antique engagement rings featuring classic designs, available in Austin. |
| Antique Rings Austin | Pre-owned and historic rings sold by jewelers in Austin. |
| Antique Jewelry Stores Austin TX | Jewelry stores in Austin, Texas, that specialize in antique and vintage pieces. |
Antique Jewelry Experts in Austin - Abercrombie Jewelry
Abercrombie Jewelry is Austin’s trusted source for antique jewelry, specializing in rare and timeless pieces from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco eras. From intricate filigree engagement rings to signed designer pieces, every item carries a unique story and craftsmanship that modern jewelry can’t replicate.
Antique jewelry is defined by its handcrafted details, distinctive gemstone cuts, and elegant materials like old mine-cut diamonds, natural pearls, and hand-engraved gold. Whether it’s a Georgian-era necklace or a Cartier Art Deco brooch, each piece requires expert evaluation to determine its true value.
Signed pieces from renowned designers like Tiffany & Co., Boucheron, and Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as rare gemstones such as Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies, hold strong collector demand. Antique watches from prestigious Swiss makers are also highly sought after.
At Abercrombie Jewelry, we combine years of expertise with a passion for history, providing fair and knowledgeable evaluations for antique jewelry in Austin. If you’re considering selling a treasured piece, contact us today for a professional assessment.
When assessing the authenticity of antique jewelry, begin with a careful visual examination. Look for signs of wear in areas that would naturally come into contact with skin or clothing. Over time, genuine pieces often develop a certain patina that can't be easily replicated by artificial aging processes. Inspect for any inconsistencies in craftsmanship; real antique jewelry will usually have the intricate detail and quality indicative of the era it was made.
The materials used can be a strong indicator of an item's authenticity. Precious metals like gold and silver will have hallmarks stamped onto them, indicating their purity. Check for these marks using a magnifying glass; they are usually found on the inside surface of rings or on the clasp of necklaces and bracelets. With gemstones, examine their cut, color, and setting—genuine stones should be set securely within the piece without glue or poor craftsmanship.
Genuine antique jewelry often has a specific heft to it due to the solid metals used during its creation. Carefully weigh the piece in your hand; fakes may feel unusually light if they're made from lesser materials. You can also gently tap metal items against each other—real gold and silver produce a distinct sound compared to plated or base metals.
Many authentic pieces will bear the maker's mark or signature somewhere on their surface. This stamping typically includes the creator's logo or initials, sometimes accompanied by date letters indicating when it was made. Research these marks online or through reference books focused on antique jewelry to verify their legitimacy.
For conclusive verification, consider seeking out a professional appraiser specializing in antique jewelry. These experts can provide authoritative insights based on their experience and access to specialized testing equipment such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers which determine metal composition without damaging the piece.
There are several tests you might perform at home with caution, such as using a magnet to identify non-precious metals since gold and silver are not magnetic. Additionally, you could conduct an acid test kit specifically designed for precious metals; however, this method may cause damage if not done correctly so it should be a last resort or performed by professionals.
Art Deco and Victorian jewelry represent two distinct periods in history, each with its own unique style and cultural influences. Victorian jewelry emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, mirroring the tastes and mores of the era which were heavily influenced by the queen's own preferences. In contrast, Art Deco jewelry came into vogue in the 1920s and 1930s, a period marked by rapid industrialization and cultural shifts following World War I. The differences between these two styles are not just about design but also reflect the societal changes that occurred between the two eras.
Victorian jewelry is characterized by intricate designs that often include floral motifs, bows, and birds, reflecting a fascination with nature and sentimentality. Precious materials like gold, silver, pearls, and precious gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires were common in Victorian pieces. Mourning jewelry was also popular during this time due to Queen Victoria’s extended period of mourning for her husband Prince Albert; such pieces often featured black enamel or jet.
In comparison, Art Deco jewelry showcases bold geometric patterns inspired by modernist trends of the time. This form embraced symmetry and streamlined forms influenced by movements such as Cubism and Futurism as well as an interest in non-Western art from Africa and Egypt. Platinum became a preferred metal during this era because it allowed for stronger settings of precious stones while maintaining delicate designs.
The craftsmanship in Victorian antique jewelry leaned towards handcrafted detailing with a strong emphasis on delicacy and femininity. The use of techniques like repoussé (metalworking technique to create raised designs), engraving, enameling was prevalent giving each piece a distinctive handmade quality.
Art Deco jewelers gravitated toward advancements in technology that allowed for precision cuts in gemstones and more exacting standards in metalwork. This brought about innovations such as the use of baguette or emerald-cut gemstones which complemented the linear aesthetic favored at this time. The production methods combined both handcrafting skills with emerging machine-assisted processes which catered to mass production without sacrificing elegance.
Victorian-era jewelry often held sentimental value beyond their material worth; lockets containing portraits or hair from loved ones were commonly worn as tokens of personal affection or remembrance. This aligns with the broader Victorian culture which valued romanticism, family ties, morality, and strict social codes.
On the other hand, Art Deco reflected society's preoccupation with progressiveness – speedier transportation like automobiles and airplanes fascinated people while skyscrapers symbolized human achievements over nature. Jewelry from this period captured this sense of moving forward into a new age where traditional norms were being challenged or redefined altogether leading to more liberated expressions through fashion including what was worn as adornment.
Influenced by Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco eras.
Look for hallmarks, craftsmanship, and signs of age like patina.
Yes, but resizing may be limited depending on the design.