Estate jewelry encompasses a wide range of previously owned pieces, contrary to the common belief that it exclusively refers to heirlooms passed down through generations. This term includes any jewelry that has had a previous owner, regardless of its age or historical significance.
The allure of estate jewelry lies in its intriguing journey through time. Rarely do these pieces go up for sale immediately after being purchased, allowing them to acquire a certain charm and character over the years. Due to their extended lifespan, most estate jewelry can be categorized as either vintage or antique.
Antique jewelry, in the strictest sense, refers to pieces that are over 100 years old. These treasures possess a captivating allure, often steeped in rich history and imbued with a sense of rarity and preciousness.
The Georgian Era (1714-1837) showcases exquisitely handmade jewelry predating the Industrial Revolution. Surviving pieces from this era are exceedingly rare and valuable, characterized by intricate nature-inspired designs and the presence of precious gemstones. Following the Georgian Era, the Victorian years brought forth distinct styles within different periods. The Early Victorian Romantic Era (1837-1850) featured delicate and intricate designs crafted in silver and gold, often inspired by nature. Lockets, brooches, and vibrant colored gemstones graced this period. In contrast, the Middle Victorian Grand Era (1860-1880) witnessed a shift towards darker, less colorful jewelry designs. The Late Victorian Aesthetic Era (1885-1900) embraced star and crescent motifs, renaissance revival lockets adorned with seed pearls, and depictions of flowers, hearts, and animals.
The Arts and Crafts Era (1894-1923) rebelled against the machine-driven styles of the Industrial Revolution, favoring simplified, handcrafted jewelry with visible construction and hammered metals. In contrast, the Art Nouveau Era (1895-1915) breathed new life into the jeweler's art, drawing inspiration from nature and showcasing remarkable techniques in enameling. Opals and semi-precious stones found their place among the artistic creations.
The Edwardian Era (1901-1915), named after Queen Victoria's son Edward, was marked by opulent jewelry designs. Expensive diamonds, rubies, and emeralds were meticulously arranged in intricate patterns, epitomizing elegance and luxury.
With the arrival of the Art Deco period (1915-1935), jewelry design took a turn towards geometric and angular aesthetics. Stones were cut into strict, symmetrical shapes, reflecting the spirit of the time.
Vintage jewelry refers to pieces that are younger than 100 years old but typically older than 50 years. While the exact timeframe may vary among professionals, it generally encompasses the jewelry crafted after the 1920s. The Retro Modern Era (1945-1960) witnessed the influence of Hollywood, giving rise to colorful, bold, and flamboyant pieces, such as oversized cocktail rings, bracelets, necklaces, pins, and charm bracelets. Gold became the preferred metal during this time, as platinum was scarce due to its unavailability in the jewelry industry during World War II.
Vintage jewelry also includes iconic designs inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy in the 1960s and the dramatic, gold-laden pieces that defined the fashion of the 1980s.
One fascinating aspect of purchasing vintage jewelry is the potential for a quality piece to transform into an antique over time. As it reaches the century mark, while in your possession, your vintage jewelry may acquire the distinguished status of an antique, further enhancing its historical and sentimental value.