The Buyer's Guide to Affordable Antique Jewelry

by Miller, Anna M.

• ISBN13: 9780806514116
• ISBN10: 0806514116
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1993-10-01
• Publisher: Citadel Pr

Summary

Anna M. Miller, a jewelry historian and gemologist, has written a practical, accessible field guide that will help you find the best pieces at the best prices.

Author Biography

Anna M. Miller is the author of two comprehensive works about gems and jewelry appraising and has written numerous articles for magazines and journals. She is currently a jewelry appraiser and consultant who lectures frequently on the subject. She lives in Houston, Texas.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xii
Antique Jewelry: What You Need to Know	3	(27)
What Is Antique? Heirloom? Collectible? Period?
Knowing Jewelry History Creates Added Interest
The Importance of Circa Dating: Learning to Circa Date
Georgian: 1714--1837
Victorian: 1837--1901
Art Nouveau: 1880--1914
Arts and Crafts: 1890--1914
Edwardian: 1901--1910
Art Deco: 1920--1940
Retro: 1935--1950
Lessons From the Professionals	30	(10)
Viewpoints and Tips From Collectors
Playing the Auction Game
Buyer Beware
Avoid Mistakes
The Wise Buyer	40	(18)
Learning the Language of Antique Jewelry
Gemstones
The Most Basic Tool and How to Use It
Optional Equipment
Is Your Jewelry Married?
How to Tell a Reproduction
Learning to Judge Quality, Style, and Workmanship
Repairs Affect Value
What Is Affordable?	58	(47)
Bracelets
Brooches
Garnet Jewelry
Buttons Made into Jewelry
Chains
Crosses
Earnings
Lockets/Pendants
Necklaces
Rings
Scarfpins and Stickpins
Watch Fobs
What to Look for in Old Beads
Mourning Jewelry
Military Sweetheart Badges
Propaganda Jewelry
Collecting Cycles and Style Revivals	105	(19)
Trends, Fads, Fashions
Future Trends---The New Antiques
Important Designer Names and Manufacturer's Marks
How to Recognize Metals and Manufacturing Methods
Metals
Hallmarks
More About Colored Gemstones
Old Glass (Paste) Is Nice
Where the Antique Jewelry Is Found	124	(12)
To Market, to Market
Stalking the Antique Jewelry Show
What to Know Before Buying Antique Jewelry Overseas
About the VAT Tax
Dressing for the Hunt	136	(7)
In the Eye of the Beholder
Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth
Lessons in Bargaining---It Never Hurts to Ask
Asking the Right Questions---Getting the Right Answers
Collecting by the Book	143	(8)
How to Start a Collection
Building With a Plan
Collecting a Single Item or Period
When and How to Get Insurance
How to Get an Appraisal
Making a Personal Inventory
Using Jewelry Price Guides
Lost Treasures You Can Find!	151	(12)
The Brunswick Diamond Feather Pin
The Brunswick Blue Diamond
The Florentine Diamond
Emerald Necklace-Pendant From the House of Savoy
The Rossetti Pocket Watch
The Quedlinburg Treasure
Caring for Your Antique Jewelry	163	(6)
Taking Care of Costume Jewelry
A Final Word
Glossary Antique and Period Jewelry Terms	169	(6)
Bibliography	175	(2)
Index	177