Here is what it is advisable know earlier than shopping for second-hand jewelry.
Have a style for the sparkly stuff however in search of sustainable (and budget-friendly) methods to fulfill your jewelry behavior? Consignment purchasing may be best for you. Right here, jewelry professional Megan Kirkwood shares suggestions for purchasing consignment jewelry.
Q: I’ve seen some nice jewelry at consignment outlets. Is it secure to purchase?
A: With somewhat sensible purchasing, you’ll discover that second-hand jewelry is completely secure to purchase. Consignment retailers aren’t solely an ideal place to doubtlessly discover the perfect value for a bit you’ve had your eye on but additionally one of the vital environmentally acutely aware methods to accumulate new jewels. The truth is, jewelry is without doubt one of the most sustainable issues you should buy as a result of it could possibly at all times be recycled and upcycled.
To not be missed, the second-hand market generally is a enjoyable manner to buy jewelry, which may in any other case be an intimidating expertise. Whether or not you’re shopping native outlets, equivalent to Retyche in Montreal, I Miss You Classic in Toronto and So Over It Luxurious Consignment in Winnipeg, on-line spots together with 1stDibs and Vestiaire Collective and even impartial sellers on Instagram, there are numerous alternatives to find distinctive and hard-to-find items. For instance, you may be extra prone to come throughout uncommon gems, equivalent to demantoid garnets, kunzite and coral, or impeccably made designer items which can be not accessible in present collections. Signed items are nice investments to your assortment as they’re prone to retain their worth and even admire over time.
If there’s one thing particular you’re after, do some shopping to get a good suggestion of the going value for related objects — each new and resale. In any case, the perfect purchasing luck tends to strike when somewhat preparation meets alternative; you received’t must hesitate whenever you lastly discover an ideal deal in your dream piece. In case you fall in love with one thing on the spot however aren’t positive if the worth is correct, maintain this rule of thumb in thoughts: 14-karat gold is an effective jewelry customary, whereas the best-quality gems are often reserved for platinum or 18-karat gold and lower-quality and extremely handled stones are often set in 9- or 10-karat gold. Favor to keep away from the guesswork? Benefit from retailers equivalent to The RealReal, which provide gemologist value determinations with each merchandise, together with particulars in regards to the high quality, composition and total worth of your new bauble.
Undecided if that stylish gold signet ring is definitely classic? Do not forget that second-hand jewelry is usually labelled “property” till it’s anyplace from 20 to 50 years previous, at which level it’s often thought-about classic. Vintage items are 100 years previous or extra, and the time period “retro” is usually saved for designs influenced by the shortage of supplies throughout World Struggle II. Retro objects are additionally thought-about classic.
Lastly, don’t take the situation of any merchandise as a right, notably whenever you’re purchasing on-line. Look at photographs carefully (and ask for extra if obligatory) to examine for worn plating — particularly on white-gold items, as a result of they’re usually plated with rhodium, which is shinier — and scratches and chips on each the gems and the setting. For bigger-ticket objects, go to a jeweller post-purchase to make sure that the settings are safe so that you received’t run the chance of shedding any gems with common put on. You may additionally need to take into account having an appraisal achieved by an expert gemologist (if one wasn’t already offered) for insurance coverage functions and in case you resolve to promote (and recycle) your new treasure down the highway.
Store our upcycled and recycled jewelry picks:
CompletedWorks Recycled Gold Vermeil and Freshwater Pearl Ring
Maya Rudolph, Adwoa Aboah and Emma Watson have all been noticed in items from rising sustainable British jewelry model CompletedWorks. We notably love the elegant, natural form of this pearl ring, which was designed to signify rivers which have needed to change course as a result of results of local weather change.
Recycled Gold Vermeil and Freshwater Pearl Ring, $364, CompletedWorks + Web Maintain, accessible at Web-a-porter.
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Rolex Stainless Metal DateJust Watch
Maybe the final word standing image, this classic Rolex combines a singular rose-hued face with a traditional coin-edge bezel.
Stainless Metal DateJust Watch, $10,180, Rolex, personalized by Personal Label London and accessible at Moda Operandi.
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Cartier Clip-On Earrings
What could possibly be chicer than these botanical-themed classic Cartier ear-clips? Since you possibly can put on them with denims or a black-tie get-up with equal ease, these funding items are destined to turn out to be certainly one of your private signatures.
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Chalcedony and Diamond Clip-On Earrings, $5800, Cartier, accessible at Van Rijk.
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Emily P. Wheeler Bracelet
In case you’re going to drop severe financial institution on a tennis bracelet, why not make it one that actually stands out? This recycled gold quantity options quite a few heart-cut gems and can absolutely make you smile each time you catch a glimpse of your personal wrist.
18 Karat Recycled Gold and Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Iolite, Peridot, and Topaz Bracelet, $10,512, Emily P. Wheeler + Web Maintain, accessible at Web-a-Porter.
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Louis Abel Recycled Sterling Silver Ring
White metals are trending as soon as once more, and this recycled sterling silver ring from Swedish designer Louis Abel is the right, fashionable accompaniment to nicely… every thing.
Recycled Sterling Silver Ring, $427, Louis Abel, accessible at Moda Operandi.
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Melissa Pleasure Manning Earrings
We love this extra imaginative tackle a traditional hoop that includes pure diamonds and recycled gold. Plus, their refined dimension and wishbone-shape layer completely with different studs and huggies.
14 Karat Recycled Yellow Gold and Diamond Earrings, $1617, Melissa Pleasure Manning, accessible at Web-a-porter.
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14 Karat Yellow Gold, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Brooch
Brooches are again! This buzz-worthy pin is ideal for reworking any lapel or too-basic look into one thing actually attention-grabbing.
14 Karat Yellow Gold, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, $1090, 1st Dibs.
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Bulgari Gold Ring
This tri-coloured, second-hand ring is the right piece to stack with (and pull collectively) a number of items. Been trying to find a wonderfully distinctive marriage ceremony band? Contemplate it checked off your checklist.
18 Karat White, Rose and Yellow Gold Ring, $2346, Bulgari, accessible at Vestiaire Collective.
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This text first appeared in FASHION’s April 2024 situation. Discover out extra right here.
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