What is the difference between vintage and second-hand jewelry?

Are you looking for a unique piece of jewelry with soul and history? Then you may have come across the terms vintage and second-hand . Although they are often used interchangeably, there is a big difference between a casually used piece of jewelry and an Arven Vintage piece of jewelry – especially when it comes to quality, materials and trust.

Vintage vs used jewelry – what's the difference?

When you buy second-hand, for example at a flea market, in a second-hand store or online, you are often buying "as is". The piece of jewelry may be dirty, worn, missing parts or made of unknown materials. You have to assess the quality and materials yourself, and it takes experience to know what you are actually getting.

A used piece of jewelry often has:

• Not rated for quality

• Wear, defects or need for repair

• Uncertain origin and value

• Lack of stamps or may be made of fake metal

• No warranty, service or maintenance

A vintage piece of jewelry from Arven, on the other hand, is something a little different…

What characterizes an Arven Vintage piece of jewelry?

At Arven, vintage means more than just old. It means carefully selected, controlled and restored – with pride in craftsmanship and sustainability at its core. A true vintage piece of jewelry with us:

• Made of precious metals, such as gold or silver

• Has clear stamps and the quality has been carefully examined

• Has been thoroughly cleaned, repaired and assessed by professionals

• Sold in as good as new condition - ready to use

• Often has design or historical value

• Often priced up to 60-80% below the equivalent new price

When you buy vintage at Arven, you get a piece of jewelry that is both unique, sustainable, and ready to wear with pride. It's not just used – it's curated.

Therefore, vintage is a safer choice

Unlike regular second-hand jewelry, Arven's vintage collection has gone through a rigorous selection process. Our jewelers and professionals carefully review each piece of jewelry, refinish and polish it before it is put up for sale. You know what you are getting, and you get it in good condition.

Do you want to be sure of what you're buying?

At Arven you only get carefully selected and restored jewelry, with documented value and lasting beauty. When you choose vintage from Arven, you choose security, beauty and craftsmanship. You avoid the uncertainty that comes with random second-hand shopping, and can enjoy a vintage piece of jewelry with both history and a guarantee.

Explore our selection of genuine vintage jewelry in our online store or visit our store in Bergen. Maybe your next treasure is already waiting for you.

Read more about Arven Vintage here , and see our selection online here .