United States Government standards define antique as any valuable collectible that is at least one hundred years old. Therefore, the term antique has a clear meaning. In recent years the term vintage has become popularized. Not all resources agree on the exact definition of vintage, but in terms of jewelry it usually means a piece that is at least fifty years old, but less than one hundred years old. From a purely correct point of view, the terms are mutually exclusive. Many aficionados just love the beauty of 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.
With the passing of a few years, the piece that is vintage today will mature into an antique. As the law of supply and demand would dictate, vintage pieces are more plentiful and therefore less costly. People who buy these pieces may just love the look, or they may be smart investors who understand that each vintage piece will soon increase in value as it moves into the antique classification..
The antique classification has seven categories. The earliest category, Georgian, was produced from 1717 to 1837. Since Georgian is so old, there are fewer pieces available. This period predates mass production, so all these works were made by hand. Each one of these small works of art is unique and include precious stones that add to the value.
Early Victorian Romantic, circa 1837 to 1855 often included gold etching and used diamonds and gemstones of color. Historically, Queen Victoria ruled from 1837 until she died in 1901. Apparently the design continued in her honor. Middle Victorian Grand, produced form 1856 to 1880 employed bolder designs with larger stones. This category is less colorful than its earlier counterpart. Late Victorian Aesthetic made from 1885 to 1900 typically included pendants, hat pins and brooches, all popular pieces during that time.
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.
The next category, Art Nouveau, produced from 1895 to 1915 had simpler designs much less ornate then its predecessors. European and American designs merged which perhaps reflects the history of this era. Art Nouveau paved the way for Art Deco. The untrained eye may confuse the two categories.
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.
With the passing of a few years, the piece that is vintage today will mature into an antique. As the law of supply and demand would dictate, vintage pieces are more plentiful and therefore less costly. People who buy these pieces may just love the look, or they may be smart investors who understand that each vintage piece will soon increase in value as it moves into the antique classification..
The antique classification has seven categories. The earliest category, Georgian, was produced from 1717 to 1837. Since Georgian is so old, there are fewer pieces available. This period predates mass production, so all these works were made by hand. Each one of these small works of art is unique and include precious stones that add to the value.
Early Victorian Romantic, circa 1837 to 1855 often included gold etching and used diamonds and gemstones of color. Historically, Queen Victoria ruled from 1837 until she died in 1901. Apparently the design continued in her honor. Middle Victorian Grand, produced form 1856 to 1880 employed bolder designs with larger stones. This category is less colorful than its earlier counterpart. Late Victorian Aesthetic made from 1885 to 1900 typically included pendants, hat pins and brooches, all popular pieces during that time.
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.
The next category, Art Nouveau, produced from 1895 to 1915 had simpler designs much less ornate then its predecessors. European and American designs merged which perhaps reflects the history of this era. Art Nouveau paved the way for Art Deco. The untrained eye may confuse the two categories.
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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