Estate Jewelry 101

So, what is estate jewelry? You’ve seen the word online and have most likely heard the term thrown around in casual conversation with friends or your jeweler. In its most basic sense, estate jewelry is jewelry that belongs to the estate of someone who has passed away, meaning that the pieces aren’t brand new, and have belonged to one or a number of previous owners.

In most cases, people who inherit estate jewelry receive the pieces from the official will of the deceased owner. To receive the official “estate” appellation, the piece is usually considered to be an antique, vintage, or having some sort of important significance as a family heirloom or in history. There are certain markers that determine whether or not a piece of estate jewelry can be classified as “antique” or “vintage.” In effect, antique jewelry are pieces that have been proven to be 100 years or older, while vintage claims that the piece belong to a certain decade or era throughout history.

While many people can buy estate jewelry at auctions if they haven’t inherited any, Stewart Kuper is proud to have a number of certified estate pieces that you can buy as a gift for your special someone. One of the most common reasons as to why people will buy estate jewelry rather than new piece is that estate jewelry tends to look more elegant, bold, and unique in nature. While each piece of jewelry is significant and special in its own way, buying a piece of antique or vintage estate jewelry is the only way to ensure that the piece you’re considering was made and worn in a distinct time in history.

But for those who have come to own a piece of estate jewelry through inheritance, you don’t need to keep the piece if you don’t want to hold onto it. There are a number of things that you can do with the piece, including selling it to a jewelry store or having it customized.

Not only has Stewart Kuper been a leader in paying the fairest prices for estate pieces in the area, but we can also transform these pieces into fresh, creative works of art.

If you have estate jewelry that you’re unsure of what to do with, stop in to speak with one of our jewelry experts, who are all happy to guide you in your options.