Buy Antique Gold & Platinum Jewelry Online
At Dover Jewelry we know that part of the fascination with antique gold jewelry and antique platinum jewelry is that each time you look at it, you see something new.
Each antique jewelry piece has a unique personality and learning about the materials your period jewelry was made from is a great way to get to know any secrets it may be whispering to you from the past.
Whether you buy antique Edwardian jewelry or prefer antique Art Nouveau jewelry, the precious gold and platinum metals are the backbone of what makes most of these fine period jewelry pieces unique.
Here’s a brief look at the foremost precious metals you’ll learn more about as you learn where and how to buy antique jewelry online.
Buying Antique Gold Jewelry
Gold has been treasured since ancient times and when you buy antique jewelry you’ll find that many of the available authentic period pieces are made from this rare and beautiful precious metal.
In its purest state, gold never tarnishes but it is very soft. It can be compressed into tissue paper thinness and stretched into fine strands. In fact, one ounce of gold can be stretched into fifty miles of wire!
In England, early antique jewelry pieces were made from pure 24 karat gold. This can be helpful when dating a piece. In fact, if you buy antique jewelry made of gold dated before 1854 the antique gold was always 18 karats or higher.
Early English gold (and silver) was marked with a forward facing crowned lion’s head. In 1821 the head was changed to a lion’s profile without the crown. Then, in 1844 the lion passant (in profile) was only used as a mark for sterling silver.
In France, gold was often marked with a tiny Eagle’s head. When buying antique jewelry these distinctive marks can give clues as to where your piece was made and how old it really is.
Buying Antique Platinum Jewelry
Platinum is a dense white metal that became the precious metal of choice during the 1700’s.
Considered to be more precious than gold at the time, platinum remains the purest of the precious metals and the most reflective. King Louis XVI of France declared platinum the only metal that was fit enough for kings.
Learning to identify and understand the qualities of precious metals like platinum makes buying antique jewelry interesting and rewarding.
So go ahead and buy antique jewelry made of platinum to adorn you or to give as gifts to others who appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of antique period jewelry.
Buying Antique Silver Jewelry
Like gold, silver is too soft in its natural form to be used to make jewelry. It is generally alloyed with harder metals such as nickel or copper.
For a long time, gold remained the most popular metal for jewelry making. Then, in the 1870’s, when Queen Victoria came out of mourning she approved wearing silver in the court. Suddenly silver was “in” and everyone wanted to wear it.
Silver enjoyed its popularity for diamond settings until towards the end of the 19th century.
Contact Us to Learn More about Art Deco Estate Jewelry
Why most of our clients buy antique jewelry from Dover Jewelry and Antiques, we also purchase estate, vintage and antique jewelry pieces. Talk to us first before parting with your heirloom pieces.
We also carry a fine collection of quality Art Deco estate jewelry as well as Victorian gold and platinum jewelry plus Edwardian and Georgian period pieces.
For more information about buying antique jewelry online including antique gold jewelry and antique platinum jewelry, call us toll free at 877-777-6111 or use our convenient online Buy Antique Jewelry Online information form.
