The Art of Meenakari — India's Painted Jewellery
Discover the 500-year-old tradition of Meenakari enamel work that transforms gold into living paintings.
The vintage jewellery market is filled with both genuine antiques and beautiful reproductions. Knowing the difference matters — not just for value, but for the story your jewellery tells.
Hallmarks and Stamps
Genuine gold jewellery will bear hallmarks indicating purity (22K, 18K, 916, 750). Look for these stamps on clasps, the inside of rings, or the back of pendants. Missing hallmarks don't always mean fake — older pieces predate compulsory hallmarking — but their presence is a good sign.
The Weight Test
Real gold is heavy. If a piece feels surprisingly light, it may be gold-plated. Genuine Kundan and Polki pieces have substantial weight due to the gold foil and stone settings.
Check the Patina
Genuine vintage pieces develop a natural patina — a subtle dulling and wear pattern that is very difficult to fake convincingly. Machine-made reproductions have uniformly perfect surfaces.
Seek Expert Opinion
When in doubt, visit a certified jeweller or auction house. Many museums with jewellery collections offer authentication services. At VintageJewellery.in, every piece we sell comes with detailed provenance information.
