We sell vintage, pre-owned and antique items (except for those described as new) which will often show signs of wear, dents, scratches, oxidation, broken stones... If there is any noticeable damage we will list this in the description.

IMPORTANT : Although I do my best, Photographing jewelry for size reference can be a little tricky. Often items look larger on screen. Colors can also vary depending on computers. So, please refer to the description of color and measurements for actual size. Some items have been cleaned, but most have not and are left in their original state to show their age. Any additional cleaning will need to to be done by the buyer if the buyer so chooses.

I usually increase the contrast in my photos, so any flaws will be more pronounced. This will show them even though the human eye may not see them.

Mint / Perfect: Self explanatory - RARE

Near Mint / Perfect: Like new - no noted flaws

Excellent: Minor flaws which do not compromise the piece

Very Good: Minor flaws, easily repairable and wearable flaws. Most items fit in this category

Good: Noted minor flaws, most likely repairable, wearable with care or after repair

Fair: Noticeable noted flaws, some significant, possibly wearable or repairable

As Found: A piece that is damaged beyond repair, recycle parts, valuable for research or for further study.

Please make sure to read policies and frequently asked questions prior to purchase.

Care of Sterling jewelry: Patina is what gives older silver pawn jewelry its character. That’s why in our shop, we rarely remove patina – we let the new owner decide if they want the item to show its age or to be shiny. Authentic patina increases the value of old Silver, Gold, Brass and Copper pieces. It is not verdigris.
Cleaning sterling jewelry should only be done with a polishing cloth made for this purpose. Some of the liquid cleaners can be too harsh and change the look of the piece.

We often get asked about resizing rings. We suggest that you check with a local Silver Smith or Jeweler to resize or reshape your rings or bracelets. You can show an image from the listing before you purchase to see if it would be a candidate for resize

Victorian gold filled pieces are generally unmarked for gold content and hallmarking in the USA until after 1907. Sometimes a jeweler would mark the jewelry or the box that it came in, so many pieces are not hallmarked with their gold content. Antique & Vintage gold filled jewelry is normally 10k, 12k, or 14k in gold content. English equivalent jewelry is Rolled Gold and is usually 9ct (sometimes 15ct and 18ct). In order to be considered gold filled, the gold content must be 5% or 1/20 of the total weight and the gold karat no lower than 10k or 9k for rolled gold.

Vintage Gold filled jewelry is made from solid gold, unlike gold plating, the process used to create gold filled jewelry involves thick sheets of gold that are mechanically bonded using heat and high pressure, and filled with other alloys such as brass, bronze and sterling silver, like a sandwich with solid gold on the outside and a metal filling or core on the inside. This bonding is permanent and the gold is much thicker than that of gold plate. It’s not uncommon to find gold filled jewelry that is 100 years old or older looking almost brand new. Because the layer of gold is so much thicker than plated jewelry, gold filled jewelry will not peel or flake, and with reasonable care will last as long as 14K gold jewelry.

Although the gold can tarnish with age, buffing with a silver cleaning cloth or a very mild cleaning solution will usually restore the lovely finish. Vintage Gold filled wears, looks and lasts like solid gold because its outer surface is solid gold. An added benefit is that people with sensitive skin will find it safe and comfortable to wear.

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

If you have not requested insurance on your item, you will be responsible if your item is damaged or lost in shipping.