Tips of purchasing timeless antique jewellery

1. “Kalmar Antiques, where you can hold a piece of history in your hand” https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/ The Newbies Pocket Guide to Buying Antique Jewellery

2. In this guide you will discover how to hunt down the most stunning antique jewellery online and • in-store. • Knowing what key signs to observe in the purchasing process will help you obtain an item of great worth. This guide will point you in the right direction by giving key advice on the following: • What makes an antique piece authentic and genuine • How to carry out your own research into antique pieces • How to stay away from fakes • How to increase the value of your item

3. ALWAYS START BY WITH RESEARCH • There is a great deal of choice in the antique marketplace that it pays to know what to look for. Getting a glimpse into the history of the jewellery you’re looking at can help your purchase greatly.

4. Start by asking the dealer some general questions and information about where the piece comes from. Make sure the dealer is genuine and trustworthy so you can choose something with real antique qualities. • When you purchase from a dealer who sells at trade shows, you can be confident they have been checked by the producers. So if you are brand new to purchasing antique items, attending a consumer show is a good place to start. • Check out associations such as NAJA (National Association of Jewellery Appraisers) to get a good kick start in your search. • Research online first if you know the timeframe your favourite antique designs are from.

5. LOOK FOR THE CREATOR’S MARK • Antique Jewellery commonly has the mark of the creator etched on it, usually it’s the maker’s initials. This gives you further confirmation that you are buying a genuine piece. • If you buy pieces made from before the 1950s, these will most certainly carry a mark.

6. Do some investigative work online after locating the mark. There should be further information on the designer and where it originated from. You can also discover more about the maker behind the beautiful jewellery. THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT THE PRICE • Just like anything in life, if its too good to be true, you should be extra careful. If the piece is a genuine antique item it will carry rich history and heritage. Such items do not come cheap.

7. You can always compare prices and shop around first. Be cautious if you see items marked as ‘antique’ by sites such as Ebay but are selling for $30 or less. GET A GOOD LOOK AT THE PHOTOGRAPHS • Thanks to advancements in computing and photography you can now observe the antique item as though you were up close and person.

8. KEEP AN EYE FOR DETAILS • It’s important when viewing images online or in-store to be critical of what you see. Look carefully at its condition. Can you see a chip or crack? Is any part discoloured or fading away? • If the damage is deeper than a scratch such as the above, you should always ask the price to be revaluated. • Depending on the damage, the value of the antique item will change.

9. HOW TO AVOID GETTING SCAMMED • When looking for antique items you must be wary of fakes. A red flag is if you see an inconsistency in the signature or marking on the jewellery itself. • Its worth asking for a magnifying glass to help you scrutinise the markings. ALWAYS ASK FOR PAPERWORK • Antique jewellery can be quite the investment. So you always want to obtain some documentation not only for your own protection but also to add further value to the piece. • It also pays to have proof so you can pass the antique pieces down the line with confidence.

10. Brought to you by Kalmar Antiques We hope you have found our guide helpful and can now put these points into practice when looking for antique jewellery. If you are looking for expert advice or genuine items, Kalmar Antiques has a beautiful and historically rich collection. Shop 23, Level 2, Queen Victoria Building,George Street, SydneyNSW, Australia.Phone: 61 2 9264 3663Fax: 61 2 9264 2663Email: sales@kalmarantiques.com.au