Vintage Jewellery is the new hot thing in the jewellery world. We are going to discuss some of the most impressionable times during history and how to incorporate iconic features from that time into today's jewellery collections.
1. Byzantine Style Vintage Jewellery
From late 300 to 1400 AD
The Byzantine period (named after the Byzantine Empire) was known for their gold and jewels. A famous design feature was thick, woven chains that resembled rope and golden rings decorated with intricate engravings, relief work, or multiple gems.
2. Romanesque Style Vintage Jewellery
Around 1000 AD
In Gothic Europe, it was common practice to wear jewellery to show their religious devotion. Crosses and images of saints dominated the designs. Gemstones were mainly polished smooth into oval shapes. Gold and silver were worn by nobility, where the lower class wore copper and enamel.
3. Renaissance Style Vintage Jewellery
From 14th to 17th century
During the Renaissance new techniques were established, therefore diamonds and gems were started to be cut into facets, which made the jewellery sparkle more. Precious metal settings featured intricate twists and twirls and amethyst, ruby and emerald were favoured by the wealthy.
4. Georgian Style Vintage Jewellery
From 1700s to mid-1800s
Period jewellery from King George’s time were intricate and sparkling. Diamonds that were used in chandelier earrings, brooches, flowers and ribbon motifs were fashionable. Due to limited capabilities in faceting and gemstone cutting, many Georgian jewellery items were formed to fit their specific gems. Many pieces featured additional foiling behind gems to enhance their appearance.
5. Victorian Inspired Vintage Style Jewellery
From 1837 to 1901
The Victorian era was divided into three periods: the Romantic Period, the Grand Period, and the Aesthetic Period. Jewellery from Queen Victoria’s time is romantic and nature-inspired, and including motifs like hearts and flowers were a trend.
Other notable jewellery pieces of the time were pearls and lockets, which were often used to keep a lock of hair or a tiny portrait of a loved one. Diamonds were not that prominent during the first two Victorian periods, but they came back in a big way during the final Aesthetic period. Late Victorian jewellery was often lavish, with ornate diamond cluster designs.
6. Edwardian Inspired Vintage Style Jewellery
From 1901 to 1910
During the La Belle Epoque Era, jewellery styles were becoming increasingly intricate. Popular motifs were pearls, diamond halos, intricate silver-lace work and enamel created colourful butterflies, and flowers.
This was the first time when platinum was officially a part of the jewellery scene. Although it was first crafted with gold, it quickly grew in popularity and was later an item of its own. There were also discoveries of diamond deposits that made the gemstone a popular choice and was accompanying gems such as pearls.
7. Art Deco Inspired Vintage Style Jewellery
From 1920 to 1950
The name hails from a 1925 Paris exhibition of decorative arts which included signature sleek, geometric jewellery pieces that celebrated the burgeoning industries of the time. Square and rectangular diamonds with princess and baguette cuts were now more popular than round or oval stones.
Platinum and white gold were popular metals for Art Deco jewellery along with big, sparkling necklaces and bracelets. Art Deco pieces include brooches, earrings, bracelets and long pearl necklaces that were often worn wrapped around several times.
Vintage jewellery is more than just a nod to the past—it's a celebration of timeless beauty, craftsmanship, and the stories that have shaped our love for adornment. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of Art Deco or the romantic charm of Victorian pieces, these vintage styles offer a unique way to express your personal style with a touch of history.
