When you’re looking for antique jewelry, you can choose from a range of styles that can make your piece stand out from the rest. Vintage jewelry can be bold and colorful or delicate and demure. The overall look of the piece can also give you some clues as to when it was made. For example, the mid-20th century was known for brighter colors and larger pieces.
Art Nouveau
If you’re looking for an elegant and sophisticated piece of jewelry, consider Art Nouveau pieces. The era’s distinctive aesthetic is characterized by fluid lines, sensuality, and nature themes. These styles make use of expensive materials like glass and horn and often feature metamorphosing forms. Symbolism was also an important element, and the result was unique jewelry.
The broadest category of antique Art Nouveau jewelry is necklaces and brooches. Whether you’re looking for an elegant necklace or a sultry brooch, Art Nouveau necklaces are sure to be stunning.
Victorian
Victorian antique jewelry was popular during the Victorian era. This type of jewelry was often made from stone, bog oak, coral, tortoise shell, and ivory. Many pieces also featured human or horse hair and cut steel. Popular Victorian pieces include book chains, which are known for their wide, flat links. They also feature hardstone cameos. The period was also a time when mourning jewelry was popular.
Victorian society was strict when it came to etiquette, and the jewelry reflected this. After the death of Prince Albert, mourning jewelry rose in popularity, featuring black stones, jet, rubies, and garnets.
Edwardian
If you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry, you’ll want to look at Edwardian antique jewelry. These pieces are highly collectible and have a timeless elegance. These pieces are often made of precious metals such as platinum, and are often made with intricate techniques. Some of the most famous pieces include rings that are made of platinum or diamonds. Other pieces feature motifs such as tiny swinging gemstone droplets.
The Edwardian era was characterized by a variety of decorative techniques. A popular method is called millegraining. This method uses fine metal thread to create ornate designs. The result is a softer, lighter look. Many pieces also feature large diamonds and pearls in intricate filigree patterns.
1950s
Despite the period’s waning popularity, 1950s antique jewelry is remarkably collectible and affordable. Fashions changed over the decade, and a variety of styles and stones were used to create dazzling pieces. Rhinestones, for example, were extremely popular during this time, and were used to adorn necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
In addition to the classic shapes and colors, 1950s jewelry incorporated novelty designs. They often featured patriotic colors, and many pieces were made in the shape of classic vintage jewelry pieces. Women also often wore matching sets of jewelry, called parure, which consisted of matching necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and earrings.
You can also buy antique jewelry at estate sales, which are often much cheaper than in stores. However, be careful as estate sales may have some pieces in poor condition. It is best to read descriptions and check photos before making a purchase. If a piece is too old or has missing stones, it may not be worth the price.
Wartski 1865
Wartski is a family-owned company that specializes in antique jewelry and precious metalwork. The company was founded by Morris Wartski, a Polish immigrant. The company has a reputation for selling Faberge jewels and other treasures. The company also created the wedding ring worn by Kate Middleton.
This company was founded in 1865 and has been in business for 150 years. It is now owned by Nicholas Snowman and Geoffrey Munn, who is famous for appearing on the Antiques Roadshow. Wartski is a family-run business and is based in Mayfair, London. In its history, the company has expanded into a variety of styles, including French antiques and 19th-century revivalist jewellers.
In 1911, Emanuel Snowman, Morris Wartski’s son-in-law, opened a branch in London. He was instrumental in negotiating the purchase of the Faberge collection from the Soviet Union. This collection brought Royal patronage to the company. During the Cold War, Snowman’s sons Hector and Nicholas continued to expand the company’s inventory.