Vintage Rhinestone Jewelry Eras
If you are like the majority of us jewelry enthusiasts, we realize that we love vintage jewelry because of its distinctive features. However, we also know we hardly understand anything about the period and era of a jewelry piece. Vintage jewelry can be valuable for a lot of factors. Scarcity and a one of a kind component, together with the good quality of materials used, make this category a valuable one; jam full of intriguing details.
Vintage jewelry spans a lot of different periods and decades. The eras to be researched here include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro. Retro vintage jewelry is frequently known as Estate Jewelry, or vintage jewelry that has been produced following World War II.
The defining characteristics of Georgian vintage jewelry (1714-1837) is that it is handmade, which makes each piece distinctively unique. This type of jewelry is extremely rare, and usually includes nature inspired scenes such as birds and leaves. You will often find precious stones in this category of jewelry also.
In the Early Victorian era (romantic vintage jewelry 1837-1855) you will once again notice nature's influence. The designs would often times be etched into gold with this type of vintage jewelry, and you would find the jewelry of choice to be brooches, lockets for day wear, while diamonds and gemstones of color for the evenings.
Vintage jewelry created throughout the Mid Victorian era (1856-1880) is often times observed as jewelry with a good undertone of "mourning". This time corresponded with the death of Queen Elizabeth's husband. The influence in this vintage jewelry is seen utilizing darker stones, for example black onyx, jet, amethyst and garnet. Grave designs were configured. Still, in other pieces, the vintage jewelry turned especially creative during this era with the use of more colourful designs. Shells, mosaics, as well as colorful gems were often integrated into a piece.
Vintage jewelry designs during the Late Victorian era (1885-1900) have been extremely feminine, where diamonds, sapphires, peridot and spinel were often the key focus. As far as shapes, star designs along with crescent shapes were popular. Hat pins had been the accessory of the time. Vintage jewelry had such functionality to it through each era!
The Arts and Crafts vintage jewelry period lasted from 1894-1923. The industrial revolution created mass produced products, and during this era, jewelry designers rebelled, focusing their skills on craftsmanship as well as elaborate designs. Stone colors were frequently Very vibrant, pieces were straightforward, and stones remained uncut. These are the reasons for the popularity today of vintage jewelry from yesteryear!
Vintage jewelry in the Art Nouveau eras (1895-1915) was being created by designers such as Rene Jules Lalique in France, as well as American jewelry artists. This vintage jewelry category incorporated natural designs that once again displayed nature creations, like flowers, butterflies.
The vintage jewelry period referred to as the Edwardian years (1901-1915) incorporated magnificent gems like diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, using intricate designs. Queen Victoria had died and her son Edward became king at the start of this era.
Vintage Jewelry from the Art Deco era (1915-1935) has a huge following today. African, Egyptian and Japanese themes, along with geometric shapes, sharp lines and bright colors defined this era. Bakelite, celluloid, and enamels were used more than in previous eras. The necklaces were long, with the bracelets being worn in multiples. Beads were incorporated into chokers, while metals were polished and used for accessories.
Gayle Napoli is the author of this storyline, and owner/designer for vintagebuttondesigns.com company that sells on the web and to exclusive retailers and specialty boutiques located in metro Chicago and Naples Florida. Gayle's opening comment: "I've never met a girly girl that doesn't love retro vintage jewelry and vintage button designs".
Vintage jewelry spans a lot of different periods and decades. The eras to be researched here include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro. Retro vintage jewelry is frequently known as Estate Jewelry, or vintage jewelry that has been produced following World War II.
The defining characteristics of Georgian vintage jewelry (1714-1837) is that it is handmade, which makes each piece distinctively unique. This type of jewelry is extremely rare, and usually includes nature inspired scenes such as birds and leaves. You will often find precious stones in this category of jewelry also.
In the Early Victorian era (romantic vintage jewelry 1837-1855) you will once again notice nature's influence. The designs would often times be etched into gold with this type of vintage jewelry, and you would find the jewelry of choice to be brooches, lockets for day wear, while diamonds and gemstones of color for the evenings.
Vintage jewelry created throughout the Mid Victorian era (1856-1880) is often times observed as jewelry with a good undertone of "mourning". This time corresponded with the death of Queen Elizabeth's husband. The influence in this vintage jewelry is seen utilizing darker stones, for example black onyx, jet, amethyst and garnet. Grave designs were configured. Still, in other pieces, the vintage jewelry turned especially creative during this era with the use of more colourful designs. Shells, mosaics, as well as colorful gems were often integrated into a piece.
Vintage jewelry designs during the Late Victorian era (1885-1900) have been extremely feminine, where diamonds, sapphires, peridot and spinel were often the key focus. As far as shapes, star designs along with crescent shapes were popular. Hat pins had been the accessory of the time. Vintage jewelry had such functionality to it through each era!
The Arts and Crafts vintage jewelry period lasted from 1894-1923. The industrial revolution created mass produced products, and during this era, jewelry designers rebelled, focusing their skills on craftsmanship as well as elaborate designs. Stone colors were frequently Very vibrant, pieces were straightforward, and stones remained uncut. These are the reasons for the popularity today of vintage jewelry from yesteryear!
Vintage jewelry in the Art Nouveau eras (1895-1915) was being created by designers such as Rene Jules Lalique in France, as well as American jewelry artists. This vintage jewelry category incorporated natural designs that once again displayed nature creations, like flowers, butterflies.
The vintage jewelry period referred to as the Edwardian years (1901-1915) incorporated magnificent gems like diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, using intricate designs. Queen Victoria had died and her son Edward became king at the start of this era.
Vintage Jewelry from the Art Deco era (1915-1935) has a huge following today. African, Egyptian and Japanese themes, along with geometric shapes, sharp lines and bright colors defined this era. Bakelite, celluloid, and enamels were used more than in previous eras. The necklaces were long, with the bracelets being worn in multiples. Beads were incorporated into chokers, while metals were polished and used for accessories.
Gayle Napoli is the author of this storyline, and owner/designer for vintagebuttondesigns.com company that sells on the web and to exclusive retailers and specialty boutiques located in metro Chicago and Naples Florida. Gayle's opening comment: "I've never met a girly girl that doesn't love retro vintage jewelry and vintage button designs".
About the Author:
Want to find out more about vintage jewelry, then visit Gayles website on how to choose the best vintage buttons designs for your vintage accessory needs.
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