Austin’s Premier Antique Jewelry Buyers - Abercrombie Jewelry
For those who cherish the artistry of antique jewelry, Abercrombie Jewelry in Austin is the name to trust. From Edwardian diamond rings to Art Deco bracelets, we specialize in evaluating and acquiring fine antique pieces that showcase exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
Antique jewelry tells a story through its materials and design. Victorian lockets, Georgian goldwork, and platinum Edwardian pieces each reflect the artistry of their era. Old European-cut diamonds, natural pearls, and hand-carved settings make these heirlooms one-of-a-kind.
Signed pieces from Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and other legendary designers carry exceptional value, as do antique Swiss timepieces and rare gemstones like Burmese rubies and Colombian emeralds.
At Abercrombie Jewelry, we provide expert evaluations based on condition, rarity, and market trends. If you have antique jewelry in Austin that you’re ready to sell, reach out to our team for a fair and professional appraisal.
Antique rings carry history, craftsmanship, and often sentimental value that transcends generations. Their restoration requires a profound understanding of the materials and techniques originally used to create them. The process begins with an in-depth assessment of the ring's condition, including the type of metal, setting style, and any gemstones present. Identifying these factors is crucial as they dictate the appropriate restoration methods to preserve the integrity and value of the piece.
The initial step in restoring an antique ring is a gentle cleaning to remove accumulated dirt and grime. Experts typically use mild solutions specifically formulated for antique jewelry, ensuring that they are non-abrasive and pH-neutral to protect delicate metals and stones. Ultrasonic cleaners are avoided for certain gemstones that may be damaged by vibrations or heat. Instead, soft brushes and careful hand-cleaning techniques are employed to safeguard intricate settings and prevent the dislodging of stones.
Over time, antique rings may experience wear or damage such as bent prongs or thinning bands. Skilled jewelers use period-appropriate repair techniques, often employing tools similar to those used at the time of the ring's creation. Laser welding technology might be utilized for precision work that minimizes heat exposure to sensitive stones. When adding material—like gold or platinum—to reinforce structure, conservators take care to match it with the original metalwork's color and karat grade.
After structural repairs are complete, refinishing surfaces becomes a focus while preserving historical authenticity. This involves reapplying textures or finishes that have worn away over time; however, it's important not to over-polish as it can remove character-defining features like patinas that contribute to its antiquity appeal. In cases where engravings have faded, they can be carefully retraced by hand under magnification following old patterns.
Throughout all phases of restoration, maintaining authenticity is paramount—not only physically but also in retaining historical significance. Jewelers often consult historical records or similar period pieces for guidance when making decisions about restorative interventions. Additionally, documentation detailing each step taken during restoration accompanies the piece post-restoration—providing transparency and preserving its story for future generations who will treasure this link to their past.
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Entity | Definition |
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Victorian Antique Jewelry | Jewelry from the Victorian era (1837-1901), known for romantic and nature-inspired designs. |
Edwardian Antique Jewelry | Fine jewelry from the Edwardian period (1901-1915), featuring intricate filigree and platinum settings. |
Art Nouveau Antique Jewelry | Jewelry from the late 19th to early 20th century, characterized by flowing lines and nature motifs. |
Art Deco Antique Jewelry | Antique jewelry from the 1920s-1930s featuring bold geometric designs and symmetry. |
Retro Antique Jewelry | Jewelry from the 1940s-1950s with large, bold designs and colorful gemstones. |
Georgian-era antique jewelry, spanning from 1714 to 1837, is renowned for its exquisite handcraftsmanship. During this period, jewelers did not have access to machinery and hence meticulously created each piece by hand. This resulted in unique and intricate designs that are highly valued today. The beauty of Georgian jewelry lies in the subtle variations from piece to piece, a hallmark of its handmade nature.
The metalwork of Georgian jewelry often displayed intricate techniques such as repoussé and chasing, which involved hammering metal into high relief from the reverse side to create a design in low relief on the front. Canetille, a type of filigree work resembling fine lace, was also popular during this era. Silver was frequently used to set diamonds and other precious stones before transitioning to gold settings later in the period.
Gemstones were central to Georgian jewelry, with diamonds being particularly favored. However, due to the lack of advanced cutting techniques available at that time, diamonds were often cut into simple shapes such as rose or table cuts. Colored gemstones like garnets, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires were also widely used but typically featured less refined cuts compared to modern standards. Foil backing was a common practice employed behind gemstones to enhance their color and brilliance.
Jewelry during the Georgian era often bore significant meaning through various symbols and motifs. Nature-inspired themes like flowers, leaves, birds, and insects were prevalent in designs reflecting the Romantic period's influence on artistry at that time. Mourning jewelry became increasingly fashionable after Queen Victoria's husband passed away; these pieces often contained hair or portraits as keepsakes of loved ones. Motifs imbued with sentimentality such as hearts for love or snakes representing eternal life were deeply embedded within the culture’s approach towards adorning oneself.
Check authenticity, condition, and seller reputation before purchasing.
For uniqueness, craftsmanship, and historical charm.
Influenced by Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco eras.
Get an appraisal, sell to antique dealers, or at auctions.
Based on age, rarity, materials, and craftsmanship.