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Kayes Jewellers | 12th July 2023
Vintage jewellery has a timeless appeal that captures the essence of past eras and times gone by. Each era has its own distinct style, influenced by the fashion, culture and events of the time. Here we will explore the some of the most popular vintage jewellery eras and the unique characteristics that define them.
Georgian Era | 1714 - 1837
Spanning five English Kings, the Georgian Era lasted over 120 years. A time of Rococo, Romanticism and Neoclassicism, this was a revolutionary and prosperous period, particularly in art, politics and architecture. Georgian jewellery was no exception. Although the Georgian era spanned over a century, the jewellery advanced much more slowly during this time compared to other eras.
Trends changed frequently, as a result, it was common for pieces that were deemed to be no longer in fashion to be melted down and redesigned. High quality Georgian pieces are incredibly difficult to find today, most of the finest items are displayed in museums, have been lost or have not stood the test of time. Georgian jewellery was crafted mostly from yellow gold and silver. The common gemstones used were foil-backed diamonds, pearls, rubies, sapphires, topaz, garnet, paste and glass. The tools and cutting techniques used during this time were often primitive, therefor it is often easy to identify and date pieces from this era.
Victorian Era | 1837 - 1901
Named after Queen Victoria of England, the Victorian Era is known for its romantic and sentimental jewellery. The Victorian era splits in to three stages, reflecting the different periods in Queen Victorias life. These are; The Romantic, The Grand and The Aesthetic Victorian Era.
This era saw the rise of intricate designs and the use of gemstones such as pearls, diamonds and coloured gemstones. Popular styles included intricately engraved lockets, mourning jewellery and pieces inspired by nature such as floral inspired motifs and serpent-inspired designs.
Art Nouveau | 1890 - 1910
The Art Nouveau was named from the French 'New Art' which was given after the 1895 opening of Siegfried Bing's Parisian galley 'Maison de l'Art Nouveau'.
The Art Nouveau era was characterised by its focus on nature and organic forms. Jewellery from this period often featured flowing lines, floral motifs, and depictions of mythical creatures. Artists and designers experimented with new materials, such as enamel, glass, and semi-precious stones. The emphasis was on creating pieces that were unique and artistic.
Edwardian Era | 1901 - 1915
The Edwardian Era coincided with the reign of King Edward VII of England, he was the last monarch to serve as a namesake in jewellery history. Jewellery from this period often featured delicate and feminine designs, inspired by the Belle Èpoque fashion.
Platinum became popular at this time, allowing for intricate filigree work and the use of diamonds and pearls. Pieces from the Edwardian era exuded elegance and refinement, showcasing light feminine designs such as flowers, leaves and hearts.
Art Deco Era | 1920 - 1945
The Art Deco Era was characterised by bold, geometric shapes, sleek lines and vibrant colours. This era embraced the changing social and technological landscapes of the 1920's and 1930's. Often a statement of wealth and sophistication, Art Deco jewellery featured diamonds, sapphire, emeralds and rubies. Platinum was the primary metal used.
Keen to move away from the fluid lines in the Art NouveauGem cutters developed new ways to cut and shape gemstones in new ways to create the bold lines and geometric shapes.
Retro Era | 1939 - 1950
The Retro era emerged during World War II and was influenced by the glamour of Hollywood. This era took symmetrical elements from the Art Deco Era, interpreting them into bolder, colourful and oversized designs. Retro pieces often incorporated platinum and yellow gold, with designs featuring bows, ribbons and floral motifs. However, due to shortages of platinum, white gold began to gather traction. Popular gemstones included aquamarine, citrine, and amethyst. Jewellery re-purposing became prevalent during this era, with many people having their un-worn jewellery re-designed into styles more fitting with the changing trends of the time,
Vintage jewellery eras offer a glimpse into the past and the unique styles that defined each period. Whether you are drawn to the romanticism of the Victorian Era or the glamour of the Art Deco Era, vintage jewellery allows us to connect with the beauty and history of by-gone times.
Discover our collection of vintage jewellery, all available to purchase online and at our Chester Showroom.