The proper definition of antique is an artifact that is at least one hundred years old. The surge in the popularity of old jewelry has coined the term vintage, which usually encompasses works that are at least fifty years old but not yet one hundred years old. The term Vintage Antique Jewelry actually creates a contradiction. As the years pass by the vintage piece made in 1920 will become antique. This moving target could explain the combined term vintage antique.
Art deco and retro are two classifications that fall into the vintage category. Art deco jewelry was produced from around 1915 to 1935. This style is usually set in silver and uses precious and semi precious stones. The designs are different geometric shapes, such as diamond, square or rectangular. The more recent Retro circa 1945 to 1960 is bolder in design and reminiscent of old Hollywood movies and architecture. Resources do not explain the gap between 1935 to 1945. It could be speculated that the world unrest just before and during World War II was responsible for the break in productivity.
A vintage piece produced in 1920 will become an antique with the passing of a few years. There are collectors who buy vintage because of an appreciation of the design. Other collectors are making a smart investment. They know the investment will appreciate with time, and continue to appreciate in the future.
The antique classification has seven categories. The earliest category, Georgian, was produced from 1717 to 1837. Since Georgian is so old, there are fewer pieces available. This period predates mass production, so all these works were made by hand. Each one of these small works of art is unique and include precious stones that add to the value.
The Victoria era produced three categories of antique jewelry. Early Victorian Romantic was produced from 1837 to 1855. Colored stones and diamonds were used and often adorned with gold etchings. Middle Victorian Grand followed with similar designs that used larger stones. These works were produced from 1856 to 1880. The latest category in this group, Late Victoria Aesthetic began production in 1885 and continued to 1900. Works produced in this time period reflect the fashions of that time with pendants, brooches and hat pins.
Arts and Crafts, made from 1894 to 1923, were also hand made. These pieces may display uncut stones and used a lot of color. Mass production was firmly in place during this time. Some artisans may have yearned for the days when each piece was a hand made work of art. Next the Edwardian category were created lavishly with lots of color and vivid precious stones. Some of the categories overlapped in time with more than one type being in production.
Finally, there is Art Nouveau. These works, produced from 1895 to 1915 paved the way for Art Deco. European and American influences began to converge in jewelry designs. Jewelry became simpler and less ornate in design. Art Deco and Art Nouveau may be hard to distinguish from one another. It takes a trained eye to know the difference.
To see these pieces for yourself it the best way to really appreciate their beauty. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but seeing the works in person is even better. Often pieces can be found at Estate sales and museums.
Art deco and retro are two classifications that fall into the vintage category. Art deco jewelry was produced from around 1915 to 1935. This style is usually set in silver and uses precious and semi precious stones. The designs are different geometric shapes, such as diamond, square or rectangular. The more recent Retro circa 1945 to 1960 is bolder in design and reminiscent of old Hollywood movies and architecture. Resources do not explain the gap between 1935 to 1945. It could be speculated that the world unrest just before and during World War II was responsible for the break in productivity.
A vintage piece produced in 1920 will become an antique with the passing of a few years. There are collectors who buy vintage because of an appreciation of the design. Other collectors are making a smart investment. They know the investment will appreciate with time, and continue to appreciate in the future.
The antique classification has seven categories. The earliest category, Georgian, was produced from 1717 to 1837. Since Georgian is so old, there are fewer pieces available. This period predates mass production, so all these works were made by hand. Each one of these small works of art is unique and include precious stones that add to the value.
The Victoria era produced three categories of antique jewelry. Early Victorian Romantic was produced from 1837 to 1855. Colored stones and diamonds were used and often adorned with gold etchings. Middle Victorian Grand followed with similar designs that used larger stones. These works were produced from 1856 to 1880. The latest category in this group, Late Victoria Aesthetic began production in 1885 and continued to 1900. Works produced in this time period reflect the fashions of that time with pendants, brooches and hat pins.
Arts and Crafts, made from 1894 to 1923, were also hand made. These pieces may display uncut stones and used a lot of color. Mass production was firmly in place during this time. Some artisans may have yearned for the days when each piece was a hand made work of art. Next the Edwardian category were created lavishly with lots of color and vivid precious stones. Some of the categories overlapped in time with more than one type being in production.
Finally, there is Art Nouveau. These works, produced from 1895 to 1915 paved the way for Art Deco. European and American influences began to converge in jewelry designs. Jewelry became simpler and less ornate in design. Art Deco and Art Nouveau may be hard to distinguish from one another. It takes a trained eye to know the difference.
To see these pieces for yourself it the best way to really appreciate their beauty. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but seeing the works in person is even better. Often pieces can be found at Estate sales and museums.
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