Date: September 2025

When shopping for fine jewelry, you’ll often hear terms like antique, vintage, and estate. Though sometimes used interchangeably, each one has a distinct meaning that affects a piece’s history, value, and wearability. Understanding these differences allows you to buy with confidence and appreciate the unique qualities each type brings.

What Is Antique Jewelry?

Antique jewelry refers to pieces over 100 years old, placing them in historical eras when jewelry was entirely handcrafted. These pieces are rare because of their age, fragility, and limited survival through generations.

Key Eras of Antique Jewelry

• Georgian (1714–1837): Rare surviving pieces, like diamond rivière necklaces or repoussé gold lockets, showcasing early techniques.
• Victorian (1837–1901): Sentimental jewelry such as hair lockets, serpent rings symbolizing eternity, ornate cameos, jet jewelry.
• Edwardian (1901–1915): Platinum filigree rings, pearl choker necklaces, and diamond garland tiaras with lace-like lightness, mostly England.
• Art Nouveau (1890–1910): Enamel pendants, dragonfly brooches, and opal rings with flowing, nature-inspired forms. mostly continental & yellow gold.

Takeaway: Antique pieces are prized for their rarity and the artistry of handcrafting techniques now rarely used.

(more…)

We’re thrilled to introduce The Smithery, an independent, women-owned jewelry studio in Columbus, soon to be featured in our store! We’ve always admired their work and their spirit and ethos align well with our own. Now, we’re so happy to be joining forces!

(more…)