I adore antique jewelry, but sometimes it can be hard to find — and expensive to buy.  Here are some tips for finding antique jewelry, preferably at a good price.

• Avoid the usual suspects.  Jewelry stores, even antique jewelry stores, tend to mark up their prices considerably.  You are paying for their name and their specialty nature as well as for your jewelry.
• Haunt the pawn shops.  It isn’t unusual for people to sell gold for cash at a pawn shop.  Every once in a while you will get a truly unique vintage or antique piece at a pawn shop, usually for considerably less than an overpriced antique store would charge, since their prices are typically based on the value of gold.
• Check garage sales and thrift shops.  Again, it is unusual for these types of places to sell something truly valuable, but the way you find a treasure is by searching often.  The good news about finding something in one of these places is that the price tag will most likely be extremely affordable!
• Shop online.  Online community boards and auction sites such as eBay can be great places to find antique jewelry.  Oftentimes you will find sellers here who want to sell gold jewelry, but for whatever reason (usually a need for some fast money) prefer to sell it quickly without the hassle of going through a consignment shop or a pawn shop.  Of course, there is some risk involved with buying jewelry you have never set eyes on, which is why you should always buy from reputable sellers or via sites such as eBay that offer buyer protections.

Part of being able to get really good prices on antique jewelry is being able to recognize a piece when others don’t.  Here is a page on the history of antique jewelry that will help you to learn about the different styles that were popular over the years.

Good luck and happy hunting!

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