Estate Dealer Riverside

It has become popular nowadays to invest in antique jewelry. The pieces are often one of a kind and unique in their craftsmanship. It is not always possible for the individual to be able to find antique jewelry or to be able to judge its worth with any accuracy. Some jewelers specialize in antique jewelry and if you are looking for such a jeweler then you can find one by looking for an estate dealer. Riverside and surrounds have many such dealers and they can be quickly and easily found by using an on line search such as the one provided by LA jewelry. Using their data base will help you to narrow down your search.

Antique jewelry often showcases a completely different style of cutting diamonds. Jewelers did not have the technology available today, and the art of gem-cutting was restricted to those with a love of the craft. There are various cuts that will depend on the age of the piece. Some of the earliest cuts are known as point cuts and they stayed true to the eight sided shape of the diamond. Later came flat cuts and rose cuts of the sixteenth century. To know accurately the age of the jewelry it is best to go through a reputable estate dealer. Riverside listing of dealers and other jewelers can be found via lajewelry.com

Later antique gems dating from the seventeenth century will have a look similar to the diamond cuts of today, and the cut used is known as the full-cut brilliant. The gems can not be judged by modern standards as the cut then was used to emphasize the weight of the diamond, whereas today the cut emphasizes the brilliance of the sparkle, or “fire” as it's known. A good jeweler who specializes in antique gems will be able to see if the cut is good for the date of the piece, and can help you select the type of antique jewelry you want. An Estate dealer, Riverside and other LA suburbs, will select jewelry based on their extensive knowledge of cut and metalwork.

The different cuts used are not the only thing an estate dealer Riverside will look for. He or she must also have knowledge of the various metals used during different time periods. The standard of gold, platinum and silver were used, but also a few alloys which are not often used in modern jewelry making. Jewelry made during WW II for example, was often made of palladium as the use of platinum was restricted. Some pieces made in France were sterling silver gilded with gold. This was known as vermeil, and it was eventually banned at the beginning of the 1800's due to the use of mercury. Another rarely used metal in modern jewelry is pinchbeck, which was used as a substitute for gold. It is actually an alloy of copper and zinc.

Antique jewelry is not limited to rings and diamonds, but includes pins, broaches, and charms. There are many styles and designs, depending on the prevailing artistic movement at the time. Because of the vast changes in jewelry design over the years it is best to use the advice of and estate dealer. Riverside, Los Angeles has many dealers who can be found and contacted through on line sites such as lajewelry.com.