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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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Interviews & Articles

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]

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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]

Hayden Peters Talks About Skulls, Hairwork, and The Culture of Mourning

Growing up with antiques collectors and costume designers, I developed a passion for the Victorian age and the 19th century. I col… [more]

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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]

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The Duke and Duchess of Windsor had one of the most melodramatic love stories of the 20th century, right up there with John Lennon… [more]

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Thanks to my father, I basically grew up involved with Indian arts and culture. He was a graduate of the University of New Mexico … [more]

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Recent News: Fine Jewelry

Source: Google News

Panelists Combat Jewelry Myths at WJA Spring Fling
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The designer also said he often searches for inspiration via antiques—from furniture and sculpture to antique jewelry. "There was no tipping point that made my business succeed—it was a series of steps, events, and actions I took...Read more

Jenne Rayburn Showcases Vintage Enamel Flowers, Antique Jewelry and Costume ...
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For women who love design and are seeking to make a unique statement, Jenne Rayburn creates one-of-a-kind statement necklaces that are bold and colorful, featuring vintage elements such as repurposed costume jewelry, vintage glass beads and colorful...Read more

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US Antique Shows, a major producer of antique shows in North America, announced today that the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show has partnered with Polygon, the most active online community and trading network for qualified gem and jewelry...Read more

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LAS VEGAS, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- US Antique Shows, a major producer of antique shows in North America, announced today that the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show has partnered with Polygon, the most active online community and...Read more

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Indeed, Bittar has amassed such a large personal collection of antique jewelry (which he lovingly discusses on his blog at AlexisBittar.com) that he's started selling it in his boutiques. "I used to hoard it and keep it rolled up in an old quilt...Read more

Jewelry designer Alexis Bittar in expansion mode | The Republic
The Republic, May 14th

Indeed, Bittar has amassed such a large personal collection of antique jewelry (which he lovingly discusses on his blog at AlexisBittar.com) that he's started selling it in his boutiques. “I used to hoard it and keep it rolled up in an old quilt...Read more

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CHICAGO, May 4, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- US Antique Shows, a major producer of antique shows in North America, announced strong attendance at this year's 1st annual Chicago Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, which took place on April 20-22, 2012,...Read more

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