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.
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
Recent News: Fine Jewelry
Source: Google News
Vintage ring from Joden featured by trade show
Sharonherald, May 21stA 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
Allison Burbee & Tyler Pool
417mag, May 21stAfter deciding to make her dream dress, she found a simple yet elegant gown at The Limited and then handed it over to Felicita Studios who customized the dress to include lace from Allison's mother's wedding dress and antique jewelry from Tyler's mother...Read more
Tiffany baroque-style brass clock set to tick past $3000
Antique Trader, May 20thTiffany baroque-style brass clock set to tick past $3,000. Categories: Antiques • Antiques News • Auctions • Events • Featured | Tags: antique jewelry, Fine Art, Lladros, Native American jewelry, Swarovski. May 20, 2013 | Antique Trader Antiques...Read more
Jewelry Camp Moves to Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta This August
Rapaport, May 20thAnd there is no better place to do just that and more than the 36th Annual Antique Jewelry & Art Conference, lovingly known to many as “Jewelry Camp.” This August, the conference will run in conjunction with “The Atlanta Jewelry Show” and with so much...Read more
Estate Jewelers celebrates 45 years
Lincoln Times-News, May 20thThe business, which specializes in estate jewelry, antique jewelry, diamonds, gold, silver and vintage pocket watches, has been at its current location since 1993. Previously home to a Western Auto store, the building required major renovations to...Read more
Great Estate: The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show Opens May 30
Jewelers Circular Keystone Online (blog), May 16thOne of the world's best trade events for period jewelry and timepieces, the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, is poised to take over the ballroom at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas May 30—a day before the JCK Las Vegas show opens. The show, now 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 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
If These Shirts Could Talk: The Tantalizing Tales Behind Used Clothes
Jockeying for Position: How Boxers and Briefs Got Into Men's Pants
Gloriously Grotesque 19th-Century Pipes
In the Hot Seat: Is Your Antique Windsor a Fake?
Love at First Kite: How Pizza and Pente Led to One Oklahoman's High-Flying Obsession
Blood, Sweat, and Steel: My Afternoon with the Ace of Swords
'The Great Gatsby' Still Gets Flappers Wrong
Say Ahhh: An Oral Surgeon's Quest to Reimagine the Garage-Band Guitar
Forget TV Pickers, Meet the Real Mavericks of the Antiques World
Coveting The Craziest Cat-People Collectibles

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