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The more you know about vintage jewelry, the more you will appreciate its value.
We love taking time to help you learn what makes a good value purchase and, if you are a collector, to obtain research information.
Here are a few of the questions we are most often asked:

1. What is the difference between antique and estate jewelry?
2. How is the age and value of the jewelry verified?
3. How do your prices compare to the retail appraised value?
4. What is filigree?
5. Why is platinum so popular today?
6. Where does the store obtain its jewelry?

1. What is the difference between antique and estate jewelry?

Technically, any piece of jewelry more than 100 years old is considered antique. Often people describe jewelry of more recent periods -- Art Deco, Edwardian, etc. -- as antique in a general sense. Estate jewelry refers to jewelry that was previously owned and loved, regardless of age or era.

2. How is the age and value of the jewelry verified?

Most of our fine jewelry includes a written appraisal by an independent, certified appraiser. This document both authenticates the piece, its value, and helps to establish a selling price.

3. How do your prices compare to the retail appraised value?

Purchasing antique and estate jewelry is a value-driven transaction. Alana has a national reputation for selling jewelry at substantially less than retail value for comparable items.

4. What is filigree?

Filigree is a style of mounting which was very popular from 1900 to 1930. It is a decorative design of twisted, thin platinum, white or yellow gold, which is prized for its very precise, intricate craftsmanship.

5. Why is platinum so popular today?

The scarcity -- and hardness -- of any precious metal influences its value. Platinum is about 40 percent denser than gold, so it is much more durable. Purity is another factor: 14 karat gold is about 58% gold; platinum is about 95% pure platinum. (About three tons of gold ore are mined to obtain an ounce of gold, but more than ten tons of platinum ore are mined to obtain an ounce of platinum!)

6. Where does the store obtain its jewelry?

Alana purchases both fine jewelry and costume jewelry from estate sales, attorneys, bank trust departments, antique dealers and from individuals like you -- our customers.