Tips To Research Vintage & Antique Jewelry

[@denimtodiamondsliveauctions]

It’s so fantastic that you have and share such an amazing collection with all of us. Sometimes a visual will make all the difference in the world.

[@sundaebaubles]

🥰 Thank you, Sue! ♥️

[@michaelcheli5842]

You do a wonderful job educating me and other antique jewelry lovers; and I enjoy learning in general about many of the subjects you cover, in order to increase my overall knowledge. Thank you for sharing your insights. :)

[@sundaebaubles]

Hello Michael, thank you so much for watching & your kind words! I appreciate it ♥️ Let me know if there are any topics you are hoping to see covered 😊

[@lindabirge3683]

Pretty, pretty ring. Agreed, buy what you love.

[@sundaebaubles]

💙 Thank you for watching!!

[@ancientinvestigator3109]

Great research! I didn't realize the double facet setting was for Zircon...now, I have something else to add to my estate/yard sale treasure hunting arsenal! You have a wonderful presence on camera!

[@sundaebaubles]

Thanks for your kind words, ancient investigator! It's these small visual cues that can make all the difference when we're hunting "in the wild" ! Good luck treasure hunting!! ♥

[@barbodonnell-prettyvintage8336]

So informative! I love your blue zircon ring. It’s getting harder and harder to find that beautiful colored stone. Lang University is an excellent resource. My favorite vintage find is my 1940’s retro “tank “ bracelet. It’s in 14k rose and yellow gold accented with cabochon rubies and diamonds. I always say you buy jewelry because you love it and not as an investment although a great piece can more than hold it value. ❤️

[@sundaebaubles]

😍 Oh wow, Barbara! That is an incredible find - I am a BIG fan of retro jewelry, and your bracelet sounds stunning!! I could not agree more with your philosophy! ❤️

[@BeckyLundberg]

I'd say you got QUITE the deal! What a beauty. I really appreciated the side by side comparison. It helped me actually see something I've been missing. So much to learn.

[@sundaebaubles]

Thanks for commenting Becky, I totally agree! 😊 Learning never ends - it's as much fun a the thrill of the hunt! ❤

[@shirleygarcia8477]

Zircons never get talked about and usually get confused with zirconia,i have a loose blue zircon, my grandsons birthstone. I need to get mounted in a ring for him.Thanks for the info.

[@sundaebaubles]

What a lucky grandson, Shirley! Yes - zircons are often confused, and they deserve some time in the spotlight! 💙

[@ancientinvestigator3109]

Seem there's always a CATCH! Great identifying skills, ya got there, Jen! When I discovered the various catches and clasps, it opened up a whole new world of dating pieces and took the guesswork out of it a bit...not completely but cleared the deck from what it might NOT be. There are still some puzzlers out there...I found a brooch, at an estate sale, last year that was engraved with one of my daughter's name. The engraving was not etched but machine-cut, very neat and clean, as if it had just been made by General Motors or some other modern factory but there were clues that pointed down another path. The clues didn't make sense though...tube hinge and thick 'C" clasp! It was a nice aged brass with Ewardian motif, at least it spoke to me as Edwardian 1900 to 1912 or so...not much patina but the brass was deep and dark around the black painted face. Since then, I've learned there were some craftsmen around in the 1800's and earlier who were masters at machinery...funny, how we think only our present day artists know how to engineer things. So, the adventure continues...clues, clues, clues! We have to have clues but also be masters of association, to assemble those clues into a believable verdict...as you do so wondrously! Cheers!

[@sundaebaubles]

Hi ancient investigator - you are absolutely right! The was so much ingenuity, and although things may not have been done at scale in the past, individual craftsmen often developed advanced techniques! I would love to see this mysterious brooch, it sounds very special - and ever more so with you daughter's name!

[@livingskiesvintage]

Thank you Jen. I learn so much from you - excited to say I have a Rose Zircon ring that I was given 50 years ago for my 16th birthday and now I appreciate it even more!

[@sundaebaubles]

How fabulous, Jayne, that makes me smile!! Thank you so much for sharing 😊😘

[@mariejoanisse1492]

Thank you for the informations. I am a beginner in studying antique jewelry and am so glad I found your chanel through Hudson Vintage.

[@sundaebaubles]

Welcome to the channel, Marie!! Hudson Vintage is a fantastic resource & Dawn is a delight! If there is anything you'd like to see covered, please don't hesitate to ask ❤

[@blueskye2605]

Great video. Thanks for all the great information you share.

[@sundaebaubles]

My pleasure - thank you for watching & welcome to the channel! 💙

[@AntiqueAgenda]

Im so glad to have discovered your informative videos...you are just delightful!! Thank you!!!💜

[@sundaebaubles]

☺ Thank you so much! Glad to have you here ♥

[@bellalou-go894]

I found a blue zircon ring at a pawn shop. Not vintage, but I fell in love with the stone. Your antique ring is beautiful!

[@sundaebaubles]

Congratulations on your find! Aren’t blue zircons incredible?! 💙

[@rebeccabraverman893]

You packed a lot of information in 8 minutes. I loved the history of the maker, old photos, and data comparing zircon to diamonds. I am going to subscribe based on this one, high quality video. I think content creators could use this video as an example of how to make excellent and useful content.

[@sundaebaubles]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Rebecca! Welcome to the channel 💖

[@janicekamonin7596]

I believe you got a fabulous deal. Again I have added to my jewellery knowledge. Thank you so much. I look forward to your next video Jenn! ❤

[@sundaebaubles]

😊 Thanks so much, Janice, I think I did too & I am glad you are enjoying these videos!

[@roseferronato3125]

Hi Sundae! Thanks so much for your video! I didn't even know that zircons exist! Loved the picture of 1920-30s Vancouver!

[@sundaebaubles]

💙 Hi Rose, thanks for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😊 😘

[@IntermountainGoldRefiners]

I like how you talked about the rings, and also the website and app suggestions.

[@sundaebaubles]

♥️ Thank you so much! 😊

[@barbaramulvenna]

Hi Sundae! Your blue zircon is beautiful. I have a clear one that I’ve had for years, also part of my permanent collection. Great video! Thanks for sharing. 💝

[@sundaebaubles]

❤Thank you, Barbara! I would love to see your zircon, I'm betting is spectacular with your taste & eye!😊

[@emilykayjohnson]

Awesome video Jen ❤ Love the tone of antique gold and love that blue zircon ❤ Thanks for the great information

[@sundaebaubles]

💙 Thank you so much, Emily! ✨

[@mwallace2337]

I also love Gem and use it regularly for comparatives. Lang Antiques is new to me, though -- thanks so much for sharing the info!

[@sundaebaubles]

You are so welcome, M Wallace! ❤😊

[@picksoverpeas]

Blue is my favorite color and I love the color of that blue zircon. The bite sized pieces of information you shared about zircons were all new information to me. I never have understood what a zircon is and appreciate the comparisons you made with diamonds and cz. Another fascinating lesson!

[@sundaebaubles]

💙 Thank you for your feedback, Kelleen! This is exactly what I’m hoping to do with these videos ✨💕

[@analilia210]

Lovely, I just found your channel, and I love it, excellent information 😀

[@sundaebaubles]

Welcome to the channel, Ana Lilia! ❤😊

[@mariyaterzi7364]

Love the zircon ring ❤️. Thank you for the price comp website Jen 🙏🏼

[@sundaebaubles]

Thanks Mariya, and you are so welcome - I love being able to compare prices quickly! ❤️

[@lorrainesouthwick4888]

Thanks, Jen for another informative video! Your jewelry is awesome!

[@sundaebaubles]

Thank you so much, Lorraine! 😊♥️

[@rnrcyberpicker]

Awesome finds Jen! I have learned a lot! Thank you for sharing.

[@sundaebaubles]

I’m glad to hear it, Romel! 💕Thank you for watching!

[@lisaf9712]

Love your videos! Your voice is very professional. Thank You 🙏

[@sundaebaubles]

😊 You are so sweet, thank you so much for watching & your kind words! ❤

[@bakerwannabe4435]

Great information. I just found your channel and look forward to watching more.

[@sundaebaubles]

Welcome to the channel!! Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment with questions or topics you are hoping to see covered 💖

[@chokercherry]

Your zircon is gorgeous! Keep it up with the great videos

[@sundaebaubles]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching 💙

[@nancymanuel8536]

Thank y ou r so much for the breakdown of chemical composition of the 3 stones

[@trinacerk7608]

Hi Jen! I really like this video. I am new to jewelry collecting. The site you recommended will help me alot. I look forward to learning from you. Happy 😊 Sunday, Sundae 🍨 Bauble!

[@sundaebaubles]

Hi Trina, thanks for the feedback, I am so glad to hear that the videos are useful! 😊Happy Sunday to you too ❤😘

[@susanlavery5649]

Thank You for sharing your knowledge, I enjoy Your videos.

[@sundaebaubles]

Hello Susan, thank you so much for watching & commenting! ❤ Have a great day 😊

[@Kim_Vardas53]

I’ve always loved zircons! Beautiful rings!

[@sundaebaubles]

💙 Thank you, Kim! 🤗

[@_4Val3ry]

Interesting app. I didn’t know about it. I love zircon also.

[@sundaebaubles]

There is something magical about zircon! ✨ Thank you for watching! 💖

[@marketplaceboutique6957]

Great info, beautiful pieces!!

[@sundaebaubles]

😊 Thank you, Marketplace Boutique! ♥️

[@ces1932]

thank you for the info on the sites you shared

[@sundaebaubles]

My pleasure, thanks for watching! ♥️

[@LoriWolfeRealtor]

Great info Jen. Thank you 😊

[@sundaebaubles]

Thank you, Lori! 💙

[@sharronmainor]

A great video, very informative! Kudos!

[@sundaebaubles]

Thank you Sharron, I'm glad you enjoyed it! 💙

[@marlenemcmillan8891]

This was very fun and informative

[@sundaebaubles]

Thank you, Marlene! 💖

[@jennpro5008]

Thanks Jen :) Great info! makes me wonder how many pieces I misidentified as CZ because it didn't register on my diamond tester

[@sundaebaubles]

You are not alone! Many call any non diamond clear stone a CZ - they could be white topaz, white sapphires, zircon, glass/crystal or CZ - there are so many simulants (both natural and lab created)!

[@thriftzen214]

Great information! Thanks for sharing

[@sundaebaubles]

Thanks for watching, Thrift Zen! 💖

[@heard3879]

This is helpful information! I just happened to find a necklace in a thrift store last week for $2, with a brass barrel clasp which I can see is obviously very old, and I never was interested in researching old jewelry before but now that I've got this necklace I'm very interested in this.

[@sundaebaubles]

Thank you so much for watching & commenting! It just takes one piece to "unlock" the door to the rabbit hole.. enjoy your research journey & please let me know if there is a topic you are hoping to see covered ❤

[@KierstenRedResale]

Thank you Jen for a very informative video ❤️

[@sundaebaubles]

Thanks for watching, Kiersten! ❤

[@KierstenRedResale]

Also…. I have a question about a piece I have. How would I get in touch with you?

[@sundaebaubles]

@@KierstenRedResale Happy to take a look! Please send me an email at [e-mail]

[@brendam.6897]

Thank you Jen because I learned so much in a short period of time. I think I had a great find yesterday at a local thrift store. It is turquoise colored stones with red stones and it spoke to me. I am not a reseller, but feel like I need to learn how to test the items I buy. I would love to know your thoughts on this if that is not asking too much. I am so looking forward to enjoying your birthday month with you. 💍💎💍❤️

[@sundaebaubles]

Hi Brenda, a lot of collectors feel this way - we get to be jewelry hunters and detectives! It sounds like you found a beautiful piece at your thrift store! The first thing I recommend is that everyone get a loupe. I really like a 30x lens so that I can see the tiny details in stones (inclusions or other formation clues) and read tiny hallmarks. There are also acids for testing metal purity & methods to test Bakelite, amber and more - your best bet is to tackle one subject at a time, as interest and/or the need arises. There are great resources online to learn about everything from stones to makers - and if you have time, it’s fun to really dig in. For your find, I would suggest looking for any marks (metal purity or maker) and determine what the stones are. You are welcome to send me a picture and I can try to point you in the right direction ♥️ Another really important resource: the professionals! Gemologists and appraisers are well educated and have the means to test and assess. Sometimes you can get a verbal valuation $10-20. This is a great topic for a future video, I’ll start planning! 😘

[@brendam.6897]

@@sundaebaubles Thank you so much for taking your time to help me. It is greatly appreciated. Your offer of taking a look at the necklace. Is one I can’t refuse. I am not very tech savvy, but maybe I can figure out how to send you a photo. Again, thank you! 🙏

[@sundaebaubles]

My pleasure, @@brendam.6897 You are welcome to email me at [e-mail] 😘

[@JamieBeeReseller]

Enjoyed learning 😊❤

[@sundaebaubles]

😘❤️

[@vintagejewelrygalore1053]

Hi, this is a great video. Can you include the two sources you mentioned in the comment section please.

[@sundaebaubles]

Hi Anna, you bet! I'll update the description now - they are gem.app & www.langantiques.com/university/ ❤

[@vintagejewelrygalore1053]

@@sundaebaubles thank you

[@tomasitoumali4634]

Are lab-made diamonds worth buying as they also fade thru time? However, man-made zircon shines like real diamonds, so why spend for lots of money for the same jewelry brilliance? Thanks for research findings.

[@sundaebaubles]

This is a great question, and I think that the answer varies from person to person. The market has shifted dramatically with all of the lab diamond companies entering the market in the last few years - prices have definitely come down for both lab diamonds and moissanite. My personal take is “buy what you love” - some people want a big look for a small price - lab diamonds can help them get what they want. Others want the best quality only, and want a clear, colourless, and inclusion free diamond - but natural diamonds in this class are very expensive, so they may want to go with lab.

[@vintagevibrations]

You're ring is stunning 😍

[@sundaebaubles]

Thank you so much, Ashley! 😊❤

[@Sara-qs2ly]

thank you for the tips

[@Dana-KillerQueenAntiqueJewelry]

Ooo I didn’t know about Lang, I’ve sent you my favourite sources. Always interesting 🧐 Content Jen Zircon are actually far more rare than Diamonds… the price difference Diamonds have phenomenal marketing. The humble Zircon has more lustre and fire than Diamond 💎 and is it’s closest visual match 💖

[@sundaebaubles]

We can certainly point to De Beers for their contributions in cementing diamonds as a "must have" since 1947!

[@colleenferris-bagot6218]

Thank you Sundae: I went to your Website and wanted to purchase a ring. Do you use PayPal? Thank you

[@sundaebaubles]

Hi Colleen - Thanks for watching & your message! I use shopify payments, which accepts credit & debit. If you would like to chat about anything, please send me an email at [e-mail] ❤😘

[@samplerstitcher]

The facet edges are worn quite badly...can it be recut/repolished?

[@sundaebaubles]

Hi MJ, great question, you have a good eye! With a MOHs hardness of 7.5 the table of an antique zircon can become dull, and the blue zircon definitely shows wear. In this case, all it would take it a repolish by a lapidary. Thanks for your comment! ❤

[@soulful3179]

Loved this video.

[@sundaebaubles]

Thanks for watching! 💖

[@JewelryJam]

Great content! Thank you 😁

[@sundaebaubles]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@maryclark2808]

😊

[@ivyandroses25]

Question for you: How do you feel about purchasing a ring that you love but isn't in your size? Do you buy it and resize it, or would that risk its value too much?

[@sundaebaubles]

Great question! Here is my (rather lengthy) personal take: it depends on the ring. Generally I prefer not to size antique jewelry if I can help it - but I am really fortunate and can wear rings from size 4-7.5, so the selection available to me is broad. Many antique and vintage rings are small sizes, and in these cases I think it’s better they be sized and worn than for them them to sit in a shop case - or worse still, melted for the gold and stone value. When it comes to antique rings there are some important considerations. First, and most importantly, is construction integrity. If the piece is delicate, has complex stone settings, has an intricate band, or has been sized before, I don’t like to meddle with it. (I don’t want to compromise the setting and risk losing stones, and I don’t like to lose engraving or patterns to the band.) Another consideration is hallmarks: I want to avoid sizing where hallmarks will be disturbed, because these are important to identifying the piece. (Note that a good jeweller can look at a ring and tell you if they can size it without disturbing hallmarks - whether you want to size up or down). I will also consider sizing rings in cases where the band is thin, and needs to be built back up, or if other repairs may be needed. At the end of the day, the most important questions are “do you love this piece?”. If you do, and it’s a price you are happy to pay & you know that you will wear it with enjoyment, it’s okay to size it. Jewelry is meant to be enjoyed, after all! Just make sure that your jeweller is experienced with the type of work you want done, and considers the construction and any important details that you want to maintain on the piece.

[@ivyandroses25]

@sundaebaubles Thank you so much! I absolutely love antique jewelry, and I'm always conflicted about this. 💗

[@sundaebaubles]

@@ivyandroses25 I completely understand! I’ll work on a video for the future where I show examples of rings I would and would not size 💖

[@ivyandroses25]

@@sundaebaubles Awesome! Thank you! ❤️

[@filicefilice]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@sundaebaubles]

❤️🥰💖