In a world full of ever changing fashion, it can be difficult to find the ideal piece to match your existing wardrobe and budget. Fortunately, estate jewelry offers a personalized solution. From the bold architecturally inspired pieces of Art Deco to the romantic feminine details of the Edwardian era, estate jewelry encompasses a wide variety of designs and price points. Not to mention, an increased value over purchasing a similar piece brand new.
For those interested in uncommon styles and old world materials – and a great deal – buying jewelry second hand can be quite the rewarding adventure.
What Defines Estate Jewelry?
The term “estate jewelry” roughly means that it has been owned by someone else, not necessarily that is has come from someone’s estate – although sometimes it does.
Estate jewelry blends high end design with impeccable workmanship and quality gemstones at a more approachable price than new pieces. And as an added benefit – it’s often an original which is why a good piece is always in demand whether your buying or selling. Rather than a piece you see across the crown, estate jewelry is as special and individual as its wearer.
What Eras Does Estate Jewelry Most Commonly Come From?
Whether the piece belonged to an famous heiress, a movie star or a relative, there is a story and a history to estate jewelry that brand new items just do not have. Collectors of vintage pieces find that they are both wearable and serve as keepsakes from bygone years. In fact, most customers seek to discover pieces from all of the most popular design eras in order to round out their jewelry boxes.
Here’s a quick look at the design eras customers ask us for most in our stores:
Georgian (1714 – 1837)
The Georgian period was named for the Hanoverian Monarchs of the United Kingdom. While the reign of English kings determined the parameters for Georgian jewelry, stylistically the designs were appreciated internationally and the aesthetic inspired creations all over Europe and North America.
Jewelry from the Georgian era is said to be inspired by the time of day it would be worn. Garnet, topaz, emerald and ruby were abundant in jewelry worn during the day while rose and mine cut diamonds were solely worn at night. Pieces from this era are extremely hard to find because they were often handmade.
Victorian (1837 – 1900)
The Victorian era, named after Queen Victoria, marked an era of wealth and the rise of industrialization and the middle class. Women we’re challenging men for jobs as clerks, teachers, factory inspectors and they were fighting to win the right to vote. Women’s fashion underwent a profound transition and crinolines expanded to astounding sizes.
As a result, women were purchasing jewelry as gifts for themselves, and to meet the demand for fine jewelry, a wide combination of gemstones were used as cost alternatives to more precious stones. Amethysts, coral, garnets, turquoise, seed pearls, and opals were also popular gemstones across the world.
Victorian designs were inspired by fine art and architecture like those of the Georgian era but with more baroque and delicate features seen most frequently seen in necklace, lockets and brooches from the era.