Condition

A Word About Condition . . .

The jewelry that I sell on Rhinestone Rainbow is pre-owned; that it is, it has been worn and loved by someone else. It is not new. Accordingly, very few of the pieces that I sell will be in "like new" condition.

I make every effort to describe each piece as fully as possible. However, condition is a very subjective thing -- and what might be acceptable to me might not be acceptable to you. Also, I am not perfect, and am certainly capable of missing something (although I try very hard not to!). My prices are, naturally, predicated on condition; I do my best to price pieces appropriately according to how well they've survived the test of time, not to mention their former owners. Nevertheless, you and I are different people, and see things differently; we have different preferences and tastes. So, please feel free to ask questions about condition if you're not sure, from my description, whether the piece would suit you. Likewise, if a piece you have ordered does not meet your expectations, please contact me so that we can talk about it and rectify the situation.

Following is the condition rating system that I use. It is similar to systems used by other dealers. I have clarified and modified a number of terms to suit the type of inventory that I sell, as well as my particular attitudes about condition.

MINT:
New, in the box (from which it has never been removed), as it came from the factory. This criterion is very difficult to meet and, frankly, I never use it because I never encounter "new, in the box" jewelry. See "near mint."

NEAR MINT:
Appears to have never been worn or used, nor stored improperly; in other words, "like new." It may may be tarnished, especially if it is sterling silver or silver plated. (I differ from some other dealers in that I consider a carefully and skillfully polished piece to be near mint, as well.) This term may also be appropriately applied to so-called "new old stock;" that is, stock that was never sold to a customer but was (properly) stored in a shop or factory before being unearthed to sell on the vintage market.

EXCELLENT:
Top condition with no chipping, fading, missing stones, yellowed stones, "dead" or dark stones, peeling, worn prongs or edges. Backs (especially of earrings) may be very slightly worn as long as the front is still in top condition. May have replaced stones, which should be so perfect in size cut and color that it is virtually unnoticeable. Also may have total stone replacement, if stone size and color is appropriate. (I will disclose any pieces that I have completely re-stoned.) May have tiny enamel chips observable under a 10X loupe, but not noticeable to the naked eye.

VERY GOOD:
Well cared for with no missing stones, no obviously dead stones or graying stones, no peeling pearls. Some rhinestones may be very slightly yellowed, but noticeable only upon close inspection. Enamel may have minor chips, may show slight wear or scratching on prongs, edges, or extremely minor wearing of gold plating. Backs may be very moderately worn. Any replaced stones should be a good match in size, cut and color.

GOOD:
Very wearable and acceptable, however, upon naked eye inspection may reveal less-than-perfect goldwash or plating, including spotting (light scratches or the small "pepper" kind), "high spot" worn plating (gold or rhodium), minor rhinestone clouding and/or minor darkened or grayed rhinestones, minor rhinestone chipping, minor to slightly moderate chipping of enamel, minor yellowing and wear.

FAIR:
Damage is immediately visible and may or may not be repairable. Might include missing stones, darkened stones, extensive plating damage, broken, missing, or poorly replaced parts, and/or severe wear.

POOR:
Worse than fair; use your imagination. :-) I don't sell jewelry in poor condition, unless it's a craft or repair piece or lot.

Note: I am in the process of phasing in condition reports for all pieces. If a piece does not specifically say, it generally will be in Good to Very Good condition.

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