Condition Guide

Vintage & Pre-Owned Condition

All Della Foca pieces are vintage or pre-owned unless otherwise stated. They may show signs of age, storage, handling, or previous wear. These characteristics are part of the nature of vintage jewelry and should be expected when purchasing older pieces.

 

How We Describe Condition

We do our best to describe each item clearly and accurately. Condition notes may include visible plating wear, tarnishing, tarnishing, scratches, dents, glue residue, stone wear, missing stones, discoloration, aging clips, weakened closures, or other signs of use.

Photos are considered part of the description. Please review all photos carefully, especially close-up images of signatures, hardware, stones, plating, and any noted flaws.

 

Common Signs of Vintage Wear

Vintage jewelry may show age-related changes such as:

Plating wear or loss, especially on raised areas, edges, backs, clasps, or clip mechanisms.

Tarnishing, oxidation, or patina on metal surfaces.

Minor surface scratches, scuffs, or rubbing from age and wear.

Stone wear, small chips, darkened rhinestones, missing stones, or stones that may become loose over time.

Glue residue or visible adhesive, especially on older rhinestone, pearl, or cabochon pieces.

Clip, clasp, or hinge aging, including clips that feel tighter, looser, or less smooth than newly manufactured jewelry.

Color variation between stones, pearls, enamel, or glass components due to age, handmade production, or natural material differences.

 

Preserved Condition

Some pieces may be described as preserved vintage condition. This means the item has been kept in notably good condition for its age, but it does not mean the item is brand new or free from all signs of age.

 

Handmade & Material Irregularities

Many vintage pieces include handmade or hand-finished components. Small irregularities in glass, enamel, stones, pearls, plating, or metalwork may be original to the piece rather than damage. Examples include air bubbles in glass, uneven stone texture, slightly varied pearl color, or minor asymmetry.

 

Wear After Purchase

Della Foca is a vintage resale shop and not the original manufacturer. Because older pieces may have aging materials, we cannot guarantee long-term durability after purchase. Please handle vintage jewelry with care and avoid water, perfume, lotions, heavy pulling, or impact.

 

Our Goal

Our goal is to present each piece honestly and clearly so buyers can shop with confidence. If you have questions about condition before purchasing, please contact us and we will be happy to provide additional information when possible.