History. Individuality. Timeless beauty. Social responsibility. Vintage jewelry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity, and it is easy to see why. Every piece of vintage jewelry carries its own history, and one rarely finds any two alike. Many pieces are hand crafted with great attention to detail, making them wonderful investments as family heirlooms; and women concerned with the environmental impacts of mining or fair trade practice in the diamond industry turn to vintage jewelry to express their social awareness. But searching for the perfect "something old" to complete a bridal ensemble or complement a favorite dress can be a daunting task for women who may not have a degree in fashion or art history. Where can you find vintage pieces? What qualifies a piece of jewelry as vintage? What is the difference between vintage and antique? This guide offers practical, helpful answers for these questions, and advice on how to choose the perfect vintage piece of jewelry for any occasion.
Most jewelers and collectors agree on an age of 20-25 years minimum for an item to be considered vintage; after 100 years, an item is considered antique. Many jewelers carry vintage jewelry, and pieces often show up in estate sales and online markets. Some artisan jewelers even create new jewelry from vintage components, such as charm bracelets from earrings or jeweled bouquets made from several vintage brooches.
The oldest vintage jewelry still commonly found comes from the Victorian era. Romantic in tone, Victorian jewelry is typically delicate, feminine and inspired by nature. Pieces from the mid-Victorian era feature darker stones such as garnet, amethyst and onyx, and would be perfect for a late evening wedding or a bride less partial to diamonds and pearls. Early Victorian and Aesthetic jewelry feature lighter gems like sapphire, peridot and diamond. For an elegant spring or summer wedding, look for jewelry from this period.
With the ascension of King Edward to England's throne in 1901, the Edwardian period began, characterized by elaborate designs and expensive gems. Around the same time, Art Nouveau made botanical designs worked in enamel extremely popular. Collectors particularly prize artist Louis Comfort Tiffany's designs.
Perhaps the best known of all vintage jewelry is Art Deco. Still cherished by many admirers, Art Deco exemplifies the economic boom between WWI and WWII. Characterized by geometric shapes and bright colors, Art Deco jewelry often features Bakelite, celluloid, enamel, and highly polished metals. Intricate, ostentatious, and architectural, Art Deco jewelry best complements a whimsical and modern style.
Reminiscent of Old Hollywood, Retro or Mid-Century jewelry incorporates bold color and elaborate designs. Popular vintage jewelry from this period includes cocktail rings, watches, and charm bracelets. Women who admire fashion icons Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Doris Day should look for vintage jewelry from the Retro era.
For inexpensive vintage jewelry and vintage costume jewelry for your wedding and special occasions visit VintageWeddingBoutique.com
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