Antique Jewelry

Antique jewelry makes a unique fashion statement. Whether you buy it or whether it was passed down through the family, antique jewelry can be beautiful and fun to wear. Its often timeless quality allows it to be fashionable, while its age makes it a good conversation piece. Wearing antique jewelry can allow you to say something about yourself in an elegant manner. There is antique jewelry available from many time periods, each with its own particular flair for adorning the body. Antique jewelry from the Georgian period is characterized by sentiment and romanticism. The jewelry reflects nature, especially flower motifs and depictions of feathers. It is light and delicate in appearance. The time period, 1714-1830, placed value on jewels rather than metal. As a result, most antique jewelry from this period is made mostly of gemstones. The Victorian period, 1837-1901, saw the emergence of a distinctly British style of jewelry. Antique jewelry from this period is varied, as it covers a period of great technological and social changes. Cameos became popular during this period, and when one thinks of antique jewelry, cameos are often in the forefront. Antique jewelry from the Victorian period is heavier and less delicate than the jewelry before it. Additionally, imitation and costume jewelry came to be popular due to the industrial revolution and the ability to mass produce and gold stamp. Antique jewelry from the Edwardian period (after 1901 and before the first World War) is characterized by delicacy and symbolism. Movements in response to mass production and the loss of creativity in jewelry marked this period. The two major movements in antique jewelry during this period were the Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts. Art Nouveau antique jewelry features natural contours and snakes as symbols of life, continuity and sexuality. The Arts and

Crafts movement used ribbons, hearts and garlands to represent life and wealth. Edwardian antique jewelry is delicate and elegant in appearance. Art Deco jewelry began appearing after WWI and the period lasted until 1930. This period is on the fringe of antique jewelry; its almost too recent. Art Deco is characterized by geometric lines and its simplicity of design. This antique jewelry was worn by women as a more masculine look became fashionable. While simple and sometimes austere in design, antique jewelry in the Art Deco tradition also boasts vibrantly colored jewels. No matter which time period one chooses, antique jewelry can be a fun and creative way to complement any outfit.