Understanding Estate Jewelry
Estate Jewelry
Every piece in our collection has had a previous owner — which, by definition, makes everything we sell estate jewelry. It is a world of history, craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind character, and it comes with its own vocabulary worth knowing.
Estate, vintage, antique — here's what each really means.
Estate, Vintage & Antique
Three terms that are often used interchangeably — but each carries a specific meaning in the trade.
Estate
Previously ownedAny piece of jewelry that has had a previous owner. Everything we sell is, by this definition, estate jewelry — which is why an antique jewelry store is always an estate jewelry retailer too.
Vintage
20+ years oldEstate jewelry that is at least twenty years old — old enough to carry the distinct character and craftsmanship of its era.
Antique
100+ years oldThe oldest treasures of all: pieces more than a century old. Because age matters here, always confirm the listed date in the product description.
The categories nest: every antique piece is also vintage, and every vintage piece is also estate. When you're buying antique, always check the listed date in the product description.
Every piece, dated and verified
As one of the premier estate jewelry stores online, we do our best to verify the date of every item we sell — so you can buy with confidence, and never have to look elsewhere for a retailer you can trust.
Start Exploring
Browse the Estate Collection
From Georgian keepsakes to Art Deco engagement rings, every piece we offer carries a history worth continuing. Explore the collection online, or visit our Stamford showroom.