Designs Defining Different Eras in Antique Jewelry

Buying antique jewelry items have become a trend. However, when you have information regarding the different eras and the influence they have had on the jewelry, it becomes easy for you to collect the items. The Gregorian era is signified by organic and floral motifs. Colorful gemstones, rose cut diamonds, silver fused yellow gold jewelry items are typical of the era. Bracelets, necklaces and detachable brooch and earrings happen to be the highlight of the period. Acrostic jewelry along with love poems or names engraved rings was also typical of the age which still now holds a great amount of popularity.

The sentimental motif in the form of love tokens reached its height during the Victorian age. Flowers, bows, hearts, lovers’ knot, serpents and moons were some of the dominant shapes during this era. Romanticism reached its peak during the first half of Victorian age and all the motifs indicated towards enduring love and long lasting relationships. Towards the second half of Victorian age, the motifs started changing with changing influences like industrial revolution and discovery of diamond mines in South Africa. Onyx and deep garnets became quite popular during this time on rings and lockets while the last half of the era witnessed a return to the light heartedness of romance and aesthetic.

Then came the Art Nouveau era marked with revolution against industrial set up. During this age jewelry designing became a tool for pure artistic expressions blended with rebellious use of precious and non-precious metals. Colorful gemstones were also used in abundance depicting nature inspired motifs like flowers, birds, trees and insects. The use of enameling was noticed during this time and with bold use of color and gemstones the sensuality of the female was also captured aesthetically. This period was followed by Edwardian era wherein platinum was introduced to the jewelry world. Millegrain and garland style of flower settings with diamonds, use of pearls in brooches and necklaces provided a lacy and airy feel to the jewelry collections.

The Art Deco era had a greater change in jewelry designing and was absolutely different from the others in terms of global influences and use of diamonds, platinum, lapis, jade, onyx, quartz, rubies and of course sapphires. The designs primarily were inspired by skyscrapers and pace. Art Deco designs are closest to the contemporary designs. During the Retro period which was a war torn period semi precious metals and stones like amethyst and citrine were all the rage on brooches while the mid 20^th century depicting the cocktail era went back to animal motifs in 3D and stylized designs.