The age jewelry has to be to be classified as antique is not set in stone, but generally, vintage jewelry can be called antique jewelry at 100 years of age. The majority of antique jewelry that has survived the passage of time has been handed down in families thus making the pieces far more valuable than their monetary price suggests.

However, there still are a few places you can find antique jewelry. Now all you need to do is learn how to determine the price and authenticity so you don't get ripped off.

There are jewelers that specialize in antique jewelry, and even though their prices may be high, it is worth investigating to gain experience on the market value of various pieces.

To be a serious buyer and collector of antique jewelry, you have to know your pieces and what to look for. Otherwise you can easily be fooled into buying a modern piece that just looks old. Unfortunately there is no quick way to acquire this knowledge. Although you might want to look into adult classes at the college or adult education center and see if they happen to offer a class on antique jewelry. Chances are you will be on your own though. And in this case, experience is the best teacher.

Auction houses are the ideal place to begin your education on antique jewelry. By seeing the pieces in person, reading the proper descriptions, and then finding out the going price and demand for the pieces, you will gain a real world education in antique jewelry that will make you a pro in no time.

Antique jewelry is often made from the highest quality of materials at a high level of craftsmanship. This is actually what helps the piece to survive the ravages of time and go on to become an antique piece of jewelry.