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1.
What is estate jewelry?
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Estate jewelry is a term that refers to an article of jewelry that has been previously owned regardless of it's age.
One of the many advantages of buying estate jewelry is that much of the cost has been absorbed by it's original buyer. An estate item can cost as little as 25% of it's original retail selling price. Therefore it serves as an excellent investment option when considering gold and diamonds as an investment vehicle.
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2.
Do you have a physical location?
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The Collection, Inc. is primarily a dealer to the trade. We hold public office in the heart of downtown Miami’s Jewelry District in the historical Alfred I DuPont building. Please see our Contact Us page for more information. |
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3.
What is your return policy?
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We provide a twenty-four hour inspection period, in which time you can make your decision. If you decide that you do not want the item, you may return the item in its original condition for a full refund. After forty-eight hours, a store credit will be issued for items returned within thirty days (30) from time of receipt. |
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6.
When do I get the item that I ordered?
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We will ship the item to you via United Parcel Service (UPS) second-day delivery within twenty-four hours of receipt of payment. All items are shipped with full insurance provided by Lloyds of London. |
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8.
Can my new jewelry be sized?
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Most of our ring inventory can be sized. Depending on the style of the piece, there may be a small charge incurred for sizing. For simple band-sizing, there is no charge. Many of our bracelets, necklaces and earrings can be sized or modified, again depending on style (Example: earring posts, clasps, etc.). |
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10.
Do you do repairs?
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We only repair items that were purchased from us. Please bring your item to us or send your item, via an insured method (we recommend the U.S. Post Office registered insured mail) to us. |
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11.
Do you offer appraisals?
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We offer appraisals for every item purchased from thecollectioninc.com. For items $500 or more, there is no charge. For all items under $500, the fees vary. All appraisals are done by one of three in-house GIA Graduate Gemologists. |
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12.
Do you ship internationally?
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We ship using United Parcel Service (UPS).
Importing merchandise into your country may result in additional customs, taxes, brokerage fees and/or duty fees imposed by your government upon delivery of your order. The buyer is solely responsible for any additional expenses incurred.
A note about international RETURNS: Any export duties imposed by your government are your sole responsibility. We will not absorb any of those costs when you return items to us. You may be able to recover your initial importing fees/duties when returning an item. Please check with your government about recovering those duties/fees. |
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13.
What are the differences between periods of jewelry?
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Periods of Vintage and Estate Jewelry Jewelry which is termed ‘vintage’ includes many decades or eras. Each era has many different designs. These eras include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro.
Georgian Jewelry (1714-1837)
Georgian era jewelry is handmade, making the quality of each piece variable. Needless to say, Georgian jewelry is very rare. Often featuring nature-inspired designs such as leaves and birds, Georgian jewelry frequently includes precious stones.
Early Victorian, Romantic Jewelry (1837-1850)
Like jewelry of the Georgian era, early Victorian era jewelry features nature-inspired designs. Frequently, these designs would be delicately and intricately etched into gold. Lockets and brooches were popular everyday jewelry during the early Victorian era whereas colored gemstones and diamonds were worn during the evening.
Mid-Victorian, Grand Jewelry (1860-1880)
Because the Grand or Mid-Victorian era corresponded with the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, many jewelry pieces have solemn, grave designs. Known as mourning jewelry, the pieces feature heavy, dark stones. Jet, onyx, amethyst, and garnet are frequently found in jewelry from this period. The jewelry also became especially creative during this period. More colorful designs were born featuring shells, mosaics and colorful gemstones.
Late Victorian, Aesthetic Jewelry (1885-1900)
During the Late Victorian or Aesthetic period, jewelers used diamonds and feminine, bright gemstones such as sapphire, peridot, and spinel. Star and crescent designs as well as elaborate hat pins were also popular.
Arts and Crafts Jewelry (1894-1923)
Due to the Industrial Revolution, many jewelry designers rebelled during the Arts and Crafts movement, returning to intricate jewelry designs and handmade craftsmanship. It was common for jewelry of this era to be simple in pattern, made of colorful, uncut stones.
Art Nouveau Jewelry (1895-1915)
Designed by Rene Jules Lalique in France and other jewelers in America, Art Nouveau jewelry features natural designs such as flowers and butterflies.
Edwardian Jewelry (1901-1910)
The Edwardian period was born when Queen Victoria died and her son Edward became king. During this period, expensive gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies and elaborate designs were the fashion.
Art Deco Jewelry (1920-1935)
Influenced by African, Egyptian and Japanese themes, Art Deco jewelry is famous for its geometric designs, sharp lines, and bright colors. Bakelite, celluloid, enamel and doublets were used frequently during this era. Necklaces were long and bracelets were worn many at a time. Amber and murano beads were worn as well as chokers.
Retro Jewelry (1940s)
Inspired by Hollywood, Retro jewelry is colorful, bold and elaborate. Commonly worn were large cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and charm bracelets. |
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