Antique Jewelry Buying Guide

Georgian Jewelry (1714-1837):
Rare and of varying in quality. The period prior to the Victorian Era that includes the early part of the nineteenth century. Georgian jewelry often features leaf shapes, birds, flowers, and other nature-inspired designs. Georgian jewelry can also include stones such as garnets, rose diamonds, coral, and precious topaz.

Early Victorian, Romantic Jewelry (1837-1850):
The term Victorian properly refers to the period of time during the reign of Queen Victoria of England. However, it is often used to generically describe the1900's and the early part of the twentieth century. As a whole, is characterized by a romanticism in all areas of the arts. Early Victorian Jewelry features nature through flora and fauna-based designs often etched intricate gold filigree. Jewelry such as lockets and brooches.

Mid-Victorian Jewelry (1860-1880):
Mid Victorian Jewelry coincided with the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert, which thrust her into a period of mourning. Having a subdued somber design also known as mourning jewelry, these pieces feature heavy, dark stones such as onyx, amethyst, and deep red garnets.

Late Victorian, Aesthetic Jewelry (1885-1900):
Jewelry designers of the aesthetic period used diamonds and gemstones with feminine colors, such as sapphires and peridot. Hat pins were popular at this time as hats themselves were a fashionable accessory. Star and crescent motifs, as seen in lace pins and brooches, were common to the aesthetic period as well.

Arts and Crafts Jewelry (1894-1923):
The style emphasized simple, functional designs with straight lines and angular forms. It also favored hand-made products over machine-made. The mass technology of the Industrial Revolution inspired a backlash among designers of the Arts and Crafts era and a return to the intricate craftsmanship of previous days. The jewelry of this period was colorful, uncut stones in clean, simple patterns.

Art Nouveau Jewelry (1895-1915):
The designs of Art Nouveau Jewelry featured designs that uses flowers such as irises and insects such as dragonflies.

Edwardian Jewelry (1901-1910):
After Queen Victoria died her son Edward took the throne, ushering in the Edwardian era. Edwardian Jewelry reflected a lavish period by use of diamonds pearls, emeralds and rubies set into elaborately decorative designs.

Art Deco Jewelry (1920-1935):
Features geometric shapes, strong lines, and bright color contrasts. The Art Deco movement frequently characterized by the use of long sharp lines and bright colors. Similar to the Arts and Crafts movement which was happening at the same time, much of the Art Deco style was very angular. This era was influenced by Egyptian, African, and Japanese themes, as well as Cubism and speed motifs (such as air travel and automobiles). Bakelite, celluloid, and enamel were used frequently during this period, as were doublets. Bracelets were a big hit during this era with women wearing a variety at one time.

Retro Jewelry (1940s):
Colorful, elaborate retro-period jewelry features unusual shades of gold and dazzling gemstones like citrine and aquamarine. Inspired by Hollywood glamour, Retro jewelry was “larger than life,” featuring big cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces. Earrings were made to sit close to the lobe, and doublets were also very popular at this time. Charm bracelets became a popular form of self-expression as well.