Photo Credit: Maegan Tintari

Are you sick and tired of turning up at a party of special event, only to find that someone else is wearing the same earrings as you? There is nothing more embarrassing than showing off your beautiful new necklace only to find that someone else is also wearing the same one.

I am a real fan of being unique, I don’t like to be the same as everyone else. That’s why I am a real lover of vintage and antique jewellery – it’s glamorous, exciting, and best of all, the pieces are one of a kind.

The only downside to investing in pre-loved jewellery is that finding the right piece can take some time. This is especially true if you are new to the antique jewellery scene, as it can be hard knowing where to find the best pieces and how to get your hands on them.

To help you choose the perfect piece of antique jewellery, here are my top tips:

Be careful when buying online

You can pick up some amazing pieces of antique and vintage jewellery online, but it’s important to be careful of what you buy. Make sure to always read the full description of the item – any reputable seller will describe the piece in lots of detail.

If there is only a small amount of information in the description, get in touch with the company or seller for more information. The types of things that you want to look out for are things like the condition of the pieces, and how old it is.

If there isn’t a photo, don’t buy it. Don’t make the mistake of investing in a piece of jewellery if there isn’t a photograph of it, as you don’t know what you are getting. If the photo of the item is dark or blurred, make sure to ask for a more focused photograph.

Shop through antique specialists

While you can buy antique or vintage jewellery from second-hand selling sites, like eBay. It’s a better idea to look for specialist antique companies and buy through them so that you know you are getting the real deal.

There are lots of antiques stores online, so make sure to choose the store that you go through carefully. A friend of mine buys through www.LoveAntiques.com, and she says that the jewellery they offer is amazing. So I would definitely recommend taking a look at their site, as you might come across the perfect piece.

Realise that vintage jewellery won’t be perfect

It’s important to realise that while beautiful, antique jewellery won’t be in tip-top shape. Second-hand jewellery is never in brand new condition, but that doesn’t affect how great it looks with a stylish outfit.

Be willing to make an investment

Don’t make the mistake of buying cheap antique jewellery, as chances are, it won’t be the real deal. Instead, be willing to invest in the antique jewellery that you buy, so that you get a piece that will last you for years.

If you want to look different to your friends at your next special occasion, investing in a piece of vintage jewellery is a great idea.