Period Jewelry
Some people believe that “Estate jewelry” only refers to antique jewelry. While all antique jewelry is estate – not all estate jewelry is antique. “Estate” is a catch-all term for any jewelry that has been previously owned. (in the US, an item must be over 100 years old before it can be called an antique!) “Period Jewelry” or “Vintage Jewelry” narrows the term: they refer to jewels that were made during a particular era of history typified distinct design themes and motifs.

The following are well known eras for “Period Jeweley”, with brief summations:

Georgian (1689-1830)
Known as “The Era of The Faceted Stone”, Georgian jewelry emphasizes to use of faceted diamonds and colored stones, many of which were backed with foil to improve and balance color. Classic designs of bows, swags, and floral motifs typify the period from individual pieces to the popular Parure, a matched set of jewels.

Victorian (1837-1901)
In the early period, there is a continuation of the romantic natural motifs from the previous era: a love of diamonds and sentimental jewelry (hair jewelry, mourning jewelry). Later expeditions to the Etruscan tombs and Egyptian pyramids kick off a revival styles that extend into the twentieth century. In the latter half of the Victorian age, lavish necklaces, dramatic earrings, bold colored stones, embellished gold, and lots of diamonds come into vogue. Towards the close of the century, fashions leaned to the light and delicate. The jewelry followed suit.

Edwardian (1901 – 1914) and Belle Epoque (1890-1920)
There is an emphasis on diaphenous design throughout these eras. Platinum is used on a large scale. Its durability and white color allowed for jewels that were lacey, open, and light: an emphasis on diamonds over metal. There is a return to the Neo-classical motifs of bow, swags, ribbons, and florals (particular to Belle Epoch).

Art Nouveau (1895-1915)
Emphasis on flowing natural lines, the female form, insects, and bright colors. Use of Plique- a-jour enamelling and materials prized for their beauty rather than their fiscal value.

Art Deco (1920 – 1937)
Inspired by the artistic movements of the late 19th/early 20th century, Art Deco designs are known for their strong geometric patterns and bold accents of calibre color stones against a platinum and diamond background. Dainty diamond watches, magnificent bracelets, and sexy Flapper-Style sautoirs and earrings, are just a few of the items that are still in demand today.

Retro (1940 – mid 1950s)
Fashion takes on a modern, fitted look – suits and cocktail dresses with full skirts and cinched waists. Jewelry designs are bold and gold -with large gemstones as a focal point. Diamond clip earrings, big “tutti-frutti” color mix pieces, and ballerina pins are very popular.

McTeigue has a diverse and ever-changing collection of estate pieces. For a variety of period jewelry and collectible signed jewelry from some of history’s finest houses, check out our section on estate jewelry.

Contact us about Period Jewelry.