How Our Experts Authenticate Estate Jewelry for Online Buyers
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Purchasing estate jewelry online can be an exhilarating way to acquire rare, timeless pieces possessing a history and personality. However, the one major concern that remote purchasers of estate jewelry share is authenticity. How do you know that the jewelry you are going to invest in is real, high quality, and was accurately represented in the listing?
We at St. John & Myers recognize that trust is the name of the game when buying estate jewelry online, which is why we have expert jewellers that follow a rigorous authentication process to ensure that every piece you find in our inventory is authentic, expertly appraised, and an heirloom you will treasure for your lifetime.
Here we are going to take you behind the curtain to illustrate how our experts authenticate estate jewelry for online buyers so that you can confidently shop and relish in the excitement of finding stunning vintage pieces.
Why Authentication Matters When Buying Estate Jewelry Online
Estate jewelry can mean a great deal in terms of sentimental worth. These treasures are often handed down through family generations and demonstrate the extraordinary craftsmanship of previous centuries. Due to the unique nature of these pieces and their potential age, estate pieces necessitate a level of examination to ensure authenticity and proper evaluation.
Even with the convenience of buying estate jewelry in the online marketplace, buyers will be unable to inspect the items in person. This makes authenticity incredibly important, in order to:
● Prevent counterfeit, previously altered, or damaged pieces of jewelry
● Guarantee the correct descriptions and grading
● Protect your investment for many years to come
Establishing an authentication process ensures our collateral reputation and further guarantees your satisfaction at St. John & Myers.
Our 5-Step Expert Process for Authenticating Estate Jewelry
Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to buying estate jewelry, here’s a transparent look at how our experts verify every piece before it ever reaches our online store.
1. Detailed Visual Inspection
The first thing the estate jewelry team does when authenticating estate jewelry is conduct a comprehensive visual inspection. Our estate jewelry specialists are certified gemologists and jewelry experts who inspect each piece under magnification when buying estate jewelry online.
Indicators the estate jewelry staff will look for include the following:
● Maker’s marks or hallmarks
● Stamps of metal purity (e.g. platinum, 18k gold)
● Craftsmanship quality; construction techniques (e.g. soldering)
● Repairs, alterations, and damage
● Cubic zirconia; diamond cut, clarity, and conformity of the setting to the era.
2. Advanced Testing of Metals and Gemstones
A visual inspection by itself cannot verify authenticity, especially for metals or stones that have been altered over time.
We use various testing methods for buying estate jewelry, including:
● X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for metal composition testing. XRF allows our technician to uncover the precise metal content without harm to the object. This means we can confirm for you if a ring is authentic platinum or gold.
● Diamond testers and microscopes for gemstone verification and to look for enhancements or treatments.
● UV light and a number of other gemological devices to check for diamond fluorescence and properties.
We feel these tests are required so you have transparent, trustworthy listings, so you know exactly what you are buying when it comes to estate jewelry purchases from us.
3. Historical Research and Provenance Verification
Many estate pieces carry intriguing history and provenance documentation, providing evidence of prior owners or the period of manufacture.
Our specialists have access to historical records, maker catalogues and auction archives for buying estate jewelry.
● Verify the piece's age and style period
● Verify designer's or maker's signature
● Identify any historical importance or interesting prior owners
This backstory adds value and context to the jewelry purchased, making the purchase even more meaningful.
4. Condition Assessment and Restoration
Estate jewelry frequently exhibits normal signs of wear and tear for the age of the item. We have skilled professionals evaluate the condition of the item and whether any restoration is necessary.
Qualifying best practices for jewelry quality controls and the quality of jewelry we offer is very important to us. If restoration is required, then we work with an established quality artisan to restore the original integrity of the piece, while still ensuring the restoration will hold up for everyday wear.
This process assures our customers that when they are buying estate jewelry online at St. John & Myers, it will be an authentic piece in excellent condition.
5. Expert Customer Support
We realize purchasing estate jewelry is usually a big and emotional decision. Our specialists are available to answer questions, provide more photographs, and guide you in making a selection.
Whether it's an antique diamond ring, a vintage brooch, or a platinum men's ring with diamond accents. Our specialists will help guide the search, making the online purchase a personal, confident experience, as it would in a brick-and-mortar store experience.
External Review
Although our work has built a reputation for itself, we understand the value and importance of third-party verification. For this reason, many of our items come with third-party gemological appraisals. We let one of the leading speakers on antique jewelry, as well as an art historian, review our work to ensure accuracy.
Why Choose St. John & Myers for Buying Estate Jewelry Online?
We pride ourselves on our genuine commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and customer service that allows us to be trusted providers of estate jewelry online.
● We process rare antique and vintage pieces only, selected for quality, rarity, and provenance.
● The only way to guarantee authenticity is with experienced team members who use both conventional gemology techniques and great tests.
● We craft every listing with maximum transparency and thorough information to help you shop with confidence.
Final Thoughts
When buying estate jewelry online, trust is key. You can trust our process to assure you that every piece is as advertised and something you can invest in that is not only lovely but authentic and lasting.
St. John & Myers brings heritage, style, and authenticity to you when you are searching for our estate diamond rings, men’s platinum rings with diamond touches, or other rare treasures.