Authenticity & Certification

Every piece at The Antique Parlour is one of a kind, and we know that buying fine antique jewelry online — especially an engagement ring in the thousands of dollars — comes with real questions. This page explains how we authenticate, grade, and stand behind what we sell.

How We Authenticate Age and Period

Dating antique jewelry is a craft built on decades of hands-on experience, not guesswork. For every piece we acquire, we examine construction techniques, metal composition, hallmarks and maker's marks, setting styles, and cutting techniques on the stones themselves to determine the era in which it was made — Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, or Retro. While we cannot guarantee an exact manufacture date for pieces without a hallmark or engraving, we identify the period to the best of our expert ability and describe it accurately in every listing.

GIA Grading on Our Diamonds

Many of our diamonds — including a number of our engagement rings — are independently graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the industry's leading authority on diamond grading. A GIA report documents a diamond's carat weight, cut, color, and clarity based on laboratory analysis, giving you an objective, third-party record of exactly what you're buying.

Where a piece includes GIA grading, it's noted directly in the product title and listing. If you don't see "GIA" mentioned on a listing, feel free to contact us and we'll let you know what documentation, if any, is available for that specific stone.

Appraisals for Insurance

We're happy to provide a written appraisal for any piece you purchase, suitable for insurance purposes. Simply request one at checkout and we'll prepare it for you.

Provenance

Antique and estate jewelry passes through many hands over the decades, and a complete ownership history is rarely available — even for museum-quality pieces. What we can tell you with confidence is what a piece is made of, when it was likely made, and how it was constructed, based on physical examination by our team. Where a piece carries an engraving, inscription, or other trace of its past, we note it in the listing, because we think those details matter too.

Our Guarantee

We stand behind the authenticity and quality of every item we sell. If you have any concern about a piece after it arrives, our return policy gives you a window to send it back. We'd also rather answer a question before you buy than after — if anything on a listing is unclear, reach out and we'll walk you through exactly what you're getting.