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.
Art deco and retro are two classifications that fall into the vintage category. Art deco jewelry was produced from around 1915 to 1935. This style is usually set in silver and uses precious and semi precious stones. The designs are different geometric shapes, such as diamond, square or rectangular. The more recent Retro circa 1945 to 1960 is bolder in design and reminiscent of old Hollywood movies and architecture. Resources do not explain the gap between 1935 to 1945. It could be speculated that the world unrest just before and during World War II was responsible for the break in productivity.
The vintage jewelry of today becomes the antique jewelry of tomorrow. Presently vintage is less expensive to acquire but its value will increase as it matures into the antique category. Some people buy the pieces merely because they are fond of the design. Other people are collectors who know that the value of their investment will increase with time.
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.
The Victoria era produced three categories of antique jewelry. Early Victorian Romantic was produced from 1837 to 1855. Colored stones and diamonds were used and often adorned with gold etchings. Middle Victorian Grand followed with similar designs that used larger stones. These works were produced from 1856 to 1880. The latest category in this group, Late Victoria Aesthetic began production in 1885 and continued to 1900. Works produced in this time period reflect the fashions of that time with pendants, brooches and hat pins.
Arts and Crafts, made from 1894 to 1923, were also hand made. These pieces may display uncut stones and used a lot of color. Mass production was firmly in place during this time. Some artisans may have yearned for the days when each piece was a hand made work of art. Next the Edwardian category were created lavishly with lots of color and vivid precious stones. Some of the categories overlapped in time with more than one type being in production.
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.
These works must be seen to appreciate the unique beauty of each of the design categories. Words alone do not do them justice. Photographs are helpful, but to actually hold and see the pieces for yourself is the best way to appreciate the artwork.
Art deco and retro are two classifications that fall into the vintage category. Art deco jewelry was produced from around 1915 to 1935. This style is usually set in silver and uses precious and semi precious stones. The designs are different geometric shapes, such as diamond, square or rectangular. The more recent Retro circa 1945 to 1960 is bolder in design and reminiscent of old Hollywood movies and architecture. Resources do not explain the gap between 1935 to 1945. It could be speculated that the world unrest just before and during World War II was responsible for the break in productivity.
The vintage jewelry of today becomes the antique jewelry of tomorrow. Presently vintage is less expensive to acquire but its value will increase as it matures into the antique category. Some people buy the pieces merely because they are fond of the design. Other people are collectors who know that the value of their investment will increase with time.
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.
The Victoria era produced three categories of antique jewelry. Early Victorian Romantic was produced from 1837 to 1855. Colored stones and diamonds were used and often adorned with gold etchings. Middle Victorian Grand followed with similar designs that used larger stones. These works were produced from 1856 to 1880. The latest category in this group, Late Victoria Aesthetic began production in 1885 and continued to 1900. Works produced in this time period reflect the fashions of that time with pendants, brooches and hat pins.
Arts and Crafts, made from 1894 to 1923, were also hand made. These pieces may display uncut stones and used a lot of color. Mass production was firmly in place during this time. Some artisans may have yearned for the days when each piece was a hand made work of art. Next the Edwardian category were created lavishly with lots of color and vivid precious stones. Some of the categories overlapped in time with more than one type being in production.
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.
These works must be seen to appreciate the unique beauty of each of the design categories. Words alone do not do them justice. Photographs are helpful, but to actually hold and see the pieces for yourself is the best way to appreciate the artwork.
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