mercredi 18 novembre 2015

The History Of Vintage Antique Jewelry

By Mattie Knight


To be categorized as antique as defined by the United States Government, an artifact must be a minimum of one hundred years old. The definition of vintage is less exact. Generally it means the piece is at least fifty years old but not yet one hundred. However, as the jewelry ages with the passage of time it moves into the antique category. Time does not stand still, which may account for the combination of the terms, vintage antique jewelry.

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.

The vintage jewelry of today becomes the antique jewelry of tomorrow. Presently vintage is less expensive to acquire but its value will increase as it matures into the antique category. Some people buy the pieces merely because they are fond of the design. Other people are collectors who know that the value of their investment will increase with time.

Antiques span a much broader period of time and include seven categories. The oldest category, the Georgian, includes jewelry made from 1717 to 1837, and used precious metals and stones. During this time jewelry was still made by hand. This feature makes the works even more valuable, as no two are exactly the same.

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.

The Arts and Crafts category includes pieces made from 1894 to 1923. As the name indicates, the designs were simpler and hand made using uncut stones. Some historians see this category as a backlash to the industrial revolution with consumers once again wanting specialized hand made pieces. The Edwardian category is defined as works produced from 1901 to 1915. As seen before, the time period of categories may overlap with more than one style being produced at the same time.

Art Nouveau was made from 1895 to 1915. As the art evolved, the designs became more simple and less lavish. The American influence was beginning to merge with the European influence. The last of the antique categories, Art Nouveau is the direct predecessor of Art Deco. There are similarities of design, but professionals can still make the distinction between the two.

These works must be seen to appreciate the unique beauty of each of the design categories. Words alone do not do them justice. Photographs are helpful, but to actually hold and see the pieces for yourself is the best way to appreciate the artwork.




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