VINTAGE JEWELRY A PASSION FROM THE PAST

Fashion trends and styles are never constant and It is impossible to predict how long a fashion trend will last.  Today's fashionables have shown they can be fickle in what they like and tire quickly of a style unless it is star connected or carries a luxury brand.  However were the fashion leaders of yesteryear any different in their desires to feel glamorous and rich than we do today?  One thing that is certain is that Jewelry of the past has managed to remain dominant in the market to this day. Pre-owned fine estate jewelry and  designer costume jewelry made in the 20's through the 80's  have continued to gain in popularity and collectibility around the globe.  The quality, craftsmanship and creative design of this era remains unsurrpassed in history with the birth of Tiffany, Cartier and Cleef & Arpeal and others.

Unwavering in jewelry popularity over the years remains the ring.  Vintage rings are the most popular and highly sought from the turn of the century.  Cocktail and dinner rings from the 50's forward were   very bold featuring precious stones including diamonds, topaz and sapphires with a fairly high price tag. Dinner or fashion rings with pearls, corals and spinel gemstones were less expensive.  The settings were highly detailed with finely crafted filgree designs no matter what the metal.   Costume jewelry flurished with pieces created in swarovski crystal,, glass and faux pearls and gemstones whick looked  like the real thing reaching the pocket books of the masses.  Fine rings were made of gold and platinum where more affoardable rings and jewlery were made of silver and gold plate.

It is not an exaggeration when we say that women and jewelry are inseparable. It would prove to be a perfect gift for any women. It is not possible to measure the joy and the pride of bride who receives a vintage wedding ring. An excellent collection of handcrafted wedding bands can be found. The spellbinding beauty of vintage gold rings and these bands is just like a reminder of the interesting relationship which the newlyweds would experience. Both the experiences are exotic in nature. The wedding band is as dear as the relationship solemnized with it. The fine and delicate workmanship on the ring is a true representation of the kind of relationship which they would share. It is strong like a rope yet very delicate.





Beautiful vintage Mexican and Native American sterling silver rings and bracelets with exquisite pierced and repousse detail with inlaid stones remain in strong demand especially if the pieces are signed and hallmarked.  Mixed metals jewelry from Mexico, many displaying pre-columbian design motif are rich in detail and feature sterling and vermeil overlay of gold wash.  The beautiful modernist jewelry by master silversmith Georg Jensen Denmark is the ultimate to own and his pieces from the 40's and 50's are very collectible.  

All thousands of new contemporary designers continue to come forth in the field of jewlery design, collectors and dealers continue today to embrace the romanticism of the Victorian / Edwardian periods.  The extraordinary artistry of the Art Deco /Art Nouveau years brought forth some of the most excitng jewelry designs for rings and pendants. Jewelry dating from 1910 to 1940 are highly sought after and can be expensive depending upon the intricacy of its designs alongwith its karated gold content. During this period many pieces were created in a rose gold or 18kt gold or platinium setting.  Sterling silver brooches and bracelets often had elegant vermeil gold washes.  

From 1940's onward a new Hollywood era of gliz and glamour immerged which immortalized an elite group of European couture fashion designers who ultimately changed the direction of American fashion forever.  Designers like Christian Dior, Givenchy, Valentino, Oscar De La renta, Hattie Carnegie and Schiaparellii became household names.  However,  most Americans could not afford the pricely couture line but most could afford indugling in costume jewelry piece designed by Schiaparelli and her peers. Stunning crystal prong-set necklaces by Yves Saint Laurent and Carnegie brooches became the rage. Gold plate and enamel ornamental jewelry by Givenchy to the right is a wonderful example of costume jewelry excellence. 


VISIT US AT MELANGE-ART:  The jewelry displayed in this article are from our designer collection and available for purchase.

http://www.melange-art.com