Are you confused by the terms antique, vintage or estate when it comes to jewelry? So what are the definitions? Just remember the 100/25 rule and its easy. Generally accepted is that antique jewelry is at least 100 years old. That means that an item was created and made long ago and not produced last week to look old. It doesn’t matter if it is a ring, bracelet, necklace or earrings, the age is what matters.
Vintage jewelry dates to at least 25 years of age or older. If it was designed and manufactured 25-100 years ago, it falls in the vintage category.
Estate jewelry is a broad term and at its simplest is anything not brand new. If you purchased a ring last year and sell it today, that is now an estate piece.
Don't hesitate to ask the store whether online, or brick and mortar, the actual age of a piece of jewelry. A knowledgeable expert has the resources to date something to within 10-20 years.
