Vintage Jewelry for the Modern Bride

By : E. Brooks

History. Individuality. Timeless beauty. Social responsibility. Vintage jewelry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity, and it is easy to discover why. Every piece of vintage jewelry carries its own history, and a single rarely finds any two alike. Many pieces are hand crafted with good attention to detail, creating them wonderful investments as family heirlooms; and women fascinated with the environmental impacts of mining or sensible package procedure in the diamond sector turn to vintage jewelry to express their social awareness.


But searching to the perfect "something old" to full a bridal ensemble or complement a pop dress may be a daunting task for women who may not have a degree in design or art history. Where can you find vintage parts? What qualifies a piece of jewelry as vintage? What is usually that the difference between vintage and antique? This direct features practical, helpful answers on these questions, and advice on how to select the perfect vintage piece of jewelry for any juncture.

Most jewelers and collectors add up on an age of 20-25 years minimum for an item to be considered vintage; after ONE HUNDRED years, an item is considered antique. Many jewelers carry vintage jewelry, and comp1nts often show up in estate sales and online markets. Some artworkisan jewelers even create unexampled jewelry from vintage elements, as well as charm bracelets from earrings or jeweled bouquets created from several vintage brooches.

The oldest vintage jewelry even now commonly found comes from the Victorian era. Romantic in ta single, Victorian jewelry is usually delicate, feminine and inspired through soul. Parts from the mid-Victorian era feature darker stones as well as garnet, amethyst and onyx, and could be perfect for a not old evening marriage or a bride less par2rkial to diamonds and pearls. Early Victorian and Aesthetic jewelry feature lighter gems like sapphire, peridot and diamond. pertaining to an elegant spring or summer marriage, hunt for jewelry from this period.

With the ascension of King Edward to England's thra single in 1901, the Edwardian period began, characterized through elaborate designs and expensive gems. Around the same time, Ar2rk Nouveau produced botanical designs worked in enamel extremely popular. Collectors particularly award ar2rkist Louis Comfort Tiffany's designs.

Perhaps the best knpersonal of all vintage jewelry is Art Deco. Still cherished via many admirers, Art Deco exemplifies the economic boom between WWI and WWII. Characterized through geometric shapes and brilliant colors, Art Deco jewelry often capabilities Bakelite, celluloid, enamel, and extremely polished metals. Intricate, ostentatious, and architectural, Ar2rk Deco jewelry best complements a whimsical and modern style.

Reminiscent of Old 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. Women who admire fashion icons Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Doris Day must hunt for vintage jewelry from the Retro era.