Six Fashion Eras of

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

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Georgian (1714 - 1835)

• Named after 4 Georges of England 

• Colored stones preferred

• Rudimentary processes

• Lover's eye brooches were popular

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Victorian (1840 - 1890)

• Named after Queen Victoria of England

• Popularized mourning fashion

• Garnets were desirable

• Superstitious people, reflected in design motifs

• Industrial Age influenced prolific and efficient jewelry making

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Art Nouveau (1895 - 1910)

• Backlash to machine made Victorian jewelry

• Natural and fantasy motifs

• Delicate, pastel colors used and enamel was popular

• Scrollwork added to romanticism

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Edwardian (1910 - 1914)

• Named after Queen Victoria's son, Edward, who assumed the throne after her death

• Delicate and detailed jewelry

• Platinum, pearls, diamonds used

• Festoon necklaces were popular

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Art Deco (1920 - 1935)

• Jazz Age / "The Great Gatsby"

• Dramatic, geometric designs

• Bright, bold, bigger stones set in platinum

• Diamond, emerald, blue sapphire,   aquamarine, onyx were frequently used gemstones

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Retro (1935 - 1950)

• Hollywood glamour

• Bold, chunky styles worn by movie stars

• WW2 impacted jewelry design. Yellow & rose gold dominate due to platinum shortage. Less expensive  gemstones such as citrine, topaz and tourmaline. Diamonds used only as accents. 

• Cabochons gave sense of modernity

• Charm bracelets were popular