What is estate jewelry?  At Eichhorn Jewelry we are asked that everyday.   While most people think estate means antique, very few pieces are truly antique (at least 100 years old).  Although we sell antique jewelry, those pieces are much more rare in good condition and highly sought after by collectors.  We even have a waiting list of people searching for certain antique pieces for their personal collections!   We welcome your request to be added to our list.  You may fax your request to 260-724-9483 or email them to Eileen at firstingems@netscape.net

For the most part, "estate" means "previously owned".   Although, on occasion, a jeweler will close their shop and have never worn pieces of jewelry of other eras that simply did not sell because they were hidden in a drawer or kept in the vault.  By the same token, new pieces of jewelry have recently appeared in some auctions and been referred to as "estate" to when it would not be accurate to describe them in that manner. 

Eichhorn Jewelry, Inc. has one of the best collections of estate jewelry in the Midwest.  Acquiring for nearly 20 years, some of the estate jewelry is purchased from individuals who have no desire for vintage styles.   Also, customers inherit jewelry from relatives that they may have never known.   Most of the pieces are trade-ins.  Some were even purchased locally at one of several fine area jewelry stores that no longer exist.  A few come in the original box with the sales receipt!  We are happy to take in trade those pieces that were sold by, or, perhaps, even custom made by us.  Since we have been in business since 1965, we have inventory records to substantiate most of our sales.  

Most people unfamiliar with our estate jewelry will find an enormous dichotomy in the selection.  There are bygone designer pieces from the 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's in rhinestone jewelry as well as karat gold and sterling 20's pieces.  The difference in our estate jewelry is that we have examined each piece carefully making needed repairs and restorations to make the piece as similar as possible to the way it would have been when new.  When the item cannot be adequately prepared for resale, it is so marked "as is" and priced accordingly.  Sometimes a "betterment" or "marriage" had been previously done by someone else that would be uneconomical to reverse.  That would be noted also. 

Click here to see more information on the Periods of Antique & Estate Jewelry.

We pride ourselves in full disclosure of all details that our customers have come to know and trust.  Anything we sell in our estate collection is marked with metal content as well as the identification of the gemstones.  Dealers love to shop us telling us that we have a remarkable grouping.   Some dealers even purchase entire lots prior to us selling individually.  We welcome all inquires although this method is on a first come first served basis.  We have sorted lots for customers that they may wish to either keep themselves or attempt to sell on their own.  We charge hourly sorting fees, gem identification fees, and will appraise upon request. 

Shop our estate section! (click here)