I’m interested in starting as an antique jewellery dealer and I’m looking for suggestions on which are the most useful tools to have to help me. I’m confident using a loupe but am wondering what other tools are recommended when buying antique jewellery. Thanks
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
IMO, your most essential tool is knowledge and experience.
I suggest narrowing your focus to a specific period and specializing in that. Example: 1900-1930. Understand the fashion, the politics, the methods of manufacture (very important), gemstones available and the style of faceting used at the time. You can either start learning essential gemology or team up with a gemologist/appraiser. You'll need a good source of magnification Metal testing acids or a reliable electronic metal tester. (reliable being the key word) Knowledge of quality stamps, hallmarks and maker's marks.
IMO, your most essential tool is knowledge and experience.
I suggest narrowing your focus to a specific period and specializing in that. Example: 1900-1930. Understand the fashion, the politics, the methods of manufacture (very important), gemstones available and the style of faceting used at the time. You can either start learning essential gemology or team up with a gemologist/appraiser. You'll need a good source of magnification Metal testing acids or a reliable electronic metal tester. (reliable being the key word) Knowledge of quality stamps, hallmarks and maker's marks.
Great, thanks! I’ve got some books on the way and I’ll hunt down some more.
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