Featured Posts

pastel heels
Pastel Spring Time Accessories for Work and Play
Whether it’s wearing colorful pants in mint, sorbet yellows or corals, or adding a simple pop of colour to a subdued neutral or black ensemble, spring is the perfect season to incorporate more cheerfulness into your wardrobe.
View Post
distressed-denim
The Best Distressed Jeans for Spring
What's the one thing that every modern woman needs in her closet? Good denim. A nice pair of jeans is a brilliant base for any outfit, no matter the season. Spring, however is the perfect time for you to slip into a pair of distressed jeans so why not give them a try.
View Post
woman getting tan
Top Beach Essentials For A Super Chic Summer
Packing for a beachside vacation can be a challenge. Whether you're planning to lounge on the shores of St. Barts or explore the eclectic island streets, you're sure to need some versatile and comfortable options. But not to worry — we've got your style needs covered thanks to this fashion guide.
View Post
To top
3 Mar

What You Need To Know About Antique Jewelry

antique jewelry

Have you ever wondered whether there is a difference between antique and vintage jewelry? There is. The key difference is the time period of manufacture. Vintage jewelry falls between 20-100 years old while antique jewelry is usually defined as jewelry crafted more than 100 years ago.

There is another term, estate jewelry. It is used to describe previously owned jewelry. This kind of jewelry is usually acquired from estates or jewelry that has been sold. It can be antique or vintage in nature. Read more about estate jewelry here.

Since antique jewelry is defined as older than 100 years you can imagine a wide range of styles, values and manufacturers of the pieces (like Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpel). It is usually identified with a particular era. Antique jewelry includes the historic Georgian and Victorian, Art Nouveau and Edwardian design periods. Here is a short description of antique jewelry from each period.

Georgian Era

heart jewelry photo

The most popular metals used in this period were yellow gold and silver. White gold was not used in jewelry and platinum had not yet been discovered. All jewelry was created by hand and this resulted in highly intricate and ornate pieces.  Popular themes included bows, crowns, leaves, crosses, and feathers. This was the time when hair jewelry, portrait miniatures, girandole earrings, riviere necklaces, and cameos were in demand.
 
Victorian Era

heart jewelry photo

The Victorian era was named after Queen Victoria. The queen was an avid jewelry fan and she would set jewelry fashion trends to mark particular events of her life. This era was divided into the following three sub-periods such as: The Romantic Period, The Grand Period and The Aesthetic Period. The romantic period was characterized by sentimental pieces with motifs including love knots, hearts, crosses, serpents. It was a time when Victoria's husband, Albert, was still alive. After his death, Victoria favored black jewelry made of fossilized coal which set the trend for a mourning jewelry. It was also the time when ancient jewelry styles with ancient Egyptian and Greek motifs were all the rage. The Aesthetic period however, favoured small earrings, brooches and diamond fringe necklaces on delicate chains. It was a time when emeralds, amethysts and opals were used for every day wear.
 
Art Nouveau Era

During this period, jewelers focused on the setting, not on the gemstone. Horns and ivory played first fiddle, while diamonds were used as accent stones. Brooches often featuding insects, animals and fantasy creatures were prominent. The most opular themes in Art Nouveau jewelry were feminine curves, free flowing lines and abstract concepts.

Edwardian Era

heart jewelry photo

This elegant and sophisticated period of time was characterized by highly detailed, feminine pieces. Drawing inspiration from 18th century designs, ribbons, garlands, lace and bows were popular motifs. Technological advances allowed for the use of delicate filigree patterns and platinum. Also, milgraining grew in popularity as it added a soft, graceful look to jewelry.

The most common way to come across antique and vintage jewelry is through inheritance. However, only some are privileged to receive family heirlooms, so it could be hard to come by. If you're interested in authentic vintage jewelry, you can check out trusted pawnshops or consignment stores. Many will carry timeless jewelry, including antique statement necklaces and estate engagement rings or bands. Just be sure to find a store with certifications to prove their pieces are authentic and certified.

Related Posts

  • These Three Tips Will Make You a Better Jewelry PurchaserThese Three Tips Will Make You a Better Jewelry PurchaserHow much do you really know about jewelry? Do you know what makes it valuable, or do you like it just because it looks nice? Nothing about jewelry is as simple as it appears on the surface. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a piece of jewelry, especially as a gift for someone else. Posted in Shoes & Accessories
  • Bold Jewelry Trend: Statement EarringsBold Jewelry Trend: Statement EarringsThe ornate and oversized earrings add an eye-catching appeal to any ensemble and any occasion. Mirror a look that's making its way down the spring/summer runways when wearing bold, statement-making pieces. Posted in Shoes & Accessories
  • Cocktail Rings: Meet The Timeless Jewellery TrendCocktail Rings: Meet The Timeless Jewellery TrendCocktail rings were made for special occasions, but we are making a case for wearing them morning, noon, and night. Make a show-stopping appearance at every event with these special picks featuring statement-making designs from nOir, Sorelli and . Posted in Shoes & Accessories
  • How To Choose The Best Diamond For An Engagement RingHow To Choose The Best Diamond For An Engagement RingThanks to their timeless status, diamond rings are by far the most popular kind of engagement ring, but if you want to get it absolutely perfect, there are a few things that you'll want to consider. Posted in Shoes & Accessories
  • Must-Have Items for a Bohemian Chic WardrobeMust-Have Items for a Bohemian Chic WardrobeBoho style is at once chic and laid-back. It is a mix of bohemian and hippie influences which affect summery closets in a healthy mix of high and low, folksy and flowy, new and vintage, conceptual and romantic. This season's free-spirited attitude has an ultra-luxe appeal - meet your new […] Posted in Fashion Trends
  • Floppy Hat Is a Chic Shield From the SunFloppy Hat Is a Chic Shield From the SunFloppy hats are a stylish accessory that adds a touch of bohemian flair to outfits. They are versatile and can be paired with sundresses, maxi skirts, jeans, or swimsuits, depending on the occasion. Whether you're looking to protect yourself from the sun or elevate your outfit, a floppy […] Posted in Summer Fashion