Vintage and Antique Jewelry

Vintage and Antique Jewelry Vintage and antique jewelry covers a wide selection of jewelry produced in the past but available for purchase today at auction houses, estate sales and specialty shops specializing in older pieces.

According to U.S. customs laws, the term "antique" specifically refers to any work of art, piece of furniture, decorative object, or the like, created or produced 100 years before the date of purchase. Vintage jewelry, however, doesn't necessarily follow a specific timeline. Instead, the connotation is that vintage jewelry was made in the past and has retained an enduring appeal.

Vintage and antique jewelry refers to pieces dating to distinct periods from the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries, including the Georgian, Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro periods. Jewelry produced during these eras has an iconic style that belongs to that period and can be identified by experts thanks to certain signature touches.

Art Deco, for example, is among the most popular styles in vintage and antique jewelry because of its geometric designs, use of certain materials such as Bakelite and enamel, and motifs borrowed from Japanese, Egyptian and African cultures.

Another category of vintage and antique jewelry beloved by collectors is Art Nouveau, a short-lived era dating from around 1895 to 1915 that was distinguished by its focus on flowing lines and natural motifs. The sinuous jewelry of French-born Rene Lalique epitomizes the Art Nouveau era.

Today, many contemporary designers look to vintage and antique jewelry to create "vintage-inspired" pieces that take their design cues from the past but use diamonds and gemstones cut using modern techniques to add the requisite sparkle.

Learn About Vintage and Antique Jewelry

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