Nowadays, personal style is expressed in a popular way by Zodiac jewelry. Another way to express your individuality is to incorporate it into your daily style. Whether you believe in astrology or love the symbolism behind the signs of the zodiac, these pieces may tell who you are and make fantastic gifts for those you love. DrunkAngel features a selection of sophisticated celestial jewellery that merges modern and classic design.

But what do you do if you find jewellery you think might have some history behind it, and how do you tell if it's a genuine antique or it just looks old?

There will be signs. Read on to find out more.

The Hallmarks

One of the biggest giveaways that your jewellery has been around for a while is the hallmarks on it. All British hallmarks are stamped into gold, silver and platinum pieces by an assay office. These hallmarks tell you the standard of the metal, where it was tested and in many cases, exactly when it was made.

The date letter system has been running since the 15th century which means a hallmarked piece can often be dated to a specific year.

To find this look on the inside of a ring shank, the back of a broach or the clasp of a necklace. If you're having trouble reading the hallmark or you're not entirely sure how to interpret it you can use the hallmarks guide at Antique Jewellers to find out the assay office and date letter system to correctly age your piece.

The Stone Cut

Diamond cutting technology has changed drastically over the centuries and the cut of a stone can place the period it was made in more reliably than some other methods.

Old mine cuts and old European cuts with their high crowns, small tables and large culets were standard before the early 20th century. While rose cuts, which are flat bottomed with a domed tip covered in triangular facets, are older still.

If you have a stone that looks like it's cut considerably differently from modern designs, then this is an indicator that it's got some history to it.

The Setting

There are some settings that are popular and vastly different prior to today's modern options. And if you're finding close-back settings, for example, here the metal wraps entirely around the base of the stone. This is a sign it could be from the Victorian era as this was popular then.

While milgrain edging, where you have tiny beading detail along the edge of a setting, is strongly associated with the Edwardian period and art deco.

The setting alone can be indicative of the era the jewellery was made, and if it also bears the right details from other checks, then you've likely got yourself a bona fide piece of antique jewellery.

The Craftmanship

That's not to say today's jewellers aren't as skilled as those from years ago, but there are some noticeable differences in how jewellery was made and how it's made today. Before mass production, each piece was made by hand, and the evidence will be visible if you looked for it. You'll see file marks, slight asymmetry and tool marks on the metal surface. These are all signs it was handmade. Also, engraving on older pieces was done by hand, meaning you'll notice it has a fluidity and depth that machine engraving cannot replicate.

There’s something quietly magical about a bespoke engagement ring. It doesn’t begin in a display case or a catalogue. It begins with a conversation, often over a cup of tea, about a story, a person, and a promise that hasn’t yet been made into metal or stone.

Once the ideas are clear, the first sketches begin. This is where imagination starts to take a visual form. Pencil drawings are still one of the most powerful tools in bespoke engagement ring design, with simple lines that gradually define proportion, setting, and style.

At this stage, there’s often back and forth. A slightly thinner band here, a more elevated setting there, perhaps a different diamond shape altogether. It’s a collaborative process, and small changes can completely transform the character of the ring. Nothing is rushed. The goal is always balance: something beautiful, but also wearable and deeply personal.

Sterling silver jewellery remains one of the most popular materials in both fine and fashion jewellery markets. It looks elegant, works with almost any style, and is much more affordable than gold or platinum. Because of this, many jewellery retailers and online shops look for reliable sources of 925 sterling silver wholesale jewellery to build their collections.  

One of the most efficient ways to source wholesale jewellery is to work directly with a silver jewelry manufacturer. Manufacturers typically produce jewellery for brands and retailers worldwide, which means they can often offer better pricing and more consistent quality compared to middlemen.

Many manufacturers also provide a wide range of ready-made designs, while some offer custom design and production services. This can be especially helpful if you want to develop your own jewellery line.

Experienced manufacturers also ensure the jewellery meets the 925 sterling silver standard, meaning it contains at least 92.5% pure silver mixed with other metals to improve strength and durability.

Wholesale Distributors

Another option is buying from jewellery wholesalers or distributors. These companies purchase products from manufacturers in large quantities and then resell them to retailers.

This option can be useful for smaller businesses that prefer lower minimum order quantities. However, the price is usually higher compared to buying directly from a manufacturer because there is an additional layer in the supply chain.

Jewellery Manufacturing Hubs

Several countries are well known for sterling silver jewellery production. Thailand, Italy, and India are among the most established manufacturing hubs in the industry.

Thailand, in particular, has developed a strong reputation for its jewellery craftsmanship and large production capacity. Many global brands source their products from experienced silver jewelry manufacturers in Thailand, where skilled artisans and modern production techniques are widely available.

A Few Practical Tips From My Own Sourcing Experience

After working with jewellery production for many years, there are a few things I always recommend when sourcing 925 sterling silver wholesale jewellery.

First, always ask for samples before placing a bulk order. This allows you to verify the 925 silver content, check for potentially harmful substances, and examine the overall quality of the jewellery. Look closely at polishing quality, finishing, and structural details. Some suppliers may stamp “925” on the jewellery, but the metal may not always be solid sterling silver.

Second, price is not everything. The cheapest supplier is not always the best choice. It is important to balance price, quality, and reliability. A slightly higher price from a dependable supplier can save a lot of trouble in the long run.

Finally, remember that silver prices fluctuate significantly. Most professional manufacturers price silver jewellery based on the daily silver market price, similar to how gold jewellery is priced. Because of this, it is worth paying attention to silver market trends and placing larger orders when silver prices are relatively stable or lower.

Finding the right silver jewelry manufacturer takes time, but once you establish a reliable sourcing partner, it becomes much easier to maintain consistent quality and grow your jewellery business.