Posts Tagged ‘design’
Art Deco Vintage Jewelry
Where To Start When Collecting Vintage Jewelry
Probably the best part about collecting heirloom, or vintage, jewelry is the fact that it’s not being made today. Any piece you pick up is one of a dwindling number of that particular piece. Even better, when you pick up a piece of vintage jewelry, you can almost feel the story behind it. Every vintage piece has a story. But if you’re new to the idea and want to collect, where do you start? Any jewelry or antique store you walk into will have display cases full of this type of jewelry.
Well, the answer is that you start anywhere you want. There are no rules. Look around, take your time, and pick out any piece of jewelry that you absolutely love and can afford. That’s where you start. From there, maybe you research and find the era from which this piece of vintage jewelry came, and just continue to collect more pieces from the same era. Maybe your first piece was a brooch, and you like it so much you’ve decided to try collect brooches from as many different eras and genres as you can find. Or, throw all of that aside, and just continue to buy pieces of jewelry you fall in love with. There. You’re a collector.
There are some distinct eras you will discover as you delve deeper into your passion. The earliest jewelry was all hand made and as such it is difficult if not impossible to find. Jewelry from this era, the Georgian era, would be fantastic to collect, but maybe too difficult or frustrating or expensive. The Victorian era was really the time when jewelry came into being, and vintage jewelry from this era is certainly collectible. There are three periods in the Victorian era, early, middle, and late, and they all have their own styles and feel. If you study enough, you’ll be able to tell one period from another.
The end of the Victorian era was also the beginning of the industrial revolution, and jewelry took a major turn. The eras for 20th century jewelry include Art Nouveau, a period of flowing and nature-based designs, Edwardian, where most of the jewelry was made with large precious gemstones, Art Deco, very geometric in shape and design, and finally modern vintage jewelry, also known as retro. This period ends in the late 50’s, and was dominated by jewelry designed to make people look like Hollywood stars.
It doesn’t matter which era you collect, or whether you collect them all. It’s a lot of fun to specialize and learn a lot about the times of the era you’re collecting, but it’s not essential. Buy it because it’s fun, unique, and when you hold it or put it on, you can feel the past inside you. It’s an unequaled pleasure.
You can find the full article about choosing the best vintage jewelry and much more jewelry advice and information on Jewelrista.com
About the Author
Tom Diamatis/Tom Diamente
Editor
Jewelry Design and Passion
Antique Jewelry Art Deco 14K Gold Large Ring Antique Jewelry
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Yellow Gold 14K 9mm Art Deco Cord Wedding Band $499.95 Yellow Gold 14K 9mm Art Deco Cord Wedding Band. Ring Information 14K Yellow Gold 9.9-14.5 grams 9mm (just under 3/8 inch) Sizes 5 – 13 available Precise Laser Engraving Available |
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Fantastic Brand New Art Deco Necklace With 98.15ctw Precious Stones – Genuine Clean Diamonds and Sapphires Beautifully Designed in 14K White Gold. Total item we $65679 Brand New Art Deco Necklace With 98.15ctw Precious Stones – Genuine Clean Diamonds and Sapphires Solid 14K White Gold. Total item weight 83.8g Length 18in |
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14K White Gold Scroll Prong Set Engagement Ring $1359.95 This intriguing engagement ring features intricate milgrain and scroll designs creating an appealing art deco and vintage feel. The entire shank is designed so it is important for one to pay attention to every single detail. The side diamonds of this white gold ring is in the channel setting while the center diamond fits securely in the prong setting.. |
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9mm 14K Two Tone Art Deco Wedding Ring $499.95 . Ring Information 14K Two Tone Gold 9.9 – 14.5 grams 9mm (just under 3/8 inch) Sizes 5 – 13 available Precise Laser Engraving Available |
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Handcrafted Art Deco Austrian Crystal Belly Ring $13.99 Handcrafted Art Deco Austrian Crystal Belly Ring Inspirational Art Deco belly ring. This Swarovski belly ring will create all the attention needed. Unique handmade Austrian crystal belly ring designed with a modern flair. Quality handmade body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, .925 Sterling Silver, Swarovski Crystal (Swarovski is a registered trademark of Swarovski AG), Handmade in the USA Artisan Handcrafted Body Jewelry |
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The Art Of Resin Jewelry $24.95 Best-selling author Sherri Haab shows you how simple it is to use layering, casting and mixed media techniques to make vintage and contemporary jewelry. Projects range from simple to sophisticated. Packed with tips on tools, supplies, finishing, and creating special effects, this is a beautiful and practical introduction to an exciting art. DVD features hands-on demonstrations of 3 additional projects plus a gallery of inspiring jewelry designs. The projects seen in the additional images are by artist and author Sherri Haab. |
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16 Inches – Inox Jewelry Women’s Art Deco 316L Stainless Steel Necklace $152 16 Inches – Inox Jewelry Women’s Art Deco 316L Stainless Steel Necklace Make a bold and modern statement with unique stainless steel necklace. INOX Jewelry is a collection of 316L Stainless Steel jewelry for both men and women. The unique designs range from classic to contemporary; to edgy and urban. Specifications: 316L Stainless Steel 316L Steel Jewelry |
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Art Deco $30 Art Deco is the fifth title in the highly successful DK Collector’s Guides series. Written by world-renowned expert Judith Miller and specialist consultants, the book explores the defining design style of the 1920s and 30s. Structured by popular collectin |
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Art Deco Twelve-Tier Candelabra $245 Art Deco Twelve-Tier Candelabra |
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Art Deco Double Wine holder $80 Art Deco Double Wine holder |
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DMB Art Deco Tank $25 American Apparel Rib Tank featuring an art deco pattern. |
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Cut Out Stainless Steel Band $19.95 Cut Out Stainless Steel Band. An art deco design with scroll cut out designs on stainless steel. |
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Warman’s Jewelry $29.99 Baubles, Bangles, Beads …and so much more The long-awaited 4th edition of the best-selling Warman’s Jewelry Identification and Price Guide features a fresh and fun redesign with more than 1,000 detailed images and interviews with experts in key categories. Author Kathy Flood brings collectors up-to-date prices, detailed histories and enlightening anecdotes covering more than two centuries of fine and costume jewelry. – Pearls: Learn about the Japanese visionary who changed the market forever. – Cameos: Is it shell, lava or hardstone? – Georgian/Victorian/Edwardian: The differences might surprise you. – Art Nouveau: Striking designs at the dawn of the 20th century. – Art Deco: The Jazz-Age phenomenon. – Plastics: From delicate celluloid to outrageous Bakelite bangles. Plus: Silver, Rhinestones, Figurals, Beads, Diamonds, Couture, and Art Jewelry. Warman’s Jewelry Identification and Price Guide 4th Edition is an indispensable addition to your jewelry library. |