Authenticity

OUR COMMITMENT

All items are guaranteed as stated. This includes the date or circa date of creation, the condition, the materials, stones, diamonds, and other pertinent facts.

We sell no reproduction jewelry meant to deceive. In the detailed descriptions, the dates of creation is listed. We strive to have each client delighted with every purchase and do our utmost to achieve that end.

TESTING

We employ GIA and industry-standard methodology to test precious and semi-precious gemstones, diamonds, and metals to ensure we accurately disclose in our descriptions what we present to you in our collections.

Our impressive gemological laboratory includes 10x and 20x loupes, a microscope, an electronic refractometer, a standard refractometer, an electronic gem tester for thermal conductivity, Chelsea filters, UV light testing equipment, and diamond and Moissanite testers, and we utilize other evaluations and tests appropriate for material identification.

For metals we choose the industry-standard acid testing method. We also work in conjunction with other gemologists and with gemological laboratories for certificates for gemstones and diamonds where appropriate.

ANTIQUE AUTHENTICATION

Our owner and president is a renowned and recognized authority on identifying antique and period jewelry. A frequent lecturer, she is a regular speaker at the annual Antique Jewelry & Art Conference in New York and has lectured for the prestigious GIA (Gemological Institute of America).

Spending over 30 years in the field of antique and period jewelry, she maintains a vast library of books and resources on the history of jewelry and gemology. She serves as a consultant to other dealers and historians and several of The Three Graces' offerings have been purchased or exhibited in museums in the U.S.

IMPORTANT NOTES

By their very nature, antique and estate jewelry exhibit wear appropriate to age. This is expected and desired as part of the history and fact of age. Items that are in pristine condition are often newly made in the style of an older piece. Condition is noted in our detailed description, and you are encouraged to contact us with any questions or requests for further information.

Due to the nature of antique, estate, and vintage jewelry, and unless otherwise noted, all diamond and gemstone weights, colors, and clarity grades stated in our descriptions are determined in mounting and thus approximate. Actual weights, colors, and clarity grades can vary if removed from their mountings.

Laboratory gemological certificates are provided on some items, particularly those with larger diamonds and gemstones. It is clearly stated whether stones were removed. Please remember that grading is not an exact science; it is an opinion, no matter how experienced the grader. Every stone is different, and every diamond is unique. Different graders, laboratories, and appraisers also may vary in their determinations.

In addition, please note that colored stones, pearls, and other gemstones may have been treated to enhance color, stability, or clarity. However, enhancements are not always detectable.

We do our utmost to accurately date our jewelry, although actual dating may vary. Styles lingered and persisted. Our expertise is in identifying and dating antique and period jewelry using a variety of techniques, testing, and observation. These include metalsmithing techniques, stones, and stone settings; faceting styles and techniques; construction; wear; aesthetics; materials; and more, and are placed within the context of jewelry history.