Antique Jewelry Trends

Antique jewelry trends have surged in recent times due to the rising demand for luxury, collectible items. There are numerous advantages for investing in antique or vintage jewelry that makes them a sought-after commodity. History and provenance play a big part when investors are looking at French, Italian, Spanish and other antique pieces.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that genuine antique jewelry will retain its value over time, as opposed to modern jewelry which may depreciate over time. Antique jewelry is also more likely to carry an air of romance with it that modern styles just cannot match.

Many antique pieces were crafted by true artisans who had remarkable attention to detail and whose work and skills have been passed down from owner to owner throughout the ages making these pieces very desirable.

There are many different types of antique jewelry including Georgian-style pieces crafted during the early 1800s, Victorian-style pieces from the mid-1800s up until 1901 when Queen Victoria abdicated her throne, Art Nouveau styles from the late 19th century, and Edwardian styles which last until 1910 when King Edward VII passed away.



Furthermore, each type of style has its own characteristics that make them unique such as intricate designs or fine gemstones that collectors consider highly valuable items on the market today.

Investors who end up investing in antique items can expect their assets to appreciate rather quickly once they are put into circulation within a certain segment of the market. Over time this appreciation can result in some serious financial gains and allow for greater flexibility over where funds should be allocated within investments overall portfolio strategy.

Additionally, it’s important to ensure the piece is genuine so expert advice should always be taken before spending money on antiques as they require careful vetting before purchase even takes place.

History of Antique Jewelry, from Ancient Times to the Modern Day

Antique jewelry is a timeless fashion statement and prominent collector’s item, tracing its history back to as early as the 1st century BCE. Throughout the centuries, various trends have become staples in antique jewelry design, making it both a luxurious accessory and objet d’art.

The earliest examples of antique jewelry were crafted by skilled artisans from precious metals such as gold or silver. Ancient Egyptian amulets, Greek snake bracelets, Etruscan metal hairpieces – these are all examples of ancient jewelry that display exquisite craftsmanship and intricate design.

In medieval Europe, gemstones and filigreed gold were popular materials used for pieces of vintage jewelry that have now become iconic symbols of wealth and extravagance. Religious symbolism was also heavily embodied in designs during the era: crucifixes and rosaries were often crafted with beautiful beads made from semi-precious stones or pearls.

Over time, antiques jewelry has taken on modern elements in order to stay relevant yet remain true to its traditional roots. Here are some notable trends seen today:

  • Animal motifs – Animalistic designs are evergreen in antique jewelry creation and a great way to show one’s admiration for nature.
  • Geometric shapes – Geometric shapes lend a bold visual impact to vintage pieces.
  • Colored gemstones – More contemporary pieces feature stone accents of various colors beyond diamond for an extra sparkle.
  • Statement collars – A necklace that wraps around the neck like a wrap is a daring piece that screams creativity.

Overview of Different Types of Antique Jewelry

Antique jewelry has been a hot commodity for centuries. The beauty and craftsmanship of these artistic works have remained timeless throughout the ages. A wide variety of antique jewelry such as rings, necklaces, earrings, and brooches are in high demand both from collectors and those looking to make a fashion statement. Let’s take a look at some popular trends in antique jewelry today:

  • Victorian Jewelry: This trend is characterized by delicate pieces featuring fine gemstones set into gold or silver. Popular motifs often incorporated ornate scrolls and intricate floral patterns.
  • Art Deco Jewelry: Perhaps one of the most iconic vintage periods, Art Deco jewelry favored bold geometric shapes with abstract designs that utilized baguette diamonds in platinum settings.
  • Edwardian Jewelry: Created between 1901-1914, Edwardian jewelry was crafted for more subtle elegance usually made with filigree accents and lace-like detailing.

The popularity of antique jewelry continues to grow as more and more modern designers have started to incorporate them into their latest collections. Such vintage pieces are becoming increasingly sought after among fashionistas who recognize the beauty of these timeless works of art.

Adding an antique piece to any wardrobe offers a unique touch while conveying sophistication and class at the same time. In addition, purchasing an antique piece can be viewed as an investment because they typically hold their value over time.

When seeking out pieces of antique jewelry it is important to do your research before buying a piece in order to make sure you are getting the real deal instead of something that simply looks like antiques. Dusty buildups on a piece may indicate old age, however there are other telltale signs that must be taken into account when examining authentic masterspieces such as aged metal or yellowed stones for example.

READ
2018 Spring Summer Jewelry Trends

Working with highly knowledgeable dealers who specialize in antiques is another great way to ensure you are purchasing quality merchandise that will stand the test of time.

Popular Antique Jewelry Styles from Different Eras

Jewelry is a timeless accessory, with styles from different eras being increasingly popular today. Whether it’s Georgian jewelry from the 1700s, Art Deco jewelry from the 1920s or retro designs of the 1950s, antique jewelry is still admired for its classic beauty and unique craftsmanship.

Engagement Rings

A piece of antique jewelry that continues to entice people is a vintage engagement ring. They are popular as they often have greater detail as opposed to more contemporary designs and stand out in their own way. For example, Georgian rings were usually made in yellow gold and typically had diamonds set in closed back and foiled settings.



Similarly, Victorian wedding bands were made with intricate detailing, such as an engraving on the metal or small gems along the band. Retro design rings of the 50s incorporated influence from previous decades – including baguettes which became popular around this time.

Earrings

Antique inspired earrings, such as chandelier earrings, have become very fashionable thanks to their characteristic features which are hard to imitate with more modern manufacturing techniques. These often featured large clusters of cubic zirconia and came in various shapes – ranging from spheres to stars etc This distinctive appearance thus makes them a statement accessory for any occasion.

Another type that has been recently trending are Art Deco era drop earrings which take inspiration from Egyptian motifs. The influence was reflected through geometric patterns and bright colors such as blue and turquoise which added vibrance to any look when paired together with a matching dress or neckpiece.

Necklaces

Classical necklaces never go out of style either – vintage pearl necklaces always bring an air of sophistication with them due to their demure nature. Alongside these traditional designs are beaded art deco necklaces featuring stunning gemstones like rubies and sapphires set alongside intricate metalwork pieces such as filigree detail along its edges or even abstractly shaped motifs like sunbursts at its centerpieces.

Tips for Identifying Genuine Antique Jewelry

Antique jewelry is known for its exorbitant beauty, and there is something about it that makes it unique compared with more modern pieces. Its craftsmanship is one of a kind, and the materials used in its production often come from past eras or cultures, offering an experience that many stores can’t provide. As such, antique jewelry has experienced increasingly popularity over the last decade.

When it comes to antiques, there are a few things to consider if you want to make sure you’re buying genuine pieces. First, examine the quality and craftsmanship of the piece. Antique jewels are made using higher quality materials and processes than modern ones as everything would have been done by hand without access to machinery, so the details should reflect this craftsmanship.

Check for hallmarks on gold jewelry which usually come in 14K or 18K standards as most countries have adopted those levels today. Additionally, if there are stones set into the jewelry look at how they were placed as well as any unusual symbols or markings on the metalwork itself which could indicate that they pieces were crafted in a certain era or country.

Another great way to identify authentic antique jewelry is to understand what was popular during certain periods of history. During Victorian era designs feature intricate filigree detail with soft lines whereas in Art Nouveau fashion you may notice smoother curves and scenes featuring natural motifs such as birds, flowers or leaves inspired by nature.

From Edwardian brooches filled with sparkling gems paired with dazzling pearls to bangles from the roaring twenties dripping with diamonds, examining these trends can help guide your search for genuine items no matter your taste in styles.

Ultimately, there’s nothing like adding vintage drama to your repertoire – so having some knowledge about antiques before setting off on your hunt will definitely pay off. With these tips you now have all the information necessary to bring some timelessness into your wardrobe so happy hunting.

Care and Maintenance of Antique Jewelry

Whether you inherited the piece or acquired it from an antique shop, taking good care of your antique jewelry is essential. Antique jewelry is usually quite delicate and can easily be damaged if not stored properly. Here’s a look at some aspects of caring for your antique jewelry pieces:

Do’s

Regularly inspect the jewelry for wear and tear. Check for any pieces that may need reattaching or stones that may have come loose due to daily wear. Additionally, make sure to always store in a carefully lined and cushioned box or pouch away from other jewelry items that could cause scratches.

Also, clean regularly with a soft, damp cloth to protect the antique piece from dust build-up. Should a more thorough cleaning be necessary, use a gentle soap without any harsh chemicals such as baking soda or ammonia which can cause discoloration and damage surfaces. Finally, take it for annual inspection every year so any issues can be picked up early on.

READ
Jewelry Trends Spring Summer 2019

Don’ts

Steer clear of potentially damaging styling techniques such as soaking silver jewelry in pools of vinegar or salt water solutions, using abrasive materials such as steel wool, exposure to ultrasonic cleaners and applying liquid polishes which are designed for stainless steel items instead of silver or gold items. These techniques weaken the metal over time and valuable stones may become loose even from minor contact with these materials.

At the same time avoid exposing your pieces to soap residue which could cause tarnishing if left unattended too long between cleanings. Also stay away from harsh substances like hairspray, perfume and cosmetics which over time can cause discoloration due to its chemical content as well as fading paintwork on intricate designs.

Reimagining Vintage Jewelry

When it comes to dressing up and creating looks that are unique and stylish, you can never go wrong with antique jewelry. From classic rings to statement necklaces – antique jewelry pieces provide timeless elegance and a much needed touch of class for any wardrobe. With the ever-evolving trend of vintage styles making a comeback, the possibilities for antique jewelry are endless.

One way to make your favorite vintage pieces work in modern outfits is to use them as accents or statement pieces. Depending on your personal style, this can be done in several different ways:

  1. Pair an elegant pearl necklace with a sleek t-shirt dress or jumpsuit.
  2. Make a dramatic impact by layering multiple colored necklaces of varying lengths over a solid top.
  3. Incorporate rings into your everyday looks by wearing multiple dainty stacking rings along your fingers.
  4. Spice up a casual look by throwing on an antique brooch to add some extra flair.

Antique jewelry is also the perfect balance between subtle and edgy when accessorizing special occasion looks such as weddings or proms. Opt for classic diamond earrings with sharp geometric lines for wedding guest attire, or try out long dangling earrings for an added touch of pizzazz when going to proms or other formal events. Necklace sets can also be used to gracefully bring together all the elements of your formal wear outfit – from shimmery dresses to chic blazers.

For evening parties or holidays dinners, nothing adds glamour quite like antique bracelets and other arm cuffs. Whether its sparkling diamonds set in vivid jade stones or multi-colored gems layered one after another, these pairs of jewels have always been known for their ability to instantly up the glam factor.

They can also come in handy when trying out bolder fashion statements such as cropped tops paired with skirts or palazzo pants that require more bling than usual on top.

Best Sources to Buy Quality Antique Jewelry Online and Offline

Antique jewelry has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last few years. With its unique and timeless appeal, antique jewelry is a great way to add sophistication and charm to any ensemble. Whether you are looking for an antique ring, bracelet or necklace, you can find the perfect piece of jewelry with a bit of research.

If you’re looking to buy antique jewelry online, there are several reliable sources to choose from. Online auction sites such as eBay often have quality pieces at competitive prices. Similarly, Etsy also has many reputable vintage dealers offering up beautiful and unique pieces. Many of these online retailers offer items that have already been appraised for authenticity, giving shoppers added security when making their purchase.

For those seeking fantastic antique finds offline, there’s no better way than visiting estate sales in your area or local flea markets on weekends. Estate sales and flea markets can provide you with excellent opportunities to snap up one-of-a-kind pieces at a fraction of what they might cost on the open market.

Additionally, estates often sell off entire collections of antique jewelry in bulk rather than selling them piece by piece. This provides buyers the opportunity to get amazing discounts for purchases of large quantities.

If possible, it’s recommended that buyers bring an expert appraiser along with them when shopping for antique jewelry offline as this will help ensure the authenticity and fair value of any pieces purchased. Also make sure not to get overly impulsive in your purchases – be sure to study the condition of any item prior buying and always use cash when paying for valuable antiquities so that there are no potential disputes over credit card transactions later down the road.

With just a bit of patience and practice, finding quality antiques both online and offline can be an easy process.



Send this to a friend