What's the difference between Estate, Antique and Vintage jewelry?

It's very simple. It all has to do with the exact era the piece is from. All jewelry from the beginning of the eighteenth century (1714) until 1960 is called estate jewelry. Under the estate category you find Antique jewelry and Vintage jewelry. Then the two kinds are further divided into the various specific era's they are from and jewelry from these different eras is characterized by various properties specific to each period. The different eras are 1714-1837 which is referred to as the Georgian Era. Then you have 1837-1855 which is known as the Early Victorian or Romantic Era. After that we have 1856-1880 know as the Mid Victorian or Grand Jewelry period. Then comes 1885-1900, which is the Late Victorian, also known as the Aesthetic jewelry era. Later there's Arts And Crafts Jewelry from 1894-1923 (slightly overlapping with the Late Victorian period.) Another overlapping period-jewelry category , which can be recognized based on its distinctive properties is the Art Nouveau period which ranges from 1895-1915. Then we have the Edwardian Jewelry period from 1901-1915 (Another overlapping period, also recognizable based on its characterizing features), The Art Deco Jewelry (from the period 1915-1935), and Finally we have Retro Jewelry, which was manufactured between 1945-1960.)
As you can see, other than era, each jewelry era sub-category is known for its trade-mark characteristics. For instance, Art Nouveau jewelery is known for its natural designs featuring butterflies and flowers and the like, whereas Arts and Crafts jewelry was famous for its simple patterns and colorful stones.

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