Modern vs. Antique: Clues in the Clasps
Here’s a tip for spotting a genuine antique piece online: get to know the difference between modern and antique dog clips and bolt rings. I've seen countless "antique" chains that are actually modern reproductions.
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Antique Dog Clips: These are typically shorter and have a distinct, bulbous shape, widening at the base.
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Post 1970 Dog Clips: These are much longer and narrower, with a more streamlined design. Often, when you look down into the mechanism it is open, whereas antique are closed
When it comes to bolt rings, the key is the closing mechanism.
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Antique Bolt Rings: The metal simply meets and closes. There's no "pocket" or hollow tube for the metal to slide into.
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Modern Bolt Rings: The metal of the bolt continues up into a hollow tube or "pocket." In my experience, if a bolt ring has this feature, it's not truly antique.
Similarly, it is common to see quality vintage jewellery being sold as antique. One key to spotting this is the hallmark style. For example, a vintage bracelet might have a crown followed by ".375" for 9 carat gold. While the piece may look antique and is solidly made, this specific combination of hallmarks was only used from 1974, making the piece vintage, not antique.
By learning to recognize these small but important details, you can become a more savvy jewellery collector, ensuring you get exactly what you pay for, whether you're searching for antique gold or a beautiful vintage find.
