A Guide to Vintage, Vintage-Inspired, Antique and Art Deco Jewelry
Jewelry styles are a reflection of the culture, trends and artistry of their times, which is why pieces from past eras still captivate people today. One of the most alluring types is vintage style jewelry, a category that encompasses a range of historical designs and evokes the elegance of bygone periods. Whether you’re intrigued by the subtle charm of antique jewelry, drawn to the bold aesthetics of Art Deco or curious about the difference between genuine vintage and vintage-inspired pieces, this guide will help you understand the terms and what sets each category apart.
Brown & Co. Jewelers has been Atlanta’s premier jeweler for 50 years, so we take inspiration from the past for many of our jewelry offerings, while also celebrating today’s top styles.
Antique Jewelry
Antique jewelry refers to pieces that are at least 100 years old, meaning they were created before the early 20th century. Because of their age, antiques are often highly prized for their historical significance and rarity. Each piece tells a story of its time, reflecting the societal norms, artistry, and technological advancements of its era. The distinct periods of antique jewelry include Georgian (1714-1837), Victorian (1837-1901), and Edwardian (1901-1910).
Antique jewelry is usually handmade, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. Popular materials include gold, platinum, diamonds, pearls and colored gemstones such as amethyst, emeralds and sapphires. Many pieces also feature intricate settings and engraving, as well as nature-inspired motifs such as leaves, birds and flowers.
An example of antique jewelry is a Victorian mourning brooch made of jet, a black fossilized wood, which was commonly worn during Queen Victoria’s reign as a symbol of mourning. Victorian jewelry is known for its sentimentality, with designs often incorporating lockets or hidden compartments to hold a loved one’s portrait or hair.
At Brown & Co., we offer a curated collection of stunning estate jewelry, with rare and head-turning antique and vintage pieces from the past. Treasures hunters are invited to shop bracelets, earrings, necklaces, engagement rings and more that evoke the romance of days gone by. We also offer expert custom design services, which can be used to refresh an antique family heirloom, bringing antique or vintage styles into the modern day.
Vintage Jewelry
In the world of jewelry, the term “vintage” refers to pieces that are at least 20-30 years old but not yet considered antiques (which require a longer timeline of at least 100 years). Vintage jewelry typically refers to items created from the early 20th century through the 1990s. The appeal of vintage jewelry lies in its nostalgic charm, craftsmanship and unique character. Vintage pieces often reflect the trends of their respective eras, from the minimalist designs of the 1960s to the glamorous, bold styles of the 1980s.
Common characteristics of vintage jewelry include the use of gold and silver metals, vibrant gemstones and intricate filigree work. Mid-century modern pieces from the 1950s and 1960s often feature geometric shapes, while the bold cocktail rings of the 1980s use colorful gemstones and large, eye-catching designs. For example, a vintage sapphire and diamond ring from the 1970s may showcase the era’s penchant for elegant, statement-making styles.
Vintage-Inspired Jewelry
Unlike genuine vintage pieces, vintage-inspired jewelry is newly made but takes design cues from past styles. These modern recreations allow you to enjoy the aesthetic of a particular period without hunting down authentic pieces or worrying about their origin or condition. Jewelers may use contemporary techniques and materials to craft these items while honoring the iconic design elements of vintage jewelry.
Vintage-inspired pieces often include engagement rings that mimic the delicate details of vintage designs, such as intricate engraving or milgrain edges. For example, a vintage-inspired engagement ring may feature a halo setting reminiscent of Edwardian or Victorian designs, where the focus is on ornate craftsmanship rather than minimalism. By using modern materials and production methods, vintage-inspired jewelry offers a nostalgic look with the durability and quality of contemporary pieces.
Our engagement ring collection from Brown & Co. Jewelers is vintage-inspired, featuring romantic designs like The Grand. Named after the Grand Historic Davenport Hotel, this ring showcases the grandest of oval solitaires with a cathedral-style setting, graduated diamonds on the shank and elegant pear-shaped prongs, making it a true statement piece.
Another vintage-inspired engagement ring offered at Brown & Co. is The Davenport, a nod to the Brown family legacy Frank Brown’s grandmother owned a jewelry store inside The Grand Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington. This tried-and-true treasure features a classic solitaire design with a cathedral-style setting, a feminine swoop basket, elegant pear-shaped prongs and a 2mm band, embodying the timeless elegance of family tradition and craftsmanship.
Vintage-inspired engagement rings are currently on trend, appealing to those who admire historic charm and enduring romance.
Art Deco Jewelry
Art Deco jewelry, which flourished in the 1920s and 1930s, is a distinct, specific style that is often considered vintage but is notable for its bold and modern design elements. The Art Deco movement embraced geometric shapes, symmetry and vibrant colors, reflecting the industrial growth and opulence of the Roaring Twenties. The Great Gatsby era was full of glamorous parties, flapper fashion and an emphasis on luxury and progress, all of which are captured in the jewelry from this time.
Defining characteristics of Art Deco jewelry include sharp lines, angular shapes and contrasting materials like platinum, gold, onyx, diamonds and colored gemstones. One common feature is the step-cut, used in emerald-cut diamonds, which creates a striking, sophisticated look. Art Deco designs also heavily incorporated calibré-cut gemstones—specially cut stones fitted precisely into the design for a seamless appearance.
An iconic example of Art Deco jewelry would be a platinum bracelet featuring diamonds and sapphires arranged in a geometric pattern. This design reflects both the symmetry and contrasting materials that define the Art Deco era.
Find Timeless Styles at Brown & Co. Jewelers
Whether you’re drawn to the rare elegance of antique jewelry, the bold flair of Art Deco, or the nostalgic beauty of vintage and vintage-inspired pieces, understanding the defining characteristics of each style allows you to appreciate the artistry and history behind these timeless creations. Vintage-style jewelry, in all its forms, offers a beautiful way to connect with the past while lending classic sophistication to your collection.
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