Antique jewelry has an extra appeal to it- every piece has a story in the past eras. But now many reproductions are available in modern times due to the popularity of vintage style. As a collector- or lover of antiques, learning how to differentiate between the original antiques and forgery can not only serve to save your investment, but also the historical value of the jewelry. This is all you need to know about how to distinguish the difference.

1. Examine Craftsmanship & Details

• Manufacturing Inconsistencies: Hand crafted Works of antiques would be produced making them slightly asymmetrical or with minor flaws. Imperfection of engravings of uneven edges or even a slight difference in some parts that are similar is imperfection of craftsmanship.

• Modern Uniformity: Reproductions are much machine made and look too perfect. Seek perfect straight lines and same patterns- a characteristic of mass production

2. Look for Hallmarks and Maker’s Marks

• Hallmarks: These small stamps tell the metal content {like 18k, 15k}, source-The and occasionally the date. Old hallmarks do not always look like current hallmarks and they can date a piece.

• No Marks: There are a few authentic antique articles which are not hallmarked e.g. older pieces earlier before hallmarking became compulsory. However, modern stamps will almost firm appear on newer pieces.

3. Inspect the Materials & Gemstones

• Unmixed Materials: Real antiques usually contain gold, silver, or platinum, and may also expose unusual alloys, or show out-dated soldering practices. Seek out the natural wear and patina as well as the effects of aging or soft tarnish on silver.

• Gemstone Cuts: The older jewels have different less accurate cuts as old mine, rose or European cuts as compared to the modern cut jewel that has a brilliant symmetrical cut. Scratches and/or minute chips on gems are also normal on the original antiques.

4. Assess Wear and Patina

• Natural Aging: It also portrays the signs of age, artificial antique jewelry will lack the signs: scratches, worn edges, thinning bands, soft patina or darkened spots caused by oxidation.

• Fake Aging: Patina is attempted on some contemporary fakes, but looks artificial, or merely surface.

5. Identify Era-Specific Characteristics

• Get to know styles of jewelry of various eras (e.g., Georgian, Victorian, Art Deco). Every period can be characterized by specific motives.

• settings and motifs that would not be correctly reproduced in reproductions. You can compare your work against reference books, or on web sites; to beware of differences in small details of the design.

6. Check Findings and Clasps

• Antique Jewelry: If antique jewelry is your thing, you are likely to find old clasping mechanisms, more ornamental such as box clasps, bolt rings, or screw-back earring joints. These may be more relaxed or distressed through multiple repetitive wear over dozens of years.

• Contemporary Parts: Reproduction pieces can be made with modern clasps and connections, and can appear and feel new.

7. Request Provenance

• Historical Documentation: Original pieces may be accompanied by historical evidence--old receipts, photos, or tales out of the old owners. Provenance makes it more real and gives value.

8. Consult an Expert

• In case of doubt, it is better that one can have a professional opinion of a review by a good jeweler or gemologist. They possess the equipment and the know-how to undertake metal content, gem authenticity and source tes

• Quick Checklist for Identifying Authentic Antique Jewelry

• Or does the object have complete symmetry? In that case, most probably it will be modern.

• are there hall-marked? and do they accord with the fixed antique standards?

• Does the metal age as softly or is it worn out in unnatural ways?

• Do cut gemstones have less accuracy pointing to a handicraft?

• Are design motifs appropriate to the purported time period?

• Does the seller evidence provenance?

Paying attention to these five indicators of authenticity, namely, craftsmanship, the material it is made of, hallmarking, wear and the professional opinion, you will be far more qualified to tell the real antique jewelry apart and avoid being fooled with those clever imitations.