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From delicate, intricately designed Victorian pieces to chunky and large Retro items, antique fine jewelry (British spelling: jewellery) is a popular collectible that represents the different eras in which it was worn. Jewelry has been made for centuries in a variety of materials and styles and is still evolving today. Although specific items (such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and brooches) have remained popular through the ages, they vary in design and materials depending on the era.
During the Georgian period from 1714 to 1837, all jewelry was created by hand. Short necklaces, cameos, and portraits of loved ones on pendants and brooches were in demand.
Queen Victoria’s rule began in 1837, marking the beginning of the Victorian period, which would last until 1901. During this time, a demand for jewelry in the mass market emerged, and semi-precious stones were often used to keep jewelry affordable. Mourning jewelry and pieces with sentimental motifs became popular...
The Edwardian period, which lasted from 1901 to 1910, produced delicate and elegant jewelry. Diamonds and pearls set in platinum were in vogue, as were chokers, negligee pendants, and long strings of pearls worn as necklaces.
Art Nouveau from the late 1890s until the mid-1910s usually featured natural designs, such as flowers or the female form. Glass and semi-precious stones were often used in Art Nouveau jewelry, and enamel was introduced.
Between the mid-1920s and '30s, Art Deco grew in popularity and featured geometric lines, sharp angles, and bright colors. Diamonds regained popularity and pearls continued to be in vogue, worn in a string as either a necklace or a bracelet.
Certain antique jewelry pieces have significant personal meanings (for example, love, religious devotion, or mourning) or practical applications (for example, fastening or securing) in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.
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by Interviews & Articles
Treasures of the Incomparable Pforzheim Jewelry Museum
Recently, I visited the Schmuckmuseum in Pforzheim, Germany (see slideshow below), which is the world’s only museum devoted entire… [more]
Christie Romero on Differences Between Fine and Costume Jewelry Over the Decades
I started out with general antiques and collectibles... I was a dealer for a while and bought and sold all kinds of things. Gradua… [more]
Jewelry as Sculpture: The Birth of Modernist Studio Jewelry
My background is in fine art. My B.A. was in Art Education, so I started out as an art teacher. Later, I began working on a master… [more]
Elyse Karlin on the Beautifully Unrefined Origins of Arts & Crafts Jewelry
I started collecting jewelry when I was about 13 years old. I was very close to an interior designer who took me to antiques shops… [more]
'Roadshow' Appraiser Shares How She Assesses Turn-of-the-Century Jewelry
I bought my first piece of jewelry—a gold ring with a big lapis stone propped on prongs—when I was about 12 with money my grandfat… [more]
Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)
All About Jewels Dictionary
This incredible reference dictionary on jewelry, from Enchantedlearning.com, is both beautiful and comprehensive. S… [read review or visit site]
Morning Glory Antiques and Jewelry
Jewelry collectors, feast your eyes on this internet gem! It's a goldmine of jewelry information featuring all styl… [read review or visit site]
Cathy Gordon's Jewelry Gallery
With its vast galleries featuring clear images of jewelry and style, this site really covers it all! Divided up by … [read review or visit site]
Jewel History
Since March of 2007, readers of Lori Ettlinger Gross’s JewelHistory blog have been treated to her weekly (sometim… [read review or visit site]
Clubs & Associations: Fine Jewelry
- American Society of Jewelry Historians
- Association for the Study of Jewelry and Related Arts
- Society of Jewellery Historians
Other Great Reference Sites: Fine Jewelry
Top eBay Auctions
Estate 24.14 Ct Vvs F-g Natural Princess Diamond 18k White Gold Tennis Bracelet
Harry Winston Rare Ocean Platinum Automatic Chronograph Watch Original Paperwork
14k Gold Aaa 5.74ct Heart Vs Emerald 4.09ct Vs Diamond Ring 9.2 Gms Gia: $68,795
Fine 12.28ct Diamond 18k Gold Bow Flower All Around Necklace 64.6 Grams Nr
Gia Estate 5.48 Ct Vvs Red Spinel Diamond 14k White Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
10.5 Carat Diamond Riviera Necklace Fine 14 Kt Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Cut
Estate 2.19ct Natural Vvs2 Fancy Cognac Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Platinum
Certified 4.07 Ct Si1 Fancy Green Diamond 18k White Gold Engagement Wedding Ring
3.38ct Fancy Yellow Pear Diamond 18k Gold Engagement Ring Nr
Estate 14.03 Ct Welo Ethiopian Fire Opal & Diamond 14k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Estate Flawless Tanzanite Diamond 14k White Gold Vintage Ring 9.70 Ct Gia Cert
Estate 2.98ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Nr
Estate 7.71 Ct Natural Tanzanite Diamond 18k White Gold Vintage Pendant Necklace
Gia Estate 6.78 Ct Unheated Natural Vs Ruby Diamond 18k White Gold Vintage Ring
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Vintage Antique Certified 2.68ct Diamond Sapphire Platinum Deco Engagement Ring
Estate 6.79ct Natural Untreated Diamond Vintage 18k White Gold Cocktail Necklace
Estate 7.59 Ct Flawless Tanzanite Diamond 14k White Gold Vintage Ring Certified
Vintage Estate 4.45 Ct Vs1-f Natural Diamond 18k White Gold Tennis Bracelet Aaa+
Antique 5.26ct Diamond Ruby Platinum By Pass Ring Nr
18k Diamond Lapis Pendant Box Necklace Vintage Huge 31.7 Grams 12.50 Carats!! 
Estate 3.18ct Pear Round Diamond Platinum Long Drop Dangle Earrings Nr
Natural Aaa Tanzanite And Diamonds Gia Certified 14k White Gold Engagement Ring 
7.04ct Fancy Yellow Diamond 18k Gold Eternity Wide Band Ring 8.5 Grams Nr
Edwardian 1 Ct Old Cut Diamond 18ct Solitaire Ring Circa 1910
Estate 15.02 Ct Vvs Sphene & Diamond 14k Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring Flash Effect
Estate Earrings 6.ct Real Natural Green Emerald And Diamond 14k Solid White Gold
Vintage Fine 1.65ct Diamond 18k Gold Heavy Wide Flexible Bracelet 50.8 Grams Nr
Superb Victorian Family / Memorial 18ct Gold Bracelet With 7 Lockets 
14k Gold Cartier Box 
Roberto Coin 2.45ct Diamond Ruby 18k Gold Large Heavy Pendant 17.1 Grams Nr
Real Natural Green Emerald And Diamonds 14k Solid White Gold Engagement Ring Ehs
Islamic Carved 22k 22ct Solid Gold Diamond Sapphire Reversible Enamel Necklace
Vintage 1980 Tiffany And Co Angela Cummings 18k Gold Inlaid Earrings With Box
Vintage 18k Longines Chronograph 17 Jewel Mens Watch & 14k Band- Circa 1927
14k Rose Gold Diamond Pendant Box Victorian Vintage Miners 1800's 1.50 Carats
Designer Sevan 4ct Tsavorite Garnet Bracelet Ring Earrings Set 14k Gold Estate 
Bvlgari Bulgari 18k Gold Iona Ephesos Ancient Coin Ring
18k Diamond Black Opal Sapphire Ring Box Vintage Fine Cocktail Huge 11 Carats!!
Tiffany & Co. Return To Tiffany Heart Tag 18k Gold Pendant Chain Necklace Nr
Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Round Cut Natural
Estate Baguette Cut 3.88ct Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring Nr
Estate 3.20ct Diamond Tennis Platinum Bracelet 16.3 Grams Nr
Vintage 3.18ct Diamond 13mm South Sea Pearl Platinum Ring 9.4 Grams Nr
Dazzling Vintage 14k Gold Charm Bracelet W. 9 Gold Estruscan Charms - 45.1 Gr
Michael M. 4.75ctw Flawless Colorless 18k White Gold Tennis Bracelet
Vintage 39.28ct Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald 18k Gold Peacock Large Pin Nr
Vintage 14kt Gold Diamond Emerald Engagement Ring Anniversary Band 1.72cts.
Cartier Large Tank Francaise Diamond 18k White Gold Wide Eternity Band Ring
Most Striking Unique Antique Diamond Sapphire Platinum 14k Wg Art Deco Bracelet!
Nice Antique Butterscotch Egg Yolk Amber Bead Necklace-18 Inch-weighs 70.5 Grams
Designer Italian Polo 18k Gold Large Braid Choker Neklace 67.6 Grams Nr
Italian Creart Carnelian Lapis Lazulli 18k Gold Heart Necklace 43.7 Grams Nr
Antique Victorian 14 Kt Gold Silver Rose Cut Diamonds Sapphires Insect Earrings
2.48ct Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald 18k Gold Bracelet 15.8 Grams Nr
Edwardian Platinum 1.50ct Old Cut Diamond Oval Solitaire Ring
True Gem Quality Mid Century 14k Gold Genuine Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring
Vintage Antique Certified 1ct Diamond Platinum Art Deco Engagement Wedding Ring
Levian Tanzanite Princess Rnd Diamond Ring 14k White Gold Estate Jewelry
Solid 9ct Rose Gold Curb Link Albert Bracelet 55.2g, 17 " In Length
Recent News: Fine Jewelry
Source: Google News
13th Annual Mario Lanza and Elaine Malbin Vocal Competitions Set for 5/26
Broadway World, May 18thThere will be showings of 19th and 20th century artifacts including advertising memorabilia, ephemera, vintage clothing, postcards, china, glass and antique jewelry. In addition, there will be an ethnic food festival featuring the delicacies of over 20...Read more
Carriage House filled with unique antiques
Brandon Sun, May 17thOpening on Monday, the shop is bursting at the seams with fine antique, jewelry, glass wear, Royal Albert china, unique furniture, collectables in lines such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe and more. Carriage House Antiques and Collectibles...Read more
Joden wins Vegas cover with vintage coral jewelry
Allied News, May 17thA photo of a vintage Joden ring was selected for the program cover of the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show, which will be held May 30 to June 2. The Vegas show is the largest of two trade shows for antiques. It's strictly for jewelry while the...Read more
Vogue's Sally Singer Shops in the Bay Area, But Not for Fashion
Racked NY, May 17thThe Voguette's tchotchkes of choice are handmade surprise balls shaped like fruits and flowers, but she also buys chocolate bars and candles for presents, and searches through "amazing" antique jewelry and artisanal embroidered smocked dresses...Read more
Garage Sale Preview: Find the Bargains Before Anyone Else
Patch.com, May 16thShari Gunaka, 15601 Ridgeland Avenue (look for the flags): Tools; clothing for everyone; bicycles; toys (many new in boxes); books; DVDs; CDs; antique jewelry; craft supplies; sports equipment; Pyrex bowls; Disney dresses; vintage Barbie dolls (not in...Read more
/Need a Jewelry Appraisal? Stop into A & A Jewelry & Repair today!
STLtoday.com, May 16thA & A Jewelry & Repair has these services: ? Buy Gold. ? Watch Repair and Batteries. ? Jewelry Repair and Sizing. ? Appraisals. ? Gold, Platinum and Silver. ? Coins and Antique Jewelry. ? Watches, Rings, Bracelets and Necklaces. Stop in to A & A...Read more
Topazery Jewelry Now Offering Vintage Ruby Ring Similar to One from Christie's ...
San Francisco Chronicle (press release), May 14thVisitors to the online antique jewelry boutique will find the ring prominently featured throughout the month of May. For more information on how to add a record-breaking-worthy diamond and/or ruby piece to a jewelry wardrobe, contact Jan Walden at (678...Read more
Topazery Jewelry Chooses Great Gatsby Roaring Twenties Art Deco Bracelet as ...
PR Web (press release), May 8thFor those who want an authentic piece of the Gatsby Roaring Twenties past instead of a reproduction, antique jewelry boutiques carry genuine 1920s pieces. In honor of Gatsby fever, one such boutique, Topazery, has hand-selected a 1920s Art Deco Antique...Read more