Choosing Pearl Jewelry – Women
Choosing Pearl Jewelry
James Dunn
When choosing pearls there are a number of things to consider besides just the quality of the pearls. While there is no right or wrong way to chose pearls, here are a few tips you should consider.
Necklace Length - You can buy pearl necklaces in a number of different lengths. Generally speaking, shorter necklaces flatter long necks, while long necklaces are nice for smaller necks. The lengths and names are as follows.
Collar - 12-13"
Choker - 14-16"
Princess - 17-19"
Matinee - 20-25"
Opera - 26-36"
Rope - 37" or longer
The most popular is the Princess length since it is a good length for both long and smaller necks.
Pearl Color - The pearl color does not affect the value of the pearl, instead it is completely in the eye of the beholder. Most people buy pearls that best match their skin tone. People with light skin usually buy white or pink pearls while people with darker skin tones tend to buy black or lavender pearls. In America, white pearls are the most popular, while in Asia, silver are the most sought after.
Pearl Sets - When buying pearl jewelry you should consider if you want an entire set, or just a certain piece. If for instance, you buy the necklace, and then later decide to buy the bracelet / earrings they may not match as well as if you had bought a set. Even if you buy the same size, and color, the style may not be the same. Some stores will allow you to buy the individual pieces of a set. So if you want to buy the other pieces at a later time, they will still match.
About The Author
James Dunn - Owner of Strictly Pearls.
http://www.StrictlyPearls.com
sales@strictlypearls.com
Dont Sell Grandmas Jewelry at a Yard Sale…Whats It Worth – Women
Dont Sell Grandmas Jewelry at a Yard Sale...Whats It Worth
JoAnna Gilford
IDENTIFICATION
Before you can find out what a piece of jewelry is worth, you need to find out what it is. This can be as simple as turning it over and finding a makers mark or complicated as in "hours of research". First thing first: Examine your jewelry for a makers mark. Look on the back or on the clasp. Thoroughly examine every inch of the piece. If you see a makers mark, start your research! Not finding a makers mark doesnt mean its not valuable, on the contrary; many fine pieces of jewelry were never marked. It does mean you will need to put in a little more effort in research.
If you received your jewelry from a family member, ask them about its history. Did your grandfather give it to your grandmother right before he went off to war Was it handed down from her mother Answers to these questions will give you a general idea of how old it is.
Look at the style of the piece. Although many styles come back into fashion after a time, it is still possible to ID an older piece by the style and material.
Does it appear to have gemstones Determine it they are real gemstones. You will need some sort of strong magnifying glass or ideally, a jewelers loupe. A loupe is a small magnifying glass in various degrees of magnification. A 10X loupe should be all you need and they are relatively inexpensive. Craft and hobby stores usually sell them. Go to a well lighted place and look at the stone through the loupe. Do you see tiny bubbles in the stone Tiny air bubbles mean it is made from glass or plastic. Its not a real gemstone. Is it open backed Can you see the back of the stone when you turn the piece over Does the back of the stone look shiny as in gold or silver colored foil These are foil back rhinestones and not real gems. Foil was often added to reflect the light and create a better sparkle. Most real gems contain some type of natural inclusion. Unless you are familiar with gems and diamonds, your best bet is to take it to a jeweler or appraiser if you think it is real.
Look at the construction of the piece. This can be extremely helpful in dating a piece! Look at the clasp or pin. Are the stones individually riveted on Is the clasp rather ornate Does it have a layered look What type of style is it Does it remind you of old black and white movies Perhaps Bette Davis or Katherine Hepburn Does it look Victorian
By now, you should have a general idea of age and you are ready to start your research in earnest!
RESEARCH
Head for your local library or heat up an Internet search engine! I can spend hours in my local library poring over books and books and more books. There are plenty of good jewelry reference books. Stop by your library or bookstore and check them out before buying. No sense in buying a book you will hardly use! If you choose the library, bring your jewelry with you. You can also make copies of any pages you wish to take or check out the book and bring it home. As with other research, libraries are extremely helpful. Searching on the Internet is also a quick and easy way to get fast information. Some search terms to try are:
makers mark
vintage jewelry
the name of the makers mark you found on your piece
the decade i.e. "1930s jewelry"
antique jewelry
collectible costume jewelry
This will give you hours of research and hundreds of pages to sort. Look at anything relevant, look for similar pieces or styles. Visit online vintage jewelry shops. Look for forums where you may be able to post a picture and ask for identification help.
If you love to research like I do, this is right up your alley! It can take hours, days sometimes weeks to find out about a certain piece. As you go, you will gain more knowledge about old jewelry and hopefully you will be as enchanted as many other collectors and dealers. Its a fascinating world of "junky jewelry"!
We are always here to help you with your pieces, so feel free to send us an email if you have questions.
About The Author
Junky Jewelry buys, sells and offers consignment options for vintage, antique and collectible costume jewelry. All their licenses are current in the state of FL. Receive Junky Jewelry updates and articles in their free newsletter by going to www.junkyjewelry.com.
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