French expertise at the heart of antique jewelry
Expertise in the service of antique jewelry
Each vintage jewel is carefully examined by our team of gemologists to guarantee its authenticity and trace its history.
The identification of manufacturing techniques, the observation of the quality of finishes, the analysis of precious materials, stones, and hallmarks are all clues that help reveal the origin of each antique ring.
Beyond its aesthetics, each antique gold jewel is a testament to craftsmanship, an era, and an artisan. Behind a setting, a stone cut, or a setting technique lies a heritage that we strive to preserve, enhance, and pass on.
At Elliade, we consider each vintage ring as a fragment of jewelry heritage, carrying a unique story, ready to write a new chapter in your hands.
Hallmarks: the signature of precious metals
Hallmarks are true identity cards of antique jewelry. Stamped on precious metal items, in gold and platinum, they allow identification of the metal type, its fineness, and, in some cases, its maker or era.
The French guarantee system is one of the oldest and most rigorous in the world.
Among the most common hallmarks, you will find notably:
The eagle's head: guarantees an 18-carat gold item (750/1000), used in France since 1838.
The scallop shell: used for 14-carat gold items (585/1000).
The clover: identifies 9-carat gold items (375/1000).
The mascaron: platinum guarantee hallmark (950/1000 or 850/1000 depending on the period).
The maker's mark: diamond-shaped, it identifies the manufacturer or workshop that made the jewelry. It is a valuable source of information for tracing the origin of a piece.
Observing and interpreting these hallmarks is an integral part of our expertise and allows a better understanding of the history of each antique gold and natural stone jewelry piece.
The sizes of stones, witnesses of their era
Before the advent of modern tools, artisans shaped gems by hand, favoring the natural brilliance of the stone rather than maximum sparkle.
Thus, antique diamonds are distinguished by iconic cuts such as the rose cut, table cut, old mine cut, or European cut. Each has its own proportions, facets, and play of light. They are often found on Art Deco or Art Nouveau rings. In the early 20th century, advances in cutting gradually gave rise to the modern brilliant cut, designed to optimize light reflection.
Recognizing an antique cut often helps date a vintage piece, better understand its origin, and appreciate the craftsmanship of the artisans who shaped it. At Elliade, examining the stones is an integral part of our expertise and helps reveal the unique history of each vintage gold and natural stone ring.
The steps of creating a piece of jewelry
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Jewelry design
Creating a piece of jewelry begins with setting an intention on paper, a drawing inspired by the codes of an era. Patterns, symmetries, proportions: each style has its own rules. Then, the sketch becomes the bridge between inspiration and material.
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18-carat gold work
Gold is melted and then patiently shaped until the structure of the jewelry is revealed. Each gesture of the goldsmith — hammering, polishing, engraving — gives the metal its density and shine. It is a dialogue between the hand and the material, where precision makes all the difference.
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The setting of natural stones
Finally comes the delicate moment when the stones find their place, one by one, set with millimetric precision. The setter adjusts, embeds, secures, without ever hiding the gem's brilliance. This is the final step that gives the jewelry all its life and shine.
Preserving a living heritage
Choosing an antique piece of jewelry means acquiring a unique creation that has endured through decades, sometimes centuries, without losing its shine. It also means preserving a craft heritage of exceptional richness and giving new life to gold jewelry designed to last.
At Elliade, we believe that antique jewelry is much more than precious objects: they are witnesses to French craftsmanship recognized worldwide, a history and heritage that continue to be passed down from generation to generation.
Elliade also buys your old rings
Elliade reinvents the purchase of old jewelry by offering you immediate payment via bank transfer.
Right now, we guarantee a minimum valuation of €120 per gram of 18-carat gold!
Give your family jewelry a second life ♡