To be categorized as antique as defined by the United States Government, an artifact must be a minimum of one hundred years old. The definition of vintage is less exact. Generally it means the piece is at least fifty years old but not yet one hundred. However, as the jewelry ages with the passage of time it moves into the antique category. Time does not stand still, which may account for the combination of the terms, vintage antique jewelry.
The two most recently produced classifications are Art Deco and Retro. Art Deco, circa 1915 to 1935 used a silver backdrop for setting stones. The geometric designs featured less colorful stones such as diamonds. The next category, Retro was made from 1945 to 1960. The designs are bolder and less delicate. You may notice the ten year gap between the two categories. Perhaps production slowed as the world focused on the events of World War II.
A vintage piece produced in 1920 will become an antique with the passing of a few years. There are collectors who buy vintage because of an appreciation of the design. Other collectors are making a smart investment. They know the investment will appreciate with time, and continue to appreciate in the future.
There are seven categories in the antique classification. Georgian is the earliest and was made from 1717 to 1837. Some pieces may have been lost or destroyed, but it is safe to say Georgian is more valuable partially because it is rare. This era was before mass production making each piece unique and even more valuable.
The Victoria era produced three categories of antique jewelry. Early Victorian Romantic was produced from 1837 to 1855. Colored stones and diamonds were used and often adorned with gold etchings. Middle Victorian Grand followed with similar designs that used larger stones. These works were produced from 1856 to 1880. The latest category in this group, Late Victoria Aesthetic began production in 1885 and continued to 1900. Works produced in this time period reflect the fashions of that time with pendants, brooches and hat pins.
The next chronological category is called Arts and Crafts and was produced from 1894 to 1923, As the name would suggest, these works were made by hand. The simpler designs often used uncut, colorful stones. Some historians see this handmade category as a sociological commentary on the industrial revolution. The Edwardian pieces were produced from 1901 to 1915. This continued the overlap of time periods in the design categories. Diamonds, emeralds and rubies made these designs colorful and lavish.
Art Nouveau was made from 1895 to 1915. As the art evolved, the designs became more simple and less lavish. The American influence was beginning to merge with the European influence. The last of the antique categories, Art Nouveau is the direct predecessor of Art Deco. There are similarities of design, but professionals can still make the distinction between the two.
Reading about these jewelry designs cannot sufficiently describe the unique beauty of each category. Later pieces can often be found at second hand stores or road shows. Estate sales often have some rare pieces. Looking at photographs is a start, but to really appreciate the art of jewelry nothing can beat seeing the work in person.
The two most recently produced classifications are Art Deco and Retro. Art Deco, circa 1915 to 1935 used a silver backdrop for setting stones. The geometric designs featured less colorful stones such as diamonds. The next category, Retro was made from 1945 to 1960. The designs are bolder and less delicate. You may notice the ten year gap between the two categories. Perhaps production slowed as the world focused on the events of World War II.
A vintage piece produced in 1920 will become an antique with the passing of a few years. There are collectors who buy vintage because of an appreciation of the design. Other collectors are making a smart investment. They know the investment will appreciate with time, and continue to appreciate in the future.
There are seven categories in the antique classification. Georgian is the earliest and was made from 1717 to 1837. Some pieces may have been lost or destroyed, but it is safe to say Georgian is more valuable partially because it is rare. This era was before mass production making each piece unique and even more valuable.
The Victoria era produced three categories of antique jewelry. Early Victorian Romantic was produced from 1837 to 1855. Colored stones and diamonds were used and often adorned with gold etchings. Middle Victorian Grand followed with similar designs that used larger stones. These works were produced from 1856 to 1880. The latest category in this group, Late Victoria Aesthetic began production in 1885 and continued to 1900. Works produced in this time period reflect the fashions of that time with pendants, brooches and hat pins.
The next chronological category is called Arts and Crafts and was produced from 1894 to 1923, As the name would suggest, these works were made by hand. The simpler designs often used uncut, colorful stones. Some historians see this handmade category as a sociological commentary on the industrial revolution. The Edwardian pieces were produced from 1901 to 1915. This continued the overlap of time periods in the design categories. Diamonds, emeralds and rubies made these designs colorful and lavish.
Art Nouveau was made from 1895 to 1915. As the art evolved, the designs became more simple and less lavish. The American influence was beginning to merge with the European influence. The last of the antique categories, Art Nouveau is the direct predecessor of Art Deco. There are similarities of design, but professionals can still make the distinction between the two.
Reading about these jewelry designs cannot sufficiently describe the unique beauty of each category. Later pieces can often be found at second hand stores or road shows. Estate sales often have some rare pieces. Looking at photographs is a start, but to really appreciate the art of jewelry nothing can beat seeing the work in person.
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