Vintage Jewelry Throughout the Years

Vintage jewelry (also called antique jewelry or estate jewelry) has always been in vogue. Over the few years, vintage necklaces, pendants, lockets, bracelets brooches and rings have become highly sought after by collectors as well as the common consumer. Vintage jewelry is appreciated for its timelessness, elegance and unique aesthetics, and can be quite a valuable commodity. This article takes a look at the various eras and the corresponding styles of vintage jewelry.

Georgian Jewelry: 1714 – 1837 – Georgian periodical Jewelry was all handcrafted by the master jewelers of that era. Consequently, Georgian made jewelry was characterized by a large mixture of styles and designs, as well as a significant diversity in quality and value. The value of a given piece was usually determined by the materials used to create the jewelry (for instance, copper and steel jewelry was valued at less than gold or silver jewelry and plain banded jewelry was generally less expensive than gemstone embedded jewelry) and the craftsmanship that went into producing the jewelry (intricate and complex designs were valued higher than the simpler styles). Nowadays, vintage Georgian jewelry is thought to be exceedingly valuable and very rare. Vintage jewelry from this era is highly sought after by antique jewelry collectors and aficionados.

Early Victorian Jewelry: 1837 – 1850- Early Victorian jewelry production was greatly affected by the romanticism of that era. The pieces were often formed and engraved with nature-inspired designs such as leaf patterns, flower engravings, vine filigree, etc. Inlayed brooches and lockets, set with precious gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, were all the rage during the early Victorian period.

Mid-Victorian Jewelry: 1860 – 1880 – The most common jewelry to be worn during the mid-Victorian era was mourning jewelry. Mourning jewelry was usually mounted with black gemstones such as onyx or black diamond, and was characterized by grave and demure designs. Mourning jewelry became the practice after Queen Victoria's husband's passing. Mid-Victorian mourning jewelry features lockets, pendants, brooches and rings, set with dark stones and simply styled.

Late Victorian Jewelry: 1885 – 1900 – The late Victorian era was characterized by jewelry which was both elegant and extremely feminine. During this era, jewelry was intricately designed and set with pastel colored precious gemstones such as spinel, diamonds and emeralds. Also, during the late 1880s, hat pins and brooches became very popular accessories amongst ladies of leisure.

Arts and Crafts Jewelry: 1894 – 1923 – Arts and crafts jewelry was mostly inspired by the ongoing industrial revolution. Jewelry was made using innovative technologies and machines, and was no longer handcrafted by jewelers. The resulting jewelry was intricate and complex, unusual and unique.

Art Nouveau Jewelry: 1895 – 1915 - Art Nouveau jewelry was created using nature-inspired designs. Jewelry was engraved with vine, leaf, flower and butterfly patterns, and often exhibited fine and intricate filigree.

Edwardian Jewelry: 1901 – 1910 – The Edwardian era began with the unfortunate death of Queen Victoria and the much celebrated ascension of her son Edward to the throne. Consequently, this era's jewelry was characterized by a festive theme, set with joyously colored gemstones and designed in intricate and bold patterns.

Art Deco Jewelry – 1920 – 1935 – Art Deco designed jewelry was characterized by modern and unusual designs, which were thought to be incredibly unique and innovative during the early 1920s. Art Deco jewelry was designed using sharp contours and angles. The resulting pieces were optically intricate. Art Deco jewelry was often produced using unconventional substances such as enamel and Bakelite, materials which weren't commonly used in jewelry before the early 1920s. During this era, layered necklaces and bangles were all the rage, and were considered extremely chic.

Retro Jewelry: 1940s – Bold and intricately designed jewelry was very much in fashion during the early 1940s. Retro jewelry was meant to encapsulate the old Hollywood glamour. As such, large cocktail rings and dangling chandelier earrings set with colorful gemstones were in high demand during this era, and were worn often at red carpet events.