How to Spot Reproductions and Fakes
A while back a Japanese investor paid $80 million for a van Gogh painting, the most anyone has ever paid for fine art. However, there are at least two other copies of the same painting in museums, and they claim that their's is the original. The experts disagree. Authentication is a difficult but interesting field.
You can become an expert in any field through study, observation and experience. But to start out you need to buy from people you can trust. Never buy from someone who does not give a money back guarantee. Then take your purchase to at least one other knowledgeable person for a second opinion, and return the piece if it does not pan out to be as represented.
Common sense will carry you quite a distance. I happened by another dealer's booth at an antique show. He had cases of reproduction silver and marcasite jewelry on display, and was holding up one piece to a couple saying that it was so rare he was sending it to the Smithsonian for evaluation and appraisal. All his jewelry was bright and shiny and crudely made. Anyone with half their senses could see that it was new and obviously reproduction.
Along with common sense you need knowledge and experience. This comes from reading books on vintage and antique jewelry, and visiting antique shops and shows, estate jewelry dealers and auction houses. Examine the pieces that interest you carefully. Look for tarnish, dirt and other signs of wear and age. Ask questions about the age, style, and materials that make up the piece. Find out what they look for to authenticate the piece, and have them point out those items on the jewelry you are looking at. Most dealers will be glad to share their knowhow. Balance your reading with your visits so that you apply what you have learned as you learn it. Keep this up and you will soon become an expert yourself.
Buy what you like if the price appears okay. Don't be afraid of making mistakes, we all make them, but learn from them. Have fun with it. It can be a great hobby and even a profitable business.
You are invited to visit our online store with photos of a number of antique jewelry pieces along with descriptions that are as accurate as possible. This will help you to familarize yourself to the various styles of jewelry through the ages. Just go to: