We consider antique jewelry any item that we can identify by style or craftsmanship to be at least 100 years old. We also use the U.S. Customs Service ruling as a standard on any duty free imported piece as being over 100 years old.
We consider jewelry handcrafted prior to 1949 as period items. They are not old enough to be considered antiques. Included in this category are Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Retro jewelry.
Estate jewelry is often acquired from the Estates of a deceased person. Also, included are purchases from living estates or private parties. By definition, estate jewelry has had one or more previous owners.
Items which are of a specific design of an authentic period or antique piece. Usually handmade labor-intensive craftsmanship emulates the original. These items often contain estate diamonds and gemstones.
Newly manufactured items that have characteristics of a period (Art Deco, Art Nouveau), or Antique piece. The "Old World" look.