Estate sales are full of amazing deals on beautiful antiques, furniture, cars, and even kitchenware. However, these shopping meccas provide especially unique opportunities for those individuals interested in estate jewelry purchasing. Below, Forsythe’s Antiques & Fine Art in Russellville, OH, shares three tips to help you find the best deals and ensure you’re buying authentic metals and gems.

3 Estate Jewelry Purchasing Tips

1. Buy Original Pieces

Jewelers create new necklaces, rings, and bracelets every day. However, they’re catering to today’s trends and often make many of the same items. That’s why people turn to estate sales: they want original work that’s different from what you’d buy in a contemporary shop. When you attend an estate sale, look for original and unique pieces. These options may be worth more in today’s market because they’re less common. 

2. Look for Signs of Repairs

Jewelry is worth more when it is in original condition. A watch, for example, that has been repaired and features a new battery back should cost less than a completely original one. To prevent yourself from paying more than you should when estate jewelry purchasing, look for signs of repairs. Closely inspect each item and talk with the appraiser or owner about getting receipts for any repairs to ensure the fixes were done properly and that the jeweler used the appropriate tools and materials to restore the piece.

3. Ask For Proof

Unless you have experience, it can be difficult to ascertain whether metals and gems are real. To make sure you get what you pay for, you should ask for proof for every piece of fine jewelry you buy. With estate jewelry purchasing, ask the people running the sale to provide documentation of each items’ worth. They should have insurance letters from qualified jewelers stating the make of each piece and its monetary value.

To learn more about estate jewelry purchasing, contact Forsythe’s Antiques & Fine Art. The company provides appraisals and estate purchasing, and they also deal with antiques, art, and jewelry. For more information regarding their services, call (513) 791-2323 today.