Vintage Antique & Estate Jewelry

Fine Jewelry Definition 

Finely crafted jewelry stands the test of time. The materials used are naturally designed to last. The quality of the materials and the craftsmanship of vintage and antique fine jewelry holds its value and there’s no compromise on the quality or beauty of the each piece. These are items you will want to wear often and for years and years to come. Vintage and antique jewelry will never go out of style because of its historical value, outstanding workmanship. Elegant aesthetics secure it a place in the world of fashion for decades to come, making for a good investment as well.

Vintage and antique jewelry has a timeless appeal - after all, it has already withstood the test of time. From the sophisticated to the outrageous, vintage and antique jewelry of different eras in time vary in styles and can easily complement any outfit. 

Is it Vintage or Antique?

Have you ever wondered if a jewelry piece is a "vintage" or an "antique" find? Sometimes we hear people use the term interchangeably. Actually, there is a "timeline" defined explanation for the two terms.

When looking at the story of a vintage or antique piece, you may want to know what the difference in these two terms is.

Vintage Jewelry

Jewelry which is at least 20 or more years old, so to be considered “vintage” it could be anything made during the 1990’s or earlier to about 1920's. 

Estate Jewelry

These items could be less than a year old and it could still be considered estate jewelry. Estate jewelry is a term used to describe previously owned jewelry. This type of jewelry is usually acquired from estates that has been sold and it could be  vintage in nature, while the term “vintage” includes many decades or eras from 1920's to the 1990's. 

Antique Jewelry

Jewelry which is over 100 years old, the piece would have to be made before 1910’s to be called “antique”.

 Time Periods

Knowing which period the vintage or antique jewelry comes from will bring you closer answering some questions you may have about the item.

1715 – 1830 Georgian
1830 – 1900 Victorian
(Romantic 1837-1860, Grand 1861-1880, Aesthetic 1880-1901)
1860 – 1920 Arts & Crafts
1890 – 1915 Art Nouveau
1900 – 1920 Edwardian
1915 – 1935 Art Deco
1935 – 1950 Retro
1950 – Present Modern