Vintage Jewelry History Periods

There are many eras or decades which define vintage jewelry. Within each individual era or decade there are several different jewelry designs to choose between. The most popular vintage jewelry periods are the Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Craft Era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro.

Most jewelry from the Georgian era is handmade which means the quality of each piece of jewelry can vary. Georgian jewelry is also the rarest form available today. Most designs features nature inspired inscriptions such as leaves and birds. Precious stones were popular in Georgian jewelry design.

Then there is the Victorian Era area of jewelry history which covers most of the 1800s and is broken down into three specific periods. The first is the Early Victorian Era of romantic jewelry from 1837 to 1850 and featured many ornate pieces. The Mid-Victorian Era of grand jewelry from 1860 to 1880 featured many solemn and grave designs. Most of these jewelry pieces were known as mourning jewelry. Lastly there was the Late Victoria Era of aesthetic jewelry from 1885 to 1900 which features more feminine jewelry using diamonds and bright gemstones. Star and crescent designs were a popular method during this time.

Next in jewelry history there was the Arts and Crafts Era from 1894 to 1923 which returned to the intricate designs of handmade jewelry. Most jewelry during this time was simple, colorful and made from uncut stones. At the same time there was a period of Art Nouveau jewelry that was mainly produced in America and featured natural designs like butterflies and flowers.

The early 1900s featured Edwardian jewelry which started with Edward became king. The fashion during this time for jewelry was to use expensive gemstones like diamonds, emeralds and rubies to make very elaborate and intricate designs. After this there was a period of Art Deco jewelry which was greatly influenced by African, Egyptian and Japanese themes. Lastly was the Retro jewelry periods of the forties that was inspired by Hollywood.