I've been gifted £500 inheritance from my Nanna & would like to buy a piece of jewellery.

[barbieisaskinnybitch]

I posted this on chat & love the answers suggesting a piece of jewellery. She would have approved of this! Does anyone know of vintage/antique/just 'special' sites where I can start my search?

I'd have a look at some Tiffany if it was me, some lovely things if you like it

No idea on antique sites, sorry.

THB I think you need to see antique jewelery in the flesh before you buy. No harm in orienting yourself in terms of style and period but I really wouldn't want to buy something so sentimentally important on line.

Maybe also look into commissioning a piece?

If I were you, I'd buy at auction. £500 will get you quite a lot. You'll be amazed.

Get a few local auction house catalogues. If you know someone who has a bit of experience and knows what to look for take them along on the viewing days. (Always, always, make sure you've viewed/tried on properly - so take or borrow an eyeglass.)

If you get outbid, just go another day. Enjoy it!

Antique is such a good idea because not just is it made beautifully, you get much better value for money to, especially with gold and it really holds its value. Most independent jewelers will have a range of antique jewellery and there usually very helpful might be best if spending that much money you go to a shop and have a chat to someone who knows.

I think this is a great idea btw, really lovely.

It's a bit overwhelming - the pressure to get it 'right' and not let her down.

I buy lots and lots from ebay.

How about a piece from her year of birth (1911?)
here

Just bye something you love and chances are if you go to some nice jewellers something will pop out at you. Rings are always a nice thing to buy and the risk of losing/breaking them is so much smaller.

Oh Laurie that is so lovely to take the time to search for that! Yes it is 1911 she was born - 03/05/11. I always loved that my birthday was in May, the same as hers :)

Any sellers you particularly recommend laurie ??

Nope, total shopping tart, buy from anyone

If you search for 1911 in jewellery and then tick the box underneath which searches anywhere in the description you can find lots of pieces in that year. An antique shop would be more expensive but at least you would see it in real life. I actually bought my engagement ring from eBay and drove 40 miles to take a look before buying.

There is one guy on eBay that always has nice stuff, think he's captain antique diamonds ? I'm on my Phone now so can't search but I think he has an actual shop.

I thought of one other thing which might be nice, your nan was born at the end of the art nouveau era so you could buy a beautiful solid silver nouveau frame and put a lovely black and White picture in it of her? If you're lucky you could get a 1911 hallmarked frame.

I'd recommend speaking to your local jewellers, they'll be able to tell you what you should be getting for your money.
Remember the price of gold has went up so it means you could get a rubbish deal.

I'd second an auction, as it's quite a fun day out but make sure you have an idea in your head what certain stone sizes etc are worth so that you don't pay over the odds.

the pearl jewellery my mum left me are just classic elegance.they are timeless and always beautiful

Can't make any antique recommendations but if you want something unusual I can highly recommend Boticca DH bought me a gorgeous pendant for my 40th from here.

Have you looked on Etsy? I have seen some stuuning pieces on there.

what's Etsy,frid?
emeralds are also getting rarer,,something old emerald and pearl!

I can't find captain antique diamonds?? Not sure how to search for sellers

Thanks tulpe lovely stuff on Boticca

Thanks for all your help ladies, in the end I've chosen a vintage Rolex watch in 9k gold.

I think Nanna would approve :)