We’ve talked about selling your silver, gold and diamonds in Washington DC and Baltimore. Even shared some great videos on the subject.

Estate Rings

However, one thing that we have not discussed is our process when buying your fine estate jewelry. Sometimes, signed jewelry and older pieces can bring big premiums. The market is very strong on larger estate jewels circa 1950 and earlier.

At Samuelson’s we are experts in all estate jewels. We are connected with the strongest cash buyers in the world on signed pieces like Cartier, Tiffany and Co, David Webb, Van Cleef and Arpels, Harry Winston and all other major designers of fine jewelry.

Historical Jewelry Periods

Georgian Estate Jewels Circa 1714 – 1830
Styles created during this period were named in honor of King George III of Great Britain. At the start of the Georgian Jewelry Period, only royalty and nobles could afford to wear elaborate jewelry. Significant motifs include bows, floral sprays and feather brooches. Designs would appear flat in design.

Victorian Jewels Circa 1837 – 1901
This romantic, grand and aesthetic period would be influenced by the taste and life of Queen Victoria and Albert. The quest for natural look would give life to Victorian Jewelry. Flower, hand and evil eye jewelry would be popular motifs. Victorian Jewelry would become more three-dimensional and natural looking.

Edwardian Jewels Circa 1901 – 1910
Edwardian Jewelry was named for King Edward VII of Great Britain. This period symbolizes a time of social change and a creation of an extraordinary wealthy upper class. Edwardian Jewelry is characterized by its use of fine pearls or diamonds set in intricate platinum designs. Platinum was the metal of choice as it could be crafted into intricate, filigree designs.

Diamond and Sapphire Deco Ring

Art Nouveau Jewels Circa 1890 – 1915
Art Nouveau jewelry is known for intense creativity, nature inspired designs and free flowing lines. Trained jeweler and designer Rene Jules Lalique’s artistic designs were in vogue. Interpretations of exotic flowers, insects and reptiles were used in soft muted tones. The Art Nouveau Jewelry Style ended with the start of World War I.

Art Deco Estate Jewelry Circa 1920 – 1930s
The term “Art Deco” was never used during this jewelry style’s creation. The origination of the term came from the large Paris exposition of 1925, The Exposition Internationale Des Arts Decoratifs. The exposition emphasized the importance of design. Bold, contrasting colors, geometric designs, concise straight lines that intersect curves and circles make this style easy to recognize. Art Deco Jewelry’s design is influenced through cubism, King Tut and the Russian Ballet.

Retro Modern Estate Jewelry Circa 1930s – 1940s
Designs representing the past and the future characterize the designs of retro modern jewelry. Jewelry would become larger, curvilinear and more three-dimensional.

We see a lot of this stuff and it often comes with Old Mine Cut diamonds and European Cut diamonds. You can see in the picture above the “open culet” in the diamond, which is typical of diamonds cut around the turn of the century.

Should you have any jewels circa 1950 or earlier that you would like evaluated and purchased in Baltimore or Washington DC, please contact us and we will be happy to inspect and offer on them.