The Journal · Topic

Collecting & Value

An honest view of value: what antique jewelry holds, what it does not, how resale really works, and how to build a collection you will keep.

Edwardian ring with an old European cut diamond centre surrounded by a halo of emeralds in yellow gold
September 2026

Old European Cut Diamonds: What Actually Drives the Price

Old European cut diamonds do not price like modern rounds. How carat thresholds, spread, warm colour, recutting and the grading report really...

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Antique jewelry on green velvet in a gilt tray: a star-set gold locket, diamond cluster brooch, pear drop earrings, emerald ring, cameo and a brass loupe.
September 2026

Sourcing: How a Specific Antique Ring Actually Gets Found

You know exactly what you want and it is not for sale anywhere. Sourcing is the work of finding it — what...

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Loose old mine and old European cut diamonds on green velvet with brass calipers, a loupe and diamond cut diagrams.
September 2026

Old Mine Cut Diamonds: What Actually Drives the Price

Old mine cut diamonds do not price like modern stones, and the grading report that governs a modern diamond actively works against...

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An antique old mine cut diamond ring on green velvet beside ring sizers, a polishing cloth, a velvet pouch and a wax-sealed envelope.
September 2026

Buying Antique Jewelry Online Without Getting Burned

Almost all antique jewelry now sells online, where you cannot hold the piece or see it in daylight. The photographs to demand,...

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An antique old mine cut diamond ring on green velvet beside ring sizers, a polishing cloth, a velvet pouch and a wax-sealed envelope.
September 2026

Insuring Antique Jewelry: Appraisals, Riders, and Real Numbers

Your home insurance almost certainly does not cover the ring properly. What kind of appraisal you need, how a scheduled rider differs...

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Hands inspecting the hallmarks inside an antique gold ring with a jeweler's loupe, beside calipers and a sketchbook.
September 2026

What a Real Dealer Should Tell You Before You Buy

The difference between a good antique dealer and a bad one is not knowledge. It is what they volunteer before you ask....

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A couple wearing layered antique gold rings, bracelets and diamond necklaces, on the ZHIVA guide to whether antique jewelry is a good investment.
August 2026

Is Antique Jewelry a Good Investment? An Honest Answer

An honest look at whether antique and vintage jewelry actually holds value — what appreciates, what doesn't, the liquidity nobody mentions, and...

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A collector's hand holding an antique diamond ring, beginning a fine jewelry collection.
July 2026

How to Start an Antique Jewelry Collection (Without Getting Burned)

Most people start collecting the expensive way — they buy first and learn second. A collector's honest guide to building an antique...

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Antique, vintage, and estate rings displayed together on dark velvet, showing the difference in eras and styles.
July 2026

Antique vs. Vintage vs. Estate Jewelry: What's the Difference?

Three words, used as if they mean the same thing. They don't — and the difference changes what a piece is worth....

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