Estate Jewelry?

[Davey Wavy]

In looking for jewelry on Ebay, and being a complete novice, I am getting confused by the term "estate" in conjunction with a piece, whether it be a ring, necklace, or a loose stone. What, exactly, does "estate" jewelry mean? Thanks for ay help you can give me with this.

 

[glitterata]

What it's supposed to mean is that the item came from somebody's estate--that is, its previous owner died.

But ebay sellers often use the term loosely to mean "old" or "antique." Either they don't know what it really means, or they're trying to trick you into thinking that since the item comes from someone's estate, the heirs don't know what it's really worth or don't care about it, so you're going to get it cheap.

Sometimes they even say "estate style" to mean that the item is new, but looks old.

 

[Davey Wavy]

Thanks for the reply, glitterata, it was very helpful. I e-mailed the seller because he mentioned that the ring comes in different sizes, and he said he will check in his store to see if he has the size I am looking for. This indicates to me that it is a new ring, so maybe he is using the term "estate" to mean that it is an older looking/style ring. He has 99.9 percent positive feedback, so I feel like it is unlikely that he is being dishonest or selling garbage. Thanks again.

 

[glitterata]

Yes, sounds like maybe he's just using the term to mean "antique-looking."

Good luck with the auction.

 

[fire&ice]

"Estate" jewelry is a loosey goosey term simply meaning "pre-owned". If this guy is selling muliples, it either means he is *really* stretching the term or purchased old stock from a going out of business jewelry store. Either way, the stuff sounds relatively new.