Question 1

What is enamel jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Enamel jewelry is a type of decorative accessory produced by applying melted glass onto metal. The practice of producing enamel jewelry traces back to the work of goldsmiths of Mycenae done during the 13th century BCE. Find a range of enamel jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is black enamel jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Black enamel jewelry was trendy during the Victorian period, and black enamel was popular with designers of Victorian mourning jewelry. Enameling is one of the oldest forms of surface decoration, used to add color to jewelry without having to rely on gemstones. Evidence of enameling goes back to ancient Greece. Monochromatic enameling is also called grisaille, and it begins with a piece of metal jewelry. An artisan applies a thin coating of black powdered glass and then paints a design over top. After that, the maker adds more layers of powdered glass to darken the color and offset the painted image. The finished piece then gets fired at an extremely high temperature to set the enamel. Explore a selection of black enamel jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is enamel jewelry made of?

Accepted Answer

Enamel jewelry is made out of glass and precious metal. The type of glass used to produce enamel jewelry is usually a mix of quartz sand, iron oxide, potassium oxide and borax. Artisans apply this molten mixture to precious metal and then fire it at extremely high temperatures to produce a sleek, hard enamel surface. Explore a wide variety of enamel jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What jewelry is considered vintage?

Accepted Answer

Jewelry that is 20 to 80 years old is considered vintage. Pieces that are 100 years old or older are antiques. Vintage jewelry includes rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and even hair accessories like combs. Shop a range of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Does vintage jewelry have markings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some vintage jewelry has markings. Makers may have stamped pieces with hallmarks to represent the types of metals used in them and/or to signify that they came from certain brands. However, not all vintage jewelry is marked. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of vintage jewelry from some of the world's top dealers.

Question 6

How can you tell if jewelry is vintage?

Accepted Answer

To tell if jewelry is vintage, first look for hallmarks that may indicate the maker. Then, consult trusted online resources to research the markings and find out when the jewelry house produced pieces that are similar to yours. Anything made at least 20 to 80 years ago is vintage. Because there are many contemporary pieces inspired by vintage designs, you may want to consider taking your jewelry to a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer who can inspect and date it. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage jewelry.

Question 7

How do you identify vintage jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage jewelry, look for a maker's hallmark. You'll usually find it on a necklace, pin or earring clasp; the back of a pendant or earring or the inside of a bracelet or ring. Try snapping a photo of the hallmark and doing a reverse image search to quickly determine who produced it. If that doesn't work, you can look up the hallmark using trusted online reference resources or have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer assist you. Shop a large collection of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How do I identify vintage Tiffany jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage Tiffany jewelry, see if you can find either a “Tiffany & Co.” or “T&Co.” stamp, as nearly all pieces produced by the luxury jewelry maker will display one or the other. Engagement rings made during the late 1960s and beyond will also usually have a serial number, which you can research. However, it is usually inscribed onto the gemstone's girdle in characters too small to be read with the naked eye. If your piece is a diamond ring, you can take it to an authorized Tiffany & Co. repair center to have the serial number read and researched to learn more about it. For all other types of jewelry, you can either conduct online research to determine if it is between 20 and 99 years old, making it vintage, or you can have a certified appraiser or experienced dealer help you with the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of vintage Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Question 9

How do I identify vintage rhinestone jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage rhinestone jewelry, look at the back, clasp and other inconspicuous areas in search of a maker's mark. By definition, vintage jewelry is between 20 and 99 years old, so you'll need a rough idea of when the maker produced your item to determine if it is vintage. You can begin the dating process by researching the maker using trusted online resources and looking at images of its pieces from over the years. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can help you with the process. Shop a large collection of vintage costume jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 10

How do you identify vintage costume jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage costume jewelry, you'll need to determine if your piece is between 20 and 99 years old. To do so, see if you can locate a maker's mark. You're most likely to find it in an inconspicuous area, such as an inner edge or a clasp. Using trusted online resources, search for the mark to learn who the maker is, then read more about it to get an idea of when it produced items similar to yours. Alternatively, you can consider having a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer help identify your costume jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a selection of vintage costume jewelry.

Question 11

Is all vintage Tiffany jewelry stamped?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nearly all vintage Tiffany jewelry is stamped. However, the stamp on older pieces may not include the maker's name. You should still find a hallmark that represents the metal’s purity. Examples include 925, AG925 or STER for sterling silver. Find a variety of Tiffany & Co. jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What vintage jewelry is worth the most money?

Accepted Answer

It's not possible to say for sure which vintage jewelry is worth the most money. Trends in collecting vary over time, and because the term vintage refers to pieces that are between 20 and 99 years old, what's considered vintage changes each year as well. However, collectors are often on the hunt for vintage jewelry produced by notable makers, such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Chanel, Miriam Haskell, David Webb and Georg Jensen. Vintage jewelry may also have value due to its materials, such as gold, platinum and diamonds. To find out how much your vintage pieces may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of vintage jewelry.

Question 13

How can you tell if jewelry is vintage or antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if jewelry is vintage or antique, first look for any hallmarks that signify its maker. You can use trusted online resources to research when the maker was active and producing pieces similar to yours to roughly estimate its age. Jewelry is vintage if it's between 20 and 99 years old, and antique if it is 100 years old or more. If you're unable to locate a maker's hallmark, becoming familiar with the materials and other characteristics used during different eras of jewelry can help you date your piece. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of vintage and antique jewelry.

Question 14

How can you tell quality vintage jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To tell quality vintage jewelry, examine its details carefully. Ensure that any clasps or fasteners operate smoothly and stay securely fastened. Quality vintage jewelry will also feature sturdy hardware, such as the posts on a pair of earrings, the prongs securing a gemstone in a ring or the o-rings connecting a pendant to a chain. You can also research the maker to learn about the manufacturer's reputation when evaluating vintage jewelry. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage jewelry.

Question 15

How can you tell if vintage jewelry is real?

Accepted Answer

The way to tell if vintage jewelry is real depends first on determining what you mean by "real." If you want to know if a piece is actually made by a particular brand or is a reproduction, you can consult trusted online resources to see what hallmarks and other details are present on genuine pieces. Then, you can examine your jewelry using these criteria. You can also find tests to determine whether precious metals and gemstones are real or not. However, use caution, as some tests can damage jewelry. A simple way to tell if vintage jewelry is an authentic example of a particular maker's work or made of real materials is to take the piece to an experienced appraiser or dealer. Find a large selection of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How old is vintage costume jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Vintage costume jewelry refers to costume jewelry that is 20 to 80 years old. Jewelry, costume or otherwise, that is 100 years old is referred to as antique. The big design fair in Paris in 1900 inspired jewelers to work with inexpensive materials, and Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel and others helped popularize costume jewelry during the 1920s. The roots of costume jewelry, however, took shape at least as far back as the 18th century, when paste jewelry that featured hand-cut glass instead of gemstones first emerged. Shop a variety of vintage costume jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How do you tell if vintage jewelry is valuable?

Accepted Answer

To tell if vintage jewelry is valuable, consider its maker, age, materials, style, type and condition. Using these criteria, you can identify similar pieces previously sold on trusted online platforms and get a rough idea of your jewelry's value. However, the best way to find out how much vintage jewelry is worth is to seek an expert's opinion, such as a certified appraiser, experienced jeweler or knowledgeable antiques dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage jewelry.

Question 18

Is vintage jewelry making a comeback?

Accepted Answer

Many people would argue that vintage jewelry isn't making a comeback because it has never faded in popularity. Although what's considered vintage changes from decade to decade, the demand for jewelry that is between 20 and 99 years old generally remains high. There are collectors who look for pieces featuring specific materials or that were made by certain brands, and many men and women find vintage jewelry appealing because it is unique and has history. Shop a variety of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How do I find out how much my vintage jewelry is worth?

Accepted Answer

To find out how much your vintage jewelry is worth, you can conduct online research using trusted sources. By seeing what similar pieces have sold for in the past, you can estimate the value of your jewelry. For a more precise valuation, enlist the services of an appraiser or knowledgeable vintage jewelry specialist. Find a wide range of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Is vintage Tiffany jewelry worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vintage Tiffany jewelry may be worth something. Due to the popularity of the American jewelry maker and the quality of the pieces that Tiffany & Co. produces, accessories often hold or appreciate in value over the years. The house is celebrated for its range of partnerships with the likes of Elsa Peretti, Jean Schlumberger and others, which can also contribute to how collectible a given bracelet or necklace might be. However, the style, type and condition of the jewelry will impact how valuable it is. A certified appraiser or experienced dealer can let you know how much a specific piece is worth. Find a diverse assortment of vintage Tiffany & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.

Vintage Enamel Jewelry

20th Century Turkish Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Blue and Green Enamel Jewelry Set Necklace, Bracelet and Earring Sterling Silver

Mid-20th Century Austrian Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Austrian Enamel Jewelry or Pill Dish with Horse Design

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Huge 7ct Diamond Apple Pendant Worm Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Red Enamel Jewelry

1930s American Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Gold and Enamel February Charm

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Modernist Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Yellow Enamel Butterfly Bracelet Norway Sterling Silver Midcentury Modernist

1970s English Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Vintage Enamel, Rose, White and Yellow Gold Goose Brooch

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Romantic Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Vintage Norwegian Enamel Brooch Finn Jensen 1950

1930s English Artisan Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Antique Enamel and Pearl Dangle Earrings

1930s Vintage Enamel Jewelry

1930s Enamel, Gold and Platinum Snipe Brooch

1970s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Austrian Medallion Michaela Frey Locket Pendant, Enamel, Gold Plated

1970s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Austrian Blue Enamel Medallion Michaela Frey Locket/Locket Pendant, Enamel

1970s Austrian Retro Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Austrian Enamel White and Brown Folk Bracelet and Ring Suite - sz 8, 1970s

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Modernist Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Mid-Century Andresen & Scheinpflug Sterling Silver Enamel Brooch Norway

1960s Unknown Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Vintage 1960s Ruby and Enamel Yellow Gold Brooch

1950s Italian Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Vintage Italian Enamel and 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Circa 1950

20th Century American Modern Vintage Enamel Jewelry

14K Yellow Gold Vintgae White Enamel Twisted Rope Hoop Earrings

1970s French Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Cartier Gold and Enamel Lighter

1960s American Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Florenza Enamel Elephant Pill Box

1990s European Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Fabergé 18 Kt Gold Frame with Red Enamel

Mid-20th Century European Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Mid-Century Enamel Jeweled Clutch Bag Clasp Frame

20th Century Austrian Belle Époque Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Old or Antique Enameled Austrian Silver & Agate Bowl

1940s Spanish Modernist Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Silver Plate, with enamels showing the Virgin with the child.

1960s Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Frascarolo, 18K Gold Diamond Emerald Enamel Deer Desk Clock

1980s Unknown Modern Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Vintage Guilloché Blue Enamel and 14 Carat Yellow Gold Egg Charm

Late 20th Century German Contemporary Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Michel Perchin Silver Gilt Fountain Pen, Russian Imperial Blue Enamel, Germany.

1980s Unknown Modern Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Vintage Guilloché Green Enamel and 14 Carat Yellow Gold Egg Charm

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Christian Dior, Key/Bag Chain with Enamel Charms, Made in Italy, circa 1990s

1990s European Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Fabergé 18 Kt Gold Egg Red Enamel with Gold Stand, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds

1990s German Edwardian Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Fabergé "Autumn"-Egg Object, 18k Yellow Gold, translucent Enamel, 3.34ct G VS

1990s German Belle Époque Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Fabergé Egg Object 18 K Yellow Gold Blue Guilloche Enamel Paillons Ruby Cabochon

1990s German Belle Époque Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Fabergé Limited Edition >Spring< Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, 79 Diamonds, Pink Enamel

1990s German Belle Époque Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Fabergé Egg Object of Art 18 K Gold Red Guilloché Enamel Fleur-De-lys Paillons

1990s German Belle Époque Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Fabergé Pill Box 18K Yellow Gold, Blue Enamel, Diam. 1.2 ct G VS, Blue Sapphire

20th Century Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Vintage JAY STRONGWATER Neiman Marcus gold enamel photo frame

1980s French Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Handmade Porcelain Egg Clock

1930s Chinese Arts and Crafts Vintage Enamel Jewelry

1930 Plique À Jour Chinese Potiche

20th Century Italian Early Victorian Vintage Enamel Jewelry

A Huge Superb Vintage Monumental R. Pernice Shell Cameo Solid Gold Frame Stand

1970s American Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Tiffany Bamboo Money Clip in 14 Kt Yellow Gold

20th Century Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts (Book)

1990s Italian Modern Vintage Enamel Jewelry