Antique and estate jewelry are both pieces of jewelry previously owned by someone. The age of the two parts is what distinguishes them. For an item to be considered antique, it must be at least 20 years old. For jewelry to be considered vintage, it must be at least 30 years old, although there are times when mass-produced jewelry is considered vintage. If you buy estate jewelry, the seller will usually mention the age of the piece.
Vintage jewelry is Between 50 and 100 Years Old
The term vintage refers to jewelry at least 50 years old but can be as old as 100 years. Not only do vintage pieces look great, but they also make a great talking point. This makes vintage jewelry more durable and less likely to break. In addition, vintage jewelry designs are still relatively current, making them easy to incorporate into fashion-forward ensembles.
It is considered antique if a piece is more than 100 years old. Although the two terms are commonly used interchangeably, they have different meanings. Therefore, using the correct terminology when discussing antique and vintage pieces is essential.
Estate Jewelry is Any Jewelry That Was Previously Owned
Estate jewelry is any piece of jewelry that has been previously owned by someone else. It has either been handed down from one person or sold as part of an estate. Estate jewelry can be of any age but must have been previously owned by someone. On the other hand, antique jewelry must be at least 100 years old. It may be from the Georgian Era (1714-1837) or the Victorian Era (1837-1901). It can also be from the Arts & Crafts Era (1894-1923) and Art Nouveau Era (1890-1910).
Estate jewelry is an excellent option for those who appreciate vintage jewelry. It is often more affordable than buying brand-new jewelry, and selling estate jewelry would profit you. It is important to note that estate jewelry is not in perfect condition. You may find a piece worn but still has charm and luster. Vintage jewelry can be beautiful if it has a history behind it.
Heirloom Jewelry is an Item That You Have Inherited
Heirloom jewelry is a particular type of jewelry that has been passed down from one generation to another. The pieces have sentimental value and are generally made of beautiful materials. These pieces are often gifted to the new owner after the original owner passes away and are also excellent gifts for celebrating a special occasion.
Inherited jewelry has several reasons to be valuable: It tells your family’s story, is a special gift, and has sentimental value. The pieces are beautiful and symbolic and often represent family, accomplishment, and love. This type of jewelry is also highly unique and is rarely reproduced. The symbolism behind inherited jewelry is often more important than the monetary value.
Art Deco-Era Jewelry
Art Deco-era jewelry represents a vibrant time in history. This period was characterized by technological advances, economic success, and artistic upheaval. It was also a time of international flair. The designs were often based on symbolic locations, such as Paris, London, or New York City. Many pieces feature multicolored gemstones. Art Deco jewelry also has a unique, signature look.
The style evolved from the heightened excitement for modernity and technology and a strong interest in glamour. After World War I, people celebrated freedom and new ideas. This allowed women to freely express themselves and accessorize themselves with more extravagant jewelry. Famous designers at the time included Cartier, Van Cleef& Arpels, Boucheron, and Tiffany & Co.
Edwardian Era Jewelry
Edwardian-era jewelry has a unique and sophisticated style that echoes the Era. A woman was expected to be refined and affluent during this time, and many pieces of jewelry from this period reflected this image. These pieces feature white metals, including Old Mine or European cut diamonds. In addition to diamonds, sapphires were also famous.
Several classic pieces from the Edwardian era feature gemstones such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphire. Other popular jewelry pieces from the time included swags, hinges, and tiny gemstone drops. For earrings, a typical Edwardian era style is a long pendant with a large feature center stone surrounded by diamonds. During this time, most jewelry was white, but some pieces featured vibrantly colored gemstones such as Colombian emeralds, Burmese rubies, and Kashmir sapphires.
