Find Out How Estate Jewelry Can Serve Your Needs 

The term estate jewelry refers to jewelry which has been previously owned by another person before it reaches its current owner. Usually that kind of jewelry is characterized by a combination of sophisticated design with exquisite workmanship - and will definitely not be a piece you will be seeing others wear. 

Estate jewelry carries so much meaning and history within them that render it a one-of-a-kind story. It could have belonged to members of nobility or even celebrities, but either way, there’s a whole lot of background behind it which can’t be found in new items for sale, not even in the fanciest jewelers nowadays. 

Estate jewelry has become increasingly popular for those seeking originality and uniqueness, something extremely hard to find in pieces you would simply find at your local store. Besides, it usually dates from ancient times and this is reflected in its style and typical higher quality. 

They are more durable and usually well-kept - especially in cases in which they haven’t been worn-down due to very little use by their previous owners. Now, let’s take a look at the most important kinds of estate jewelry and the differences between them: antique and vintage estate jewelry. That way, you’ll have a better sense of which to get. 

In order to be classified as antique, the jewelry piece needs to be over one hundred years old. The style is considered the purest and most authentic form of creation, as it comes from periods when mass production didn’t yet exist. Antique jewelry is commonly handed down from generation to generation, and is striking for its charm and history.

Thus, that kind of jewelry is a collector’s item of significant value due to age and quality. Relics of ancient times, antique jewelry shows craftsmanship, rarity, beauty, other unique characteristics, and an outstanding level of preservation. It's valuable because it features exquisite artwork and creative designs reminiscent of the type and shape of different historical times, dating back to the historical Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods.

Georgian (1714 - 1837)

The long Georgian period is named after the German royal dynasty which ruled over the King of Hanover in what came to be Germany. Determined by the throne, that kind of jewelry comes in aesthetic designs which are to this day celebrated internationally, inspiring pieces all over Europe and North America.

Georgian jewelry pieces featuring gemstones such as garnet, topaz, emerald and ruby were abundantly worn in daytime, while rose and mine cut diamonds were exclusively worn at night. They are exceptionally tough to locate due to being often handmade and few of them survived the past few centuries - which makes them even more precious. 

Victorian (1837 - 1901)

Victorian jewelry refers to the Victorian era in the period of Queen Victoria's reign in the history of the United Kingdom, which lasted from 1837 to 1901. One of the first aspects which comes to mind when we think about Victorian jewelry is colorful gemstones, such as emeralds, rubies and diamonds explored with large, roughly cut stones. 

Victorians also loved hearts, flora, and shapes which helped them express emotions. Cameos, medallions, and brooches were popular. The symbolism of flowers, leaves, snakes and ivy were also prevalent in this period’s jewelry. The artwork leaves us breathless and still inspires many jewelry designers to this day.

Edwardian (1901 - 1910s)

This kind of jewelry is attributed to King Edward’s rule in England and explored fragility and graceful designs, which resulted in a lacy effect of delicate metalwork. Elegance and lightness were key, and pearls and platinum were frequently used. In addition, bows, moons, hearts, stars, scrolls, and flowers were often depicted in Edwardian jewelry.

This jewelry coincides with the Edwardian Era at the turn of the century and sometimes extends up to the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Its designs explore fragility with graceful curves, resulting in a lacy effect of light metalwork that seemed to make jewelry float, just as its many diamonds, and milgrain patterns did. 

This kind of jewelry gets more and more precious (as in valuable) as time goes by. That’s what characterizes it as vintage. It also is an amazing investment and is the focus of many jewelry collectors who realize their value. They are unique pieces that are always very sought after.

Antique jewelry is referred to as "true vintage" as it is more than 30 years old. This kind of jewelry typically refers to pieces crafted after the 1920s and include the glamorous effects and designs of the Retro Era such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. Let’s take a look at the difference between the two.

Art Nouveau (1890 - 1910s)

In sharp contrast with the Art Deco style, Art Nouveau showcases jewelry in organic shapes and curves such as leaves and petals, depicting delicate shapes of fairies, insects, and flowers. Pastel colors achieved with enamel are found in almost all pieces, and aquamarines, opals and moonstones replaced diamonds and darker shade gems.

Art Deco (1920 - 1930s)

That style originated in France and is characterized by highlighting geometric angles, sharp circles, and typographic lines. It includes flat ornamental patterns, the overuse of black and white, and a predominance of onyx, diamonds, and emeralds. Elongated brooches, triangular emeralds, pearls, and carved rock crystal pendants might also differentiate an Art Deco vintage jewelry piece.