The Complete Guide You Need To Estate Jewelry
The Complete Guide You Need To Estate Jewelry
For some, estate jewelry provides the opportunity to find high-quality items at a fraction of the price of purchasing new or second-hand. Others are drawn to the possibility of finding rare or perhaps unique jewelry from the bygone ages. Regardless, estate jewelry is awesome in so many ways – dive in.
What is Estate Fine jewelry?
The term "estate," to put it simply, implies that the jewelry has had a previous owner. Pre-owned jewelry can be from any age, whether ancient or nearly new. The term estate comes from a time when pre-owned jewelry was included in an estate, signifying that the prior owner was deceased. It now just indicates "pre-owned."
Estate jewelry contains so much meaning and history that it tells an incredible story. It could have belonged to aristocracy or even celebrities. Still, there's a lot of history behind it that you won't find in new products for sale, not even in the most upscale jewelers nowadays.
It also means, as previously mentioned, that you can find many unique treasures regarding state jewelry, so in addition to the great meaning and lower price, these jewels are also undoubtedly beautiful and special, from the past ages or not.
What is the difference between estate, antique, and vintage jewelry?
Now that you know a little more about what this is all about, you may wonder what the difference is between estate jewelry and vintage jewelry if both can deal with antique pieces. And the answer is exactly there. In fact, both can be classic pieces, but when it comes to estate jewelry, they are not necessarily that.
In the case of vintage jewelry, it means jewelry that the pieces are older than 20 years. They are commonly defined as being between 50 and 100 years old. For example, jewelry from the 1960s and early 1970s is now called vintage.
Antique jewelry means jewelry that is older than 100 years. And last but not least, estate jewelry means second-hand jewelry (regardless of its age).
In the case of vintage jewelry, it means jewelry that the pieces are older than 20 years. They are commonly defined as being between 50 and 100 years old. For example, jewelry from the 1960s and early 1970s is now called vintage.
Antique jewelry means jewelry that is older than 100 years. And last but not least, estate jewelry means second-hand jewelry (regardless of its age).
What is vintage estate jewelry?
As time passes, this type of jewelry becomes more precious (and invaluable). That is what distinguishes it as vintage. It's also an excellent investment and has the attention of many jewelry collectors who recognize its worth. They are one-of-a-kind creations that are always in high demand.
As previously said, antique jewelry is considered "genuine vintage" if it is over 20 years old. This jewelry category mainly refers to pieces made after the 1920s incorporating the glamorous effects and designs of the Retro Era, such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. Let’s take a look at the difference between the two:
As previously said, antique jewelry is considered "genuine vintage" if it is over 20 years old. This jewelry category mainly refers to pieces made after the 1920s incorporating the glamorous effects and designs of the Retro Era, such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. Let’s take a look at the difference between the two:
Art Deco
This French style is distinguished by the use of geometric angles, pointed circles, and typographic lines. It has flat ornamental patterns, a lot of black and white, and a predominance of onyx, diamonds, and emeralds. Art Deco vintage jewelry may also feature elongated brooches, triangular emeralds, pearls, and sculpted rock crystal pendants.
Art Nouveau & Retro
In stark contrast to Art Deco, Art Nouveau features jewelry in organic shapes and curves, such as leaves and petals, depicting delicate shapes of fairies, insects, and flowers. Almost all pieces have pastel colors produced with enamel, while aquamarines, opals, and moonstones have replaced diamonds and deeper shade jewels.
Art Nouveau flourished between 1880 and 1914, making much of it antique, whereas Art Deco appeared later, in 1920, and lasted until around 1940.
Retro jewelry, an overlapping style, refers to jewelry created in the late 1930s and 1940s that is a little more futuristic in appearance than classic Art Deco. Makers experimented with various gold alloys and mixed Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs.
In stark contrast to Art Deco, Art Nouveau features jewelry in organic shapes and curves, such as leaves and petals, depicting delicate shapes of fairies, insects, and flowers. Almost all pieces have pastel colors produced with enamel, while aquamarines, opals, and moonstones have replaced diamonds and deeper shade jewels.
Art Nouveau flourished between 1880 and 1914, making much of it antique, whereas Art Deco appeared later, in 1920, and lasted until around 1940.
Retro jewelry, an overlapping style, refers to jewelry created in the late 1930s and 1940s that is a little more futuristic in appearance than classic Art Deco. Makers experimented with various gold alloys and mixed Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs.
Discover incredible estate jewelry pieces in Corpus Christi, TX
At Afram's Jewelers, we have been providing quality service to South Texas since 1978. Here you’ll find the most beautiful fashion diamond jewelry pieces to accessorize in style and enhance your entire outfit!
Our knowledgeable staff creates the best jewelry buying experience to help you make the right choice. For the broadest selection and highest-quality services in Corpus Christi, TX, come to Afram’s Jewelers!
Our knowledgeable staff creates the best jewelry buying experience to help you make the right choice. For the broadest selection and highest-quality services in Corpus Christi, TX, come to Afram’s Jewelers!