At Maejean Vintage, every piece of jewelry we offer has a story—and it’s our mission to make sure that story is told with integrity, accuracy, and expert care. That’s why we’re proud to have three in-house gemologists on our team, each with years of formal training and substantial experience in the jewelry industry.
Whether it’s a Victorian mourning ring or a retro gold bracelet, every single piece that comes into our shop is inspected, tested, and authenticated by one of our gemologists. This ensures that what you’re buying isn’t just beautiful—it’s genuine, accurately described, and well researched.
Meet Our Gemologists
Maejean Vintage is owned and operated by sisters Laura Mae and Amanda Jean, both of whom earned their Gemology Diplomas at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)—the gold standard in gemological education. Together, they bring over a decade of professional experience and a passion for antique jewelry.
In 2025, we welcomed Kristan to our team. A fellow GIA-trained gemologist and a certified member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), Kristan brings additional credentials and appraisal expertise to Maejean Vintage. All three of our gemologists share a deep love for jewelry and a commitment to continuing education and training.
Step 1: Metal Testing with Acid & Technology
Our authentication process begins with determining the exact composition of each piece. Is it 14k gold? Platinum? Gold-filled?
We start with traditional acid testing, applying a small drop of acid to a touchstone that has been scratched with the metal. This time-honored technique gives us a clear read on gold karatage and metal type.
To complement this, we use our Auracle Gold Tester, a high-tech tool that non-destructively confirms the metal content. This combination of old-school skill and new technology ensures reliable results.
Step 2: Gemstone Identification
Our next step is identifying any gemstones present in the piece. Using professional tools like microscopes, loupes, and refractometers, we assess optical characteristics, inclusions, and overall condition to determine whether a stone is natural (earth mined), synthetic (made in a lab), or a simulant (something that looks like a gem but can be any material, including glass or plastic).
We're also thrilled to have recently added the GIA iD100® gem testing device to our lab—an advanced tool used to help confirm whether diamonds are natural or synthetic. This new addition is so beloved by our team, we even gave her a name: GiGi. With GiGi’s cutting-edge capabilities, we’re able to quickly and accurately ensure all diamonds listed in our shop are earth mined. At this time, we do not sell lab grown diamonds at Maejean Vintage.
Step 3: Circa Dating with Catalogs, Books & Expertise
One of the most exciting and rewarding parts of our authentication process is circa dating a piece to its appropriate era. Is it Victorian, Art Deco, Retro? The time period of a piece not only informs its style, but also its value and collectability.
To accurately determine age, we draw from a wide range of trusted resources, including:
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Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry by C. Jeanenne Bell
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Estate Jewelry, 1760–1960 by Diana Sanders Cinamon
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American Jewelry Manufacturers by Dorothy T. Rainwater
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The Modern Guide to Antique Jewelry by Beth Bernstein
In addition to these invaluable reference books, we also maintain a large archive of original vintage and antique jewelry catalogs, which help us spot exact design matches and period-accurate styles.
We also study hallmark stamps, maker’s marks, and manufacturing techniques—cross-referencing them against both visual records and industry databases. Every detail plays a role in telling the full story of the piece.
Now Offering Appraisal Services
In addition to our authentication process, we now offer formal jewelry appraisals performed by our in-house appraiser, Kristan. If you are considering purchasing a higher value item from Maejean Vintage and want professional documentation for insurance, we’ve got you covered.
Click here to learn more about our appraisal services.
Why It Matters
Authentication isn’t just a step in our process—it’s the heart of what we do. Every piece is handled with knowledge, care, and reverence for its history. At Maejean Vintage, you’re not just buying jewelry—you’re investing in something real, something rare, and something honestly represented.
Whether you're a collector, a first-time vintage buyer, or someone looking to preserve a family heirloom, we're honored to be your trusted source for authenticated vintage and antique jewelry. Thank you for considering a small woman owned business! We appreciate you.
