How to Tell if Vintage Jewellery Is Real – A Simple Guide
Not sure if that ring you found is truly vintage? You’re not alone. With so many reproductions and vintage-style pieces on the market, it can be hard to tell what’s genuinely old and what just looks the part. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some simple ways to identify real vintage jewellery, whether you’re buying online or sorting through your own collection. Vintage jewellery carries charm, history and individuality,...
What’s the Difference Between Antique, Vintage & Secondhand Jewellery?
Last updated: August 2025 When shopping for secondhand or vintage jewellery online, you’ll often come across terms like “antique,” “vintage,” and “preloved” used interchangeably. But what do they actually mean, and why does it matter? Whether you're buying for sustainability, style, or as an investment, understanding the difference can help you shop with confidence. This guide breaks it down clearly so you know what to expect when buying antique, vintage...
Why Buying Secondhand Jewellery Is the Most Sustainable Choice
As sustainability becomes more than just a trend, many shoppers are rethinking how they buy jewellery. The rise of vintage, preloved, and secondhand jewellery offers a beautiful, ethical alternative to modern mass production. It doesn’t compromise on style or substance. Whether you’re browsing for a timeless gold ring or a one-of-a-kind silver pendant, choosing secondhand jewellery is one of the most powerful ways to support both the planet and traditional...
How to Read Hallmarks in Vintage and Secondhand Jewellery
Hallmarks are small, stamped symbols that carry a lot of meaning. For anyone interested in vintage or secondhand jewellery, learning to read these marks can offer insight into a piece’s age, origin, and authenticity. Whether you’re exploring antique fairs, shopping online, or sorting through a family collection, hallmarking is one of the most reliable ways to understand the true value of a piece. In the UK and Ireland, hallmarking...
Jewellery Symbolism Guide: Meaning Behind Popular Motifs
Last updated: August 2025 Jewellery has always been more than decoration. For centuries, it has been worn as a quiet language, telling stories of love, hope, loyalty, remembrance, and protection. Many designs carry symbolism that connects us to history and meaning, sometimes in ways we might not expect. Knowing the origins behind these motifs can help you choose a piece that resonates personally whether you're adding to a collection or...
How to Measure Your Ring Size Accurately (Even When It Changes)
Last updated: August 2025 Finding the right ring size sounds simple. Until the ring arrives and doesn’t fit. Whether you’re shopping for secondhand jewellery or investing in an antique piece, knowing your correct size is key to avoiding disappointment. But here’s the thing. Ring sizing isn’t always exact. Your fingers can change throughout the day, and even the style of the ring can affect how it fits. This guide will...
How to Identify the Date of Your Vintage Jewellery
For lovers of vintage and secondhand jewellery, every hallmark tells a story and one of the most revealing marks is the date letter. While small in size, these letters can uncover the exact year your piece was assayed, providing a reliable clue to its age. Whether you're researching a family heirloom or authenticating a market find, learning to read date letters is a powerful way to date vintage silver and gold...
Understanding Dublin Hallmarks: Irish Silver & Gold Jewellery Explained
For lovers of vintage and secondhand jewellery, hallmarks are more than just tiny symbols. They’re stamps of history, authenticity, and craftsmanship. And when it comes to Irish jewellery, few marks are as distinctive or as meaningful as those from the Dublin Assay Office. From the regal harp to the iconic Hibernia stamp, Dublin hallmarks carry centuries of significance in a space barely larger than a pinhead. If you’ve ever spotted...