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 most recently produced pieces are the two vintage categories, Art Deco and Retro. The production of Art Deco was from 1915 to 1935. The designs were geometric and set in silver. These are fairly delicate pieces that used both precious and semi precious stones. Retro, made from 1945 to 1960 shows bolder designs and recalls the architecture of old Hollywood movie theaters. The ten year gap between the two categories may be explained by World War II. It was around these years that the entire world was in turmoil and jewelry many have taken a back seat to survival.
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.
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.
To see these pieces for yourself it the best way to really appreciate their beauty. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but seeing the works in person is even better. Often pieces can be found at Estate sales and museums.
The most recently produced pieces are the two vintage categories, Art Deco and Retro. The production of Art Deco was from 1915 to 1935. The designs were geometric and set in silver. These are fairly delicate pieces that used both precious and semi precious stones. Retro, made from 1945 to 1960 shows bolder designs and recalls the architecture of old Hollywood movie theaters. The ten year gap between the two categories may be explained by World War II. It was around these years that the entire world was in turmoil and jewelry many have taken a back seat to survival.
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.
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.
To see these pieces for yourself it the best way to really appreciate their beauty. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but seeing the works in person is even better. Often pieces can be found at Estate sales and museums.
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