Frequently Asked Questions

Buying Antique 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 — so Art Deco pieces from the 1920s and 1930s now sit on the cusp of being classified as antique. 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.

  • 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. If unmarked, we use industry standard practices to test gold and platinum, as well as gemstones. Our collection is curated by a GIA Diamond Graduate, bringing internationally recognised gemmological expertise to the authentication process.

  • 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. That said, we always encourage customers to buy pieces they love, rather than purely for investment purposes. The emotional value of wearing a piece of history is something no market index can measure.

  • Yes — we have been selling antique and vintage jewellery online since the early days of e-commerce and take great care to provide accurate descriptions, detailed photography, and complete transparency about each piece. Every purchase is backed by our 100% money-back guarantee: if for any reason you are not completely happy, simply return the item within 7 days for a full refund, no questions asked. We also offer free UK delivery and are always available to answer questions before you buy.

  • Our collection spans all the major jewellery eras: Georgian (1714–1837), Victorian (1837–1901), Edwardian (1901–1910), Art Nouveau (1890–1910), Art Deco (1920s–1930s), Retro (1940s), and mid-century vintage through to the last twenty years. Each era has its own distinctive design language — from the intricate closed-back settings and rose-cut diamonds of Georgian work, to the bold geometric lines and platinum settings of Art Deco. We are happy to help you identify which period suits your taste.

Vintage & Antique Engagement Rings

  • Antique engagement rings offer something modern rings simply cannot: genuine history, hand-crafted detail, and uniqueness. Many antique rings feature old cut diamonds — rose cuts, old mine cuts, and old European cuts — which have a warmer, more romantic brilliance than modern brilliant cuts. They were made in an era when jewellers worked by hand, and the craftsmanship reflects that. An antique ring is also an ethical choice: no new mining is required, and the piece already has its own story to tell.

  • Old cut diamonds are diamonds cut before the advent of modern laser-guided machinery — typically pre-1930s. The main varieties are the rose cut (a flat-based dome with facets, common in Georgian and early Victorian pieces), the old mine cut (a cushion-shaped forerunner of the modern brilliant, with a high crown and small table), and the old European cut (the immediate predecessor to the modern round brilliant, with 58 facets and a distinctive "inner fire"). Old cuts tend to have more personality than modern cuts — they play with candlelight beautifully and are increasingly sought after.

  • Most antique rings can be resized, though some intricate designs with continuous setting work around the band require more care. We offer a professional ring resizing service, which typically takes 7–10 days. Resizing is complimentary on all rings purchased over £1,000 for up to 3 sizes. For rings under £500, a resizing fee of £60 or more applies depending on the work required — please just ask us for a quote. We will always let you know if a particular ring presents any challenges before any work is undertaken.

  • Our engagement ring collection includes solitaires, three-stone rings (also known as trilogy rings), cluster rings, half-hoop rings, and dress rings that work beautifully as engagement rings. We stock pieces set with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other coloured gemstones, across all major periods. Art Deco platinum diamond solitaires are perennially popular, as are Victorian yellow gold cluster rings and Edwardian platinum and diamond rings with their characteristic milgrain and filigree work.

About Antique Jewellery Boutique

  • Our main store is based at 26–27 High Street, Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 0NF. We have been established in Hungerford for over 25 years and warmly welcome visitors. Our opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9:15am–5:30pm and Sunday 11:00am–5:00pm. We also have smaller stores in Wallingford, Henley on Thames, Tetbury & Yarnton. As our jewellery is spread across several locations, we recommend getting in touch before visiting if you have a specific piece in mind, so we can ensure it is available for you to view.

  • We are a three-generation family business with over 30 years of specialisation in antique and vintage jewellery. Our collection is curated by a GIA Diamond Graduate — a qualification from the Gemological Institute of America, the world's foremost authority on diamonds and gemstones. We combine this expertise with a personal, unhurried approach and the confidence of a full money-back guarantee on every purchase.

  • Yes — we are always interested in purchasing pre-owned jewellery. As a family business with over 25 years of specialist experience, we are well placed to assess and make offers on antique, vintage, and quality modern pieces. If you have jewellery you are looking to sell, please do get in touch with us at enquiries@antiquejewelleryboutique.com or call us on 01491 640 877 — we would be delighted to discuss your pieces and arrange a convenient time to meet, either at our Hungerford shop or by appointment.

Practical Questions

  • 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. We believe buying antique jewellery should feel as risk-free as possible.

  • Yes — we offer free UK delivery on all orders. Items are packaged securely and sent via a tracked, insured service to give you complete peace of mind. If you have any concerns about delivery or would like to arrange collection from our Hungerford shop, please get in touch and we will be happy to help.

  • Antique jewellery generally requires gentle care. Avoid exposing pieces 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, ideally in soft pouches or a lined box, to prevent scratching. For any specific care advice on a piece you have purchased from us, please don't hesitate to ask.