| Behold that gorgeous antique brooch you've been | | | | But often in Victorian times there was more |
| staring at for the last few days on the internet! It's | | | | emphasis on the workmanship and beauty of the |
| obviously Art Nouveau... isn't it? | | | | item than on the quality of materials used. Pinchbeck |
| It's often very difficult to distinguish from a genuine | | | | for example, an alloy of zinc and copper, was a |
| antique jewellery piece and a good reproduction. Here | | | | respectable alternative to gold in the Victorian era |
| are some key points that you should bear in mind | | | | but is commonly found at the cheaper end of the |
| before you shop and pay for what you think is a | | | | market today when so much importance is placed on |
| Victorian piece of jewellery only to find out that it's a | | | | jewellery being made of gold or platinum. |
| clever reproduction. | | | | Feeling the weight of the piece can also help identify |
| Being able to identify the findings that are attached | | | | its age but, if you're buying online, ask the seller how |
| to the jewellery for function rather than design is | | | | much it weighs. A brooch from the Victorian era can |
| sometimes a good way to determine age, although | | | | look a lot heavier than one that was reproduced in |
| findings can often have been altered at a later date. | | | | recent years but often a large piece was made |
| Some examples of "findings" are the hinges, clasps | | | | reasonably light so that it didn't pull on the wearer's |
| and catches on the piece. The Victorian era featured | | | | clothing. Check also to see if jewels are glued in and |
| tube hinges until a more streamlined design was | | | | if the piece is hand made or the product of a mould. |
| introduced in the later part of the era. Other types | | | | A registration mark on a piece will give you an |
| of hinges such as roll over, C shaped and safety pin | | | | accurate time frame as will hallmarks. A makers mark |
| types evolved over the years. A lobster catch will | | | | or label is another step in identification. There are |
| not be on a piece of authentic antique jewellery. | | | | plenty of guides and forums available online to help |
| The colours and metals changed in style through the | | | | identify hallmarks. |
| years. The art deco period featured bright primary | | | | Lastly, try to find a picture of the item to compare |
| colours while the Victorian era did not. Being able to | | | | with the piece in question. Often pictures are available |
| identify the cut of the stone and the type of stone | | | | in books, such as Carter's Antiques Guide (Australia), |
| in the piece will also help in dating the piece. Modern | | | | or online. |
| brilliant cut diamonds, for example, were not | | | | Obviously, some of these checks are trickier to use |
| introduced to the market until the early 20th century. | | | | if you're buying online but if the piece is not as |
| Aluminium, platinum, pot metal and copper have been | | | | described when you receive it (ie. fake), then you |
| the popular metals in the 20th century. White gold | | | | are entitled to a full refund. Your local Trading |
| for example, although first introduced at the turn of | | | | Standards or Fair Trading agency should help you out |
| the 1900s, wasn't in wide circulation until about 1920 | | | | in the event of any difficulties in this. |
| when it was used as a cheaper alternative to | | | | Do your homework. Check the seller's credentials and |
| platinum. As another example, 15 carat gold was a | | | | use the internet for clues and, above all, ask lots of |
| British Empire gold standard until it was discontinued in | | | | questions! |
| 1932 and it was commonly used in Victorian jewellery. | | | | |