The Era of Vintage Jewelry

Vintage jewelry, also known as estate jewelry, is becoming quiet popular in the United States. Vintage jewelry comes in a wide range of designs.  It may range from the most inexpensive to the most costly. Irregardless of the expensive cost of some vintage jewelry, there are still many who are enthusiastic collectors that enjoy collecting vintage jewelry.

The period of Vintage jewelry includes many eras and decades. Each era is known for its special characteristics, styles and designs. Early Victorian, late Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Art Nouveau, Georgian, Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, Retro and Edwardian are all such eras or periods.

Retro jewelry (1940s): Jewelry of this era is mainly bold, colorful and elaborate. This was inspired mainly from Hollywood. Bracelets, cocktail rings, necklaces, watches and charm bracelet are common to this era.

 Early Victorian (1837-1850): this era was mostly nature – inspired style and designs. These were etched delicately and intricately into gold. Everyday jewelry included lockets and brooches whereas, evening jewelry compromised diamonds and colored gemstone.

 Mid-Victorian (1860-1880): also known as Grand era. This era mainly had grave and solemn design following the demise of Queen Victoria’s husband. These mourning jewelry features dark and heavy stones. Jet, amethyst, garnet and onyx are common to this period. Creative and much more colorful designs featuring mosaics, shells and colorful gemstones were also born in this period.

 Late Victorian (1885-1990): Aesthetic period saw the use of diamonds and more bright and feminine gemstone like, peridot, sapphire and spinel. Among the most popular were the crescent and star designs besides elaborate and beautiful vintage brooch and pins.

 Arts and Crafts jewelry (1894-1923): Mainly simple in design and pattern, colorful and uncut stones was the theme of this period. This era faced the rebel to return to intricate and delicate jewelry designs and handmade crafts, due to the arrival of Industrial Revolution.

  One may find collection ranging from exceptional and rare fine jewelry, earrings, engagement rings and estate diamonds. Also included are classical sapphires, garnets, emeralds and fine and glittering gems and stones.

 Antique and vintage jewelry is available for people of all ages.  It features a wide variety of jewelry which sometimes includes contemporary jewelry.