What is the difference between antique and vintage jewellery?

Antique jewellery is generally defined as any piece that is 100 years old or more, meaning it was made before the 1920s. Vintage jewellery typically refers to pieces that are at least 20-30 years old but less than 100 years old. At Antique Jewellery Boutique, we specialise in both, covering eras from Georgian and Victorian through to Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and mid-century vintage.

How do I know if antique jewellery is genuine?

Authentic antique jewellery typically carries hallmarks stamped by assay offices, which confirm the metal type and purity, and in many cases the year and location of manufacture. British gold and silver pieces almost always carry Birmingham, London, Edinburgh, or Sheffield hallmarks. Our collection is curated by a GIA Diamond Graduate, bringing internationally recognised gemmological expertise to the authentication process.

Is antique jewellery a good investment?

Antique jewellery has historically held its value well, particularly pieces with strong provenance, fine gemstones, or rarity of design. Unlike mass-produced modern jewellery, antique pieces are by definition finite - no more can be made. We always encourage customers to buy pieces they love, rather than purely for investment purposes, but our GIA-trained team can advise on the characteristics that tend to support long-term value.

Why choose an antique engagement ring over a modern one?

Antique engagement rings offer genuine history, hand-crafted detail, and uniqueness. Many feature old cut diamonds - rose cuts, old mine cuts, and old European cuts - which have a warmer, more romantic brilliance than modern brilliant cuts. An antique ring is also an ethical choice: no new mining is required, and the piece already has its own story to tell.

What is an old cut diamond?

Old cut diamonds are diamonds cut before the advent of modern laser-guided machinery, typically pre-1930s. The main varieties are the rose cut, the old mine cut, and the old European cut. Old cuts tend to have more personality than modern cuts, playing beautifully with candlelight, and are increasingly sought after in antique and vintage engagement rings.

Can antique engagement rings be resized?

Most antique rings can be resized, though some intricate designs require more care. We offer a professional ring resizing service taking 7-10 days. Resizing is complimentary on rings purchased over £1,000. For rings under £500, a resizing fee of £60 or more applies. We will always advise you of any challenges before any work is undertaken.

Where is Antique Jewellery Boutique located?

We are based at 26-27 High Street, Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 0NF. We are open Monday to Saturday 9:15am-5:30pm and Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm. We have been established in Hungerford for over 25 years and warmly welcome visitors.

What is your returns policy?

We offer a 100% no-quibble money-back guarantee on every item. If you are not completely happy with your purchase, return it within 7 days for a full refund. For gifts purchased between 1st December and 24th December, we extend our exchange and refund period through to 31st January.

Do you offer free delivery on antique jewellery?

Yes - we offer free UK delivery on all orders. Items are packaged securely and sent via a tracked, insured service. We also offer the option to collect from our Hungerford shop by appointment.

How do I care for antique jewellery?

Avoid exposing antique jewellery to harsh chemicals, perfumes, and cleaning products - always put jewellery on last when getting ready. Clean gold jewellery with warm water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for pieces with fragile settings, enamel, or antique foil-backed stones. Store pieces individually in soft pouches or a lined box to prevent scratching.

Do you buy pre-owned jewellery?

Yes — we are always interested in purchasing pre-owned jewellery. As a family business with over 25 years of specialist experience and a GIA Diamond Graduate on our team, we are well placed to assess and make offers on antique, vintage, and quality modern pieces. Please get in touch at enquiries@antiquejewelleryboutique.com or call 01491 640 877 to discuss your pieces.

Sapphire & Diamond Earrings

£1,199.00

A beautiful pair of cluster earrings featuring central bezel-set oval sapphires totalling approximately 1.2ct, surrounded by a scalloped halo of diamonds totalling approximately 0.72ct across both earrings. Tested as 14ct gold, the vintage-style milgrain detailing and flower-like outline of the halo give these earrings a romantic, antique-inspired character.

About Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Earrings

A cluster earring surrounds a central gemstone with a halo of smaller stones, a design that has remained a firm favourite since the Edwardian and Art Deco eras for the way it maximises both colour and sparkle. Sapphire, a variety of corundum ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, pairs particularly well with diamonds in this style, as its rich blue tone is thrown into relief by the surrounding brilliance.

The scalloped, flower-like outline seen on this halo, along with the fine beaded milgrain edging, is a detail strongly associated with antique and vintage-style jewellery, adding texture and a sense of craftsmanship to the design. Sapphire and diamond cluster earrings are a popular choice for both everyday elegance and special occasions, offering a timeless alternative to plain diamond studs while remaining versatile enough to suit a wide range of outfits.

Store Location: Hungerford

Gemstones: Approximately 1.2ct oval cut blue sapphires, diamonds approximately 0.72ct total.

Hallmarks: Unmarked, tested as 14ct gold. With 9ct gold butterfly backs.

Measurements: 12mm top to bottom by 10mm wide.

Item Code: LM1