Have Confidence in Your Vintage or Second Hand Jewellery

Over the last few years, vintage and second hand jewellery has become much more prevalent on the high street.

Many high street jewellers now have an area of their window which is reserved for “pre-owned” jewellery.  This is generally the same in the case of watches.

As the cost of living costs increase, jewellery is one item which, due to it also being traded as a commodity has a specific value in the market.

Consumers may look to trade pieces in to raise some capital meaning that with an influx of jewellery into the market, there are some good deals available.

However, this is an area where consumers need to tread carefully.  It is always advisable that you purchase from a reputable jeweller to ensure you are buying what you believe it to be.

Many jewellers and pawnbrokers send their jewellery to be tested to one of the four UK Assay Offices.  As the pieces may be old, they may have undergone transformations over the years.  The testing carried out on second hand jewellery is more rigorous, as it tests all the different elements to double check they meet up to the fineness for which it is hallmarked.  There is an exception to this rule as follows:  if a product was manufactured before the year 1950 and has not been the subject of any alteration - this would be an improper alteration if the article had previously borne approved hallmarks. 

If you would like to discuss this in further detail, please contact us on info@assayoffice.co.uk or call us on 0114 231 2121.

It is also important that any diamonds contained in the jewellery are natural.  This is something that we are able to test at Sheffield Assay Office through our Diamond Verification Services division.  If you would like to confirm any pieces you have purchased are natural then please contact us regarding the services we offer at www.diamondverificationservices.co.uk.

Diamond Verification Services is a completely independent organisation owned by Sheffield Assay Office. Offering state of the art technology we help our customers buy and sell diamond products with complete confidence, and provide a quick and easy process to confirm a diamond's true origin. For more information about how Diamond Verification Services can help you as a retailer or purchaser, please contact us on email at info@diamondverificationservices.co.uk or call +44 (0)114 2312121.