History. Individuality. Timeless beauty. Social responsibility. Vintage cartier jewelry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity, and it is simple to see why. Every piece of vintage jewelry carries its own history, and never finds any similar. Plenty of pieces are hand crafted with great attention to detail, making them wonderful investments as relatives heirlooms; and ladies concerned with the environmental impacts of mining or fair trade practice in the diamond industry turn to vintage pandora jewellery to express their social awareness. But looking for the ideal "something old" to complete a bridal ensemble or complement a favourite dress can be a daunting task for ladies who may not have a degree in fashion or art history. Where are you able to find vintage pieces? What qualifies a piece of jewelry as vintage? What is the difference between vintage and antique? This guide offers practical, helpful answers for these questions, and advice on how to pick the ideal vintage piece of jewelry for any occasion.
Most jewelers and collectors agree on an age of 20-25 years maximum for an item to be thought about vintage; after 100 years, an item is thought about antique. Plenty of jewelers over vintage jewelry, and pieces often show up in estate sales and online markets. Some artisan jewelers even generate new jewelry from vintage parts, such as charm bracelets from earrings or jeweled bouquets made from several vintage brooches.
With the ascension of King Edward to England's throne in 1901, the Edwardian period began, characterized by elaborate designs and expensive gems. Around the same time, Art Nouveau made botanical designs worked in enamel very popular. Collectors prize artist Louis Comfort Tiffany's designs.
The oldest vintage jewelry still often found comes from the Victorian period. Romantic in tone, Victorian jewelry is usually delicate, feminine and inspired by nature. Pieces from the mid-Victorian period feature darker stones such as garnet, amethyst and onyx, and would be ideal for a late evening wedding or a bride less partial to diamonds and pearls. Early Victorian and Aesthetic jewelry feature lighter gems like sapphire, peridot and diamond. For an elegant spring or summer wedding, look for jewelry from this period.
Reminiscent of Elderly Hollywood, Retro or Mid-Century jewelry incorporates bold color and elaborate designs. Popular vintage jewelry from this period includes cocktail rings, watches, and charm bracelets. Ladies who admire fashion icons Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Doris Day ought to look for vintage jewelry from the Retro period.
Perhaps the best known of all vintage jewelry is Art Deco. Still cherished by plenty of admirers, Art Deco exemplifies the economic boom between WWI and WWII. Characterized by geometric shapes and bright colors, Art Deco jewelry often features Bakelite, celluloid, enamel, and highly polished metals. Intricate, ostentatious, and architectural, Art Deco jewelry best complements a whimsical and modern style.