Classifying Antique Jewelry
There are a number of synonyms for old jewelry, and while the termsoverlap somewhat, they do mean specific things to professionals,collectors and authorities in the field. Understanding them can be asignificant help in gauging a dealer's specialty – or just in educatingyourself about jewelry from another era.
Estate is essentially an elegant word for "used." Itcan apply to anything from a 1789 ring owned by George III to an Elsa Peretti bracelet bought from Tiffany & Co. six months ago when sold as part of an estate liquidation. Here, it refers to an Arts and Crafts comb, ca. 1900.
Antique, by legal definition, means a piece that's at least 100 years old. But nowadays, many jewelers stretch the word to include the 1920s and 1930s, too – in casual conversation, at least. This Georgian giardinetti ring from the 18th century is a true antique.
Period is the official name for jewelry made within the last 100 years. This pair of retro diamond and platinum clip brooches, ca. 1950, featured in a Heritage Auction Galleries auction in December, 2010 are significant period pieces.
Vintage also has come to mean something from a bygone era (the same way people say vintage clothing or cars). However, some professionals use it exclusively to refer to older costume jewelry. One prime example: a Bakelite bangle like this one.
1. Estate
Estate is essentially an elegant word for "used." Itcan apply to anything from a 1789 ring owned by George III to an Elsa Peretti bracelet bought from Tiffany & Co. six months ago when sold as part of an estate liquidation. Here, it refers to an Arts and Crafts comb, ca. 1900.
2. Antique
Antique, by legal definition, means a piece that's at least 100 years old. But nowadays, many jewelers stretch the word to include the 1920s and 1930s, too – in casual conversation, at least. This Georgian giardinetti ring from the 18th century is a true antique.
3. Period
Period is the official name for jewelry made within the last 100 years. This pair of retro diamond and platinum clip brooches, ca. 1950, featured in a Heritage Auction Galleries auction in December, 2010 are significant period pieces.
4. Vintage
Vintage also has come to mean something from a bygone era (the same way people say vintage clothing or cars). However, some professionals use it exclusively to refer to older costume jewelry. One prime example: a Bakelite bangle like this one.
