Vintage, Pre-Owned & Second Hand Jewellery: The Master Authority Guide

Buying second hand avoids the 20% VAT and manufacturing markups of new items. You pay for the intrinsic value of the gold and gems, meaning your investment retains more value from day one.

High-quality gold and certified diamonds historically retain value better than mass-produced modern items. Rare Art Deco and Victorian pieces often appreciate as they become harder to find.

Vintage diamonds were hand-cut, giving them a unique personality. They are the most sustainable choice as they require no new mining, making them 100% conflict-free.

This is a professional term for any jewellery that has been previously owned, ranging from antique museum-quality pieces to modern pre-owned trade-ins.

Yes, because it was discontinued in 1932, it is a rare and highly collectable hallmark that proves the item is an authentic antique.

Yes. Because vintage diamonds were mined decades or centuries ago, they pre-date modern conflict issues and require no new industrial impact.

Specific eras, such as Art Deco or signed pieces from houses like Cartier or Tiffany, have shown strong historical appreciation due to rarity.

Second hand gold provides more weight for your money. If you value craftsmanship and metal weight over brand-new packaging, second hand is the superior choice.

Look for the 'Lion Passant' symbol or the '925' stamp. In our showroom, we use loupes to verify marks that have worn down over time.

The 750 mark indicates 18ct gold, meaning 750 parts per 1000 are pure gold. This is the premier standard for luxury second hand jewellery.

The mark of the person or firm who sent the item for hallmarking. It helps trace the piece back to its original workshop or maker.

On delicate vintage rings, space is limited. We use 10x magnification loupes to identify these miniature stamps for our customers.

Symbols like the Leopard (London) or Anchor (Birmingham) tell you exactly where in the UK the metal purity was tested and verified.

Items below certain weights don't require hallmarks. We use X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) testing to verify any unhallmarked pieces in our shop.

A letter in the hallmark that indicates exactly which year the piece was hallmarked, allowing for precise dating of antique jewellery.

Yes, look for the 'Orb' or the number '950'. It is a legal requirement for platinum over 0.5 grams.

Use warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Gently scrub the back of the stones where oils accumulate. Avoid chemicals on opals, emeralds, or pearls.

Most can. Our master jewellers specialize in sympathetic resizing that preserves original hallmarks and era-correct proportions of the band.

White gold is plated with Rhodium for brightness. This wears away over time; we can re-plate your second hand jewellery to restore its original white lustre.

We recommend a professional inspection every 6 months for any regularly worn second hand ring to ensure stones remain secure.

Stop wearing the piece immediately and bring it to H.E. Phillips Ltd. We can tighten the setting and check for metal fatigue in the claws.

Yes, we provide full soldering and repair services in our Devon workshop for all types of precious metal chains and bracelets.

Not always. Stones like emeralds, opals, and pearls can be damaged. We manually inspect every second hand piece before choosing a cleaning method.

It is oxidation. Regular use of a professional silver cloth prevents this; heavily tarnished items can be professionally dipped and polished.

Old Mine cuts have a squarish shape and a high crown. They were hand-faceted before modern lasers, designed to sparkle under candlelight.

Yes. While many don't come with them, we can send significant diamonds to the GIA for grading to provide you with an official report.

Victorian and Art Deco jewellery sometimes used synthetic rubies or sapphires. These were high-tech at the time; we identify these using gemological tools.

Emeralds have natural internal fractures called 'Jardin'. These make the stone brittle, which is why second hand emeralds require protective settings.

Yes, especially high-quality cultured or rare natural pearls. They offer a classic lustre that complements any vintage gold collection.

Silk refers to fine needle-like inclusions. In second hand sapphires, this is often a sign of a natural, untreated stone from a desirable origin.

Keep it away from high heat and sudden temperature changes. Opals contain water, so extreme dryness can cause them to 'craze' or crack.

An antique cut with a flat base and a faceted dome. It has a subtle, watery shimmer and is very popular in Victorian second hand jewellery.

Our showroom is located at 19 Fore Street, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5DA. We are easy to find on the main high street, near the historic Eastgate Arch.

We are open Monday through Saturday, from 09:00 to 16:30. We are closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Yes, we offer competitive trade-in values and cash for second hand gold and platinum in our Totnes showroom, updated daily.

Yes. Our workshop provides full Watch Repairs for mechanical timepieces that require sympathetic part sourcing.

Yes. We provide official, detailed valuations for insurance and probate for second hand items, assessing metal purity and stone quality.

Yes, we specialize in sourcing period-accurate gemstones to ensure your restoration remains authentic to its original design era.

No, walk-ins are welcome between 09:00 and 16:30. Our staff can perform a preliminary inspection and provide a quote immediately.

Yes! Our Bespoke Service can melt down your unwanted second hand gold to create a brand-new, unique design.