FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Estate jewelry is a term which, as a rule, refers to a previously owned jewelry article, regardless of its age. One of the numerous advantages of estate jewelry lies in the fact that a great portion of the cost has already been absorbed by its original owner. In certain cases an estate item could cost as little as 25% of its original retail price. It therefore serves as an excellent investment option when choosing to invest in gold and/or diamonds.

The difference between antique, vintage, and estate jewelry is driven by the age of the piece. Antique jewelry refers to pieces dating back to the Art Deco era (1920-1935) or earlier. Vintage jewelry refers to pieces that are between 50 and 100 years old. Certain eras with distinct styles may be referred to as vintage even if the jewelry from that time is not yet fifty years old. Estate jewelry refers to pieces which have been previously owned. This jewelry is usually acquired from estates and is often antique or vintage in nature. If you would like to sell your own jewelry, please call or text us at (407) 205-8960, send a email to sales@foxestatejewelry.com, or click here to start the process.

Jewelry has been defined by time and style in a variety of forms, reflected throughout the centuries by master craftsmen around the universe. Below you will find the the chronological order of distinct jewelry styles: Georgian Period: 1714-1830 Early Victorian Period: 1837-1860 Mid-Victorian Period: 1860-1880 Late Victorian Period 1880-1901 Art Nouveau Period: 1880-1914 Arts and Crafts Period: 1890-1914 Edwardian Period: 1901-1910 Art Deco Period: 1920-1935 Retro Period: 1940’s Modern Period: 1945 to Present Georgian Period 1714-1830 The production of Georgian jewelry commenced and continued throughout the reign of the ‘four Georges’ in Great Britain, hence the term Georgian applied to jewelry produced in that era which encompassed most of the 18th century and the first quarter of the 19th century. Georgian jewelry was entirely handmade and therefore of individualistic design. Rose-cut diamonds and other precious stones were primarily applied to items inspired by nature. Motifs frequently used were flowers, leaves, birds, feathers and ribbons. Early Victorian Period 1837-1860 This period commenced as Victoria became Queen of England at the age of eighteen. Victoria’s great love for jewelry contributed to the development of numerous styles throughout her reign. The Queen’s style became an important influence on fashion. Her jewels in particular were carefully copied by the Court and the rest of Society. Jewels were worn in great abundance and intimate jewels expressing sentiments were in vogue. The Industrial Revolution brought with it the invention and development of new tools and greater scope of mining precious stones, hence enabling production of jewelry items in greater quantities. The dominant jewelry styles during the early Victorian period resembled those of the preceding Georgian era, featuring scroll work, stylized floral sprays, animal themes and artistic gold works enhanced with colored gemstones. Mid-Victorian or Grand Period 1860-1885 The mid-Victorian period coincided with the demise of Queen Victoria’s husband and witnessed a variety of solemn pieces of jewelry some of which were termed as ‘mourning jewelry’ set primarily with jet and black onyx. Day jewelry of this period consisted of classical motifs made of mosaics, sea shells, agate and jasper, often adorned with amethyst. Diamonds and other faceted sparkling gems were used exclusively for evening wear. The latter were often set in highly detailed, Etruscan style mountings. Stars were among the common motifs for jewelry. Almost every locket, every brooch or bracelet had pearl, diamond or enamel star at the center. A further characteristic of the 1860’s and 1870’s was the taste for ‘novelty jewelry’. In the mid 1860’s naivete and frivolousness invaded jewelry design : earrings assumed the shape of windmills, baskets of flowers, animals and many other items net hitherto appeared in the world of jewelry fashion. Late Victorian or Aesthetic Period 1885-1900 The more liberated women emerging during the 1880’s contributed to drastic changes in fashion and the desire for finer and more feminine colors in jewelry. Fancy-colored sapphires became the stones of choice, accompanied by peridot and spinel. Diamonds gained greater popularity during this period, while the Suffragettes introduced for the first time the concept of linking wedding ring expenditure to salary! Arts and Crafts Movement 1894-1923 During this period jewelers rebelled against the mass production of the Victorian era. They argued that there had been a tremendous loss of craftsmanship and quality, encouraging g the formation of Art Guilds and the Arts & Crafts Exhibition Society. Pieces of jewelry were then handmade by craftsmen using mainly uncut and cabochon stones in bright colors. Jewelry emphasis was on simple and functional designs with straight lines and angular forms. Art Nouveau Period 1890-1915 The latter part of the 19th century indicated a greater change. The Art Nouveau movement was defined largely for the work of Alfonse Mucha, whose expressive art could be characterized as having a ‘flowing theme of feminine figures, stylized flowers, scrolls and insects in beautiful enamels’. Rene Jules Lalique led the French in Art Nouveau jewelry, while Louis Comfort Tiffany became the first American jeweler best known for his designs in the Art Nouveau era. These graceful designs which became influential throughout Europe in the 1900’s, are still highly desirable and collectible but not often easy to find at affordable prices! Edwardian Jewelry 1901-1910 The term ‘Edwardian’ refers to the reign of Queen Victoria’s son Edward who succeeded his mother in 1901. High society was in full swing during this period, with lavish jewelry becoming the style. The heavy gold settings of the Victorian era were replaced by platinum which enabled the creation of lacy and delicate designs. Edwardian jewelry was primarily inspired by decorative motifs, such as Marie Antoinette’s jewelry which featured an array of garlands, wreaths, bows and tassels, often with open work design of scalloped edges and mille-grain embellishments. Art Deco Jewelry 1920-1935 Derived from the famous 1925 “Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes”, held in Paris, which dedicated a substantial part of the exhibition to jewelry, the term ‘Art Deco’ manifested itself between the two World Wars. Influenced by the Far and Middle East, the Romans and the Egyptians, Art Deco rose like ‘the phoenix from the ashes of the First World War’. Distant and exotic civilizations also inspired many creations of avant-garde and even more conservative jewelers. The Persian style revived by Paul Poiret around 1910 remained in vogue while Persian carpets and miniatures supplied a rich source of inspiration for chromatic combinations and decorative motifs. Geometrical patterns and the combination of contrasting colors were the main features of Art Deco Jewelry. Diamonds and platinum were used, irrespective of their costs and gemstones were cut into triangles, trapezoids, oblong shapes and emerald cuts. Oriental jade and coral were carved in oriental style for pendants, bracelets and earrings. Aquamarines, topaz and citrine were also amongst popular semi-precious stones of the Art Deco period. Art Deco jewelry was mainly dominated by French designers, such as Cartier, Boucheron and Fouquet to name only a few of the most outstanding ones. Retro or Modern Period 1940’s The flamboyant curves and bows and often bold and colorful pieces of jewelry characterize the styles of this era. Nickel being in short supply due to its use in the production of arms, copper was widely used as a substitute. A popular stone of this period was the caliber-cut ruby or even the synthetic ruby, often channel set as an expression of curvature and color. The Retro style of jewelry remains popular to the present day and is available at affordable prices.

Rubies, sapphires and emeralds are precious gemstones. All other gemstones are referred to as semi-precious.

Rhodium plating is what makes your white gold rings look bright white and shiny. Since white gold is not naturally white, a jeweler will rhodium plate the piece, after polishing, to give it a bright white shiny finish again. Rhodium plating is not permanent and will wear off over time. It is recommended that you have your jewelry polished and rhodium plated once every six to eight months.

We continuously strive to offer our customers the most exceptional jewelry and customer service. We stand behind the authenticity and quality of each item we sell; however, if you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, please contact us within seven (7) days of receiving your item at which time we will provide you with return instructions. Please note sized rings or altered merchandise is not refundable.

White gold is pure gold that is mixed with alloys to give it a white color. Platinum is pure metal that is naturally white and much more durable and stronger than white gold.

Yes, absolutely, we are happy to guide you on your selling journey as well. Below is a list of items we typically buy, and if your item does not fall into the categories below, we can still help you determine the best route. We buy the following items: Vintage and Antique Jewelry Modern and Contemporary Jewelry Loose or Mounted Diamonds .50 Ct. or Over Loose or Mounted Colored Stones 1ct. or Over Fine Watches of Any Time Period Scrap Metal: Gold, Platinum, Silver, Palladium Broken Jewelry Our conveniently located buying office offers a safe, secure, and private space to meet with you one-on-one to discuss your pieces and make you an offer without any obligation to sell. To schedule your consultation, contact us today. Call or text us at (407) 205-8960, send a email to sales@foxestatejewelry.com, or click here to start the process.

Unfortunately at current time we do not ship internationally, however, we are happy to offer free shipping on all purchases within contiguous United States.