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Antiques: Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Gold, Diamonds And Vintage Jewels
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Published: August 3, 2007
Antique jewelry has a timeless appeal for every generation. From delicate to decadent, beautiful antique jewelry pieces are still popular today. Because antique jewelry was usually handcrafted, each piece is a unique collector's item. It is easy to be fooled by antique-looking jewelry that is not original or to end up paying more than what a genuine antique jewelry piece is worth.
It is worth finding a reputable and honest antique jewelry seller as the value of antique jewelry only appreciates with time and can be a very good investment.
Vintage jewelry is especially tricky. Vintage jewelry refers to antique jewelry made in the style of an era different from the one it was created in. For example, a Victorian style ring made during the Edwardian era is considered vintage jewelry. There are several eras of antique and vintage jewelry, including Late Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro. Each has particular sensibilities and style.
The Late Georgian era of jewelry was from 1760-1837. Draped chains and short necklaces were both popular styles of this era's antique jewelry. Classical motifs such as cameos and mosaics were common, along with feather and floral designs. Miniature portraits and locks of hair were also worn in memory of a loved ones. Late Georgian Antique jewelry is difficult to find today, but highly valuable and collectible.
Queen Victoria ruled England from 1837-1901 and heavily influenced women's fashion during this time, known as the Victorian era. Decorative symbols of love can be found on Victorian antique jewelry such as hearts, bows, flowers, birds, romantic sayings and locks of hair. For the first time, this era's jewelry was made in large quantities for the masses and made affordable by using semi-precious stone and low quality gold jewelry such as 9K, 12K and 15K. In 1867 large diamond deposits were found making diamonds more affordable and highly desirable. Victorian antique jewelry is steadily increasing in collectibility and worth.
Art Nouveau style jewelry was made from 1890-1915. This type of antique jewelry emphasizes design over materials and values craftsmanship. Enamel designs and semi-precious stones were commonly used. Non-precious materials such as horn, bone, copper, shell, ivory and carved glass are seen in Art Nouveau antique jewelry pieces. Mythical long-haired women are common symbols on this style of antique jewelry as well. Color schemes are usually pale in Art Nouveau antique jewelry with almost colorless stones such as opal and moonstone being popular.
Antique jewelry from the Edwardian era, from 1901-1915, is usually delicate with a preference for strong metals such as platinum and white gold jewelry alloys. During this era, pendants, chokers and long ropes of pearls or chain that ended in tassels were popular. Garland style jewelry was popular that used swags, bows, ribbons, tassels, wreaths and flower garlands as common design elements. The diamond and pearls were preferred for the white-on-white look that occurred when they were set in the pale metals. An antique engagement ring from the Edwardian period are still sought after today because of the detailed filigree and delicate craftsmanship. This antique engagement ring is renowned for its beauty and uniqueness.
Art Deco antique jewelry was made from 1920-1935. The inclusion of bright red rubies, green emeralds and blue sapphires began to happen with antique jewelry. Unusual combinations of stones were also popular, such as turquoise and sapphire or coral and diamond. Symmetry and geometry were important in these antique jewelry designs. Dangling earrings, long strands of pearls, diamond watches, dress clips, cocktail rings and bracelets worn in multiple places on the upper and lower arms were all common styles.
During the Retro era of 1935-1950 cheaper materials such yellow gold, semi-precious stones and synthetic rubies and sapphires became common because expensive platinum and precious gemstones were not available. Antique jewelry styles from the Retro era include illusion settings for the diamond antique engagement ring, where a delicately carved setting for a small stone made it appear larger. Bracelets with 3D charms, patriotic colors and romantic and machine-inspired designs are commonly seen from this era.
Generally, the older the jewelry is, the more expensive and collectible it is today. Because antique jewelry values are always appreciating, collecting antique jewelry is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a good investment. Antique jewelry styles cover a wide range of tastes evident in different eras. Antique jewelry and vintage jewelry are just as enjoyable today if not more than they were years ago.
Sources:
"Late Georgian c. 1760-1837." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007. http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/lategeor gian.htm.
"Victorian c. 1837-1901." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007.
http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/victor ian.htm.
"Art Nouveau c. 1890-1915." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007.
http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/artnou veau.htm.
"Edwardian c. 1901-1915." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007.
http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/edward ian.htm.
"Art Deco c. 1920-1935." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007.
http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/artdec o.htm
"Retro c. 1935-1950." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007.
http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/retro. htm.
Davis, Angela. "Antique Jewelry: A Timeless and Elegant Adornment." Antique Web. 1997. Times
Publishing, LLC. 22 July 2007. http://www.antiqueweb.com/articles/antique%20jewel ry%20collecting.html.
"Fay Cullen." FayCullen.com. 22 July 2007. http://www.faycullen.com/antique_engagement_rings. html.
"Fay Cullen." FayCullen.com. 22 July 2007. http://www.faycullen.com/vintage_engagement_rings. html.
Related Articles
Vintage jewelry is especially tricky. Vintage jewelry refers to antique jewelry made in the style of an era different from the one it was created in. For example, a Victorian style ring made during the Edwardian era is considered vintage jewelry. There are several eras of antique and vintage jewelry, including Late Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro. Each has particular sensibilities and style.
The Late Georgian era of jewelry was from 1760-1837. Draped chains and short necklaces were both popular styles of this era's antique jewelry. Classical motifs such as cameos and mosaics were common, along with feather and floral designs. Miniature portraits and locks of hair were also worn in memory of a loved ones. Late Georgian Antique jewelry is difficult to find today, but highly valuable and collectible.
Queen Victoria ruled England from 1837-1901 and heavily influenced women's fashion during this time, known as the Victorian era. Decorative symbols of love can be found on Victorian antique jewelry such as hearts, bows, flowers, birds, romantic sayings and locks of hair. For the first time, this era's jewelry was made in large quantities for the masses and made affordable by using semi-precious stone and low quality gold jewelry such as 9K, 12K and 15K. In 1867 large diamond deposits were found making diamonds more affordable and highly desirable. Victorian antique jewelry is steadily increasing in collectibility and worth.
Art Nouveau style jewelry was made from 1890-1915. This type of antique jewelry emphasizes design over materials and values craftsmanship. Enamel designs and semi-precious stones were commonly used. Non-precious materials such as horn, bone, copper, shell, ivory and carved glass are seen in Art Nouveau antique jewelry pieces. Mythical long-haired women are common symbols on this style of antique jewelry as well. Color schemes are usually pale in Art Nouveau antique jewelry with almost colorless stones such as opal and moonstone being popular.
Antique jewelry from the Edwardian era, from 1901-1915, is usually delicate with a preference for strong metals such as platinum and white gold jewelry alloys. During this era, pendants, chokers and long ropes of pearls or chain that ended in tassels were popular. Garland style jewelry was popular that used swags, bows, ribbons, tassels, wreaths and flower garlands as common design elements. The diamond and pearls were preferred for the white-on-white look that occurred when they were set in the pale metals. An antique engagement ring from the Edwardian period are still sought after today because of the detailed filigree and delicate craftsmanship. This antique engagement ring is renowned for its beauty and uniqueness.
Art Deco antique jewelry was made from 1920-1935. The inclusion of bright red rubies, green emeralds and blue sapphires began to happen with antique jewelry. Unusual combinations of stones were also popular, such as turquoise and sapphire or coral and diamond. Symmetry and geometry were important in these antique jewelry designs. Dangling earrings, long strands of pearls, diamond watches, dress clips, cocktail rings and bracelets worn in multiple places on the upper and lower arms were all common styles.
During the Retro era of 1935-1950 cheaper materials such yellow gold, semi-precious stones and synthetic rubies and sapphires became common because expensive platinum and precious gemstones were not available. Antique jewelry styles from the Retro era include illusion settings for the diamond antique engagement ring, where a delicately carved setting for a small stone made it appear larger. Bracelets with 3D charms, patriotic colors and romantic and machine-inspired designs are commonly seen from this era.
Generally, the older the jewelry is, the more expensive and collectible it is today. Because antique jewelry values are always appreciating, collecting antique jewelry is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a good investment. Antique jewelry styles cover a wide range of tastes evident in different eras. Antique jewelry and vintage jewelry are just as enjoyable today if not more than they were years ago.
Sources:
"Late Georgian c. 1760-1837." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007. http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/lategeor gian.htm.
"Victorian c. 1837-1901." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007.
http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/victor ian.htm.
"Art Nouveau c. 1890-1915." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007.
http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/artnou veau.htm.
"Edwardian c. 1901-1915." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007.
http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/edward ian.htm.
"Art Deco c. 1920-1935." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007.
http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/artdec o.htm
"Retro c. 1935-1950." AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 2007. AntiqueJewelryOnline.com. 22 July 2007.
http://www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/retro. htm.
Davis, Angela. "Antique Jewelry: A Timeless and Elegant Adornment." Antique Web. 1997. Times
Publishing, LLC. 22 July 2007. http://www.antiqueweb.com/articles/antique%20jewel ry%20collecting.html.
"Fay Cullen." FayCullen.com. 22 July 2007. http://www.faycullen.com/antique_engagement_rings. html.
"Fay Cullen." FayCullen.com. 22 July 2007. http://www.faycullen.com/vintage_engagement_rings. html.
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