Characteristics of Vintage Jewelry

Vintage jewelry is worn with many current fashions. In addition to being beautiful and skillfully made, it contributes to being “green”. Instead of buying new jewelry that uses non-renewable resources, buying vintage jewelry reuses gemstones and metals. The jewelry can be worn as is or parts can be reused for new pieces. Some people choose to use just the setting and put in new or pre-owned gemstones or they may use the gemstones in another setting. When looking at vintage jewelry, you will find the following common characteristics:

VINTAGE JEWELRY HAS RIBBONS

Ribbons are often found on vintage jewelry that has pearls, rhinestones, and cut gems. The ribbons are used to gather multi-strand necklaces, serve in place of a necklace clasp, and as an accent earrings and brooches.

VINTAGE JEWELRY HAS PEARLS

Pearls are among the most popular and common gemstone that can be found on vintage jewelry. The pearls are often on strands on a necklace. Pearls can also be part of a ring, bracelet, or earring setting. It can be combined with other gemstones.

VINTAGE JEWELRY HAS RHINESTONES

Rhinestones are often found on vintage jewelry. There will be large rhinestones, lots of small rhinestones, and rhinestones of various cuts. They can be grouped together or spread out on the piece of jewelry.

VINTAGE JEWELRY HAS CUT GEMSTONES

There may be cut gemstones or glass that is cut to look like gemstones. They are often large stones. The stones come in a full range of beautiful colors. They gemstones were commonly in dangling settings.

VINTAGE JEWELRY HAS UNIQUE DESIGNS

Since much vintage jewelry was made by hand, the designs tend to be more unique than the jewelry that is available today. Today jewelry is massed produced in a common design and style with colors being changed to create variety. Since there are so few jewelry makers putting out unique fine jewelry, there isn’t much unique jewelry that is available.

VINTAGE JEWELRY IS AFFORDABLE

Since vintage jewelry is pre-owned, it is more affordable than similar jewelry pieces that are new. The craftsmanship is better and the metal is often a higher quality than newer and similar jewelry. Vintage jewelry is a good value for the price. It is also a good choice for an investment, since silver and gold’s prices are less likely to drop drastically like other investments.

There are different types of vintage jewelry available. Brooches are among the most sought after vintage jewelry. Vintage brooches come in a variety of designs and styles. There settings are unique and the stones are beautiful. Even if the brooch isn’t worn on a lapel, they are also bought to display in a framed box. Other types of jewelry with vintage characteristics include the following:

Since piercing was uncommon, vintage earrings will be the clip-on style. Some people who love vintage earring styles will have them made into pierced earrings. This works for lighter earrings, but many vintage earrings are heavy and can become uncomfortable to wear as a pierced earring.

To buy fine vintage jewelry online, go to Gray & Sons. They also have a free catalog available, so you may shop at home. Gray & Sons Jewelry has been in the jewelry business since 1980. They are located in Miami, Florida. You can also contact them to do fine watch repairs on vintage watches.