Antique jewelry is quickly gaining popularity as people try to find more unusual pieces of jewelry - something different from the typical contemporary styles of jewelry. People are looking for timeless, unique pieces. Whether they are looking for a brooch, necklace, or the perfect engagement ring, more and more people are choosing to purchase antique jewelry instead of modern designs. The detailed cut of the stones combined with the visually surprising vintage settings means that often estate jewelry is a unique alternative to the more easily-found modern jewelry. Estate Diamond Jewelry has 25 years of experience with estate and antique jewelry. We offer a wide variety of antique jewelry in an assortment of styles and designs, from a number of different antique jewelry periods. Estate Diamond Jewelry offers a fabulous selection of jewelry and gives it the edge as a leading source for quality antique and estate jewelry.
One of the benefits of buying antique jewelry is the cut of the stones. Diamonds found in an antique jewelry store are cut much differently than those found in today’s more modern pieces. The diamonds used in antique jewelry designs were cut to sparkle in much dimmer light, such as candlelight and moonlight, than in the bright fluorescent lights we all see today. The vintage diamond cuts simply look different from the stones you can buy at your average jewelry store; they can seem to have a special glow or air about them in comparison to the diamonds you find at a contemporary jeweler’s. At Estate Diamond Jewelry, you can find an extensive collection of antique jewelry featuring these vintage diamond cuts. Some of the styles you can find include old mine cut diamonds, also called cushion cut diamonds, a style popular from 1830 until the early 1900’s. Because the mine cut was a standard diamond cut for so long, it can be found in many of the antique jewelry pieces dealers see today. Old mine cut diamonds were shaped by hand and have a high crown, allowing each of the diamond’s facets to catch and reflect light. Cushion cut diamonds remain one of the most popular diamond cuts ever created. The diamond has a rectangular or square shape, yet is rounded at the corners to give the diamond depth, as well as a softer appearance than modern diamond cuts. Along with these two popular stone cuts, Estate Diamond Jewelry offers rose cut, Asscher cut, and emerald cut diamonds.
Antique jewelry varies in style depending on the period in which it was created. Estate Diamond Jewelry offers not only the more common diamond cuts and styles of antique jewelry, but also has rare pieces from some of the most sought after antique jewelry periods. A popular era for antique jewelry is the Victorian era (1837-1901). The Victorian era overlaps with the creation and popularity of both the old mine cut diamond and the cushion cut diamonds, and has a romantic style. Inspired by Queen Victoria’s love of her children and her husband, antique jewelry from the Victorian era often incorporates flowers, bows and hearts into its design. Even if the designs aren’t particularly representational in nature, they are very delicate, elaborate designs, with a beautiful lacy quality. In contrast, antique jewelry from the Art Deco (1920-1939) period is often much simpler, geometric in nature, with vivid colors replacing ornate decoration. Art Deco jewelry is very elegant but can feel spare in relation to Victorian jewelry. It tends to have long, clean but grand lines where Victorian jewelry can be complex, frilly, and extravagant. Estate Diamond Jewelry also has rare pieces from the Edwardian period. A school of design called Art Nouveau, grew between the end of the Victorian era and the beginning of the Art Deco era (ca. 1880-1915) which has a more delicate, yet cosmopolitan style, and often incorporates bows and garlands into its design. Curving lines that are inspired by plants and other natural objects, along with a distinct Japanese influence and, often, Renaissance and Medieval design elements, are often found in Art Nouveau jewelry. Art Nouveau design is highly sought-after and jewelry from this period should be savored and cherished.
Whatever your personal sense of style may be, Estate Diamond Jewelry has a wide variety of antique jewelry to help you or your loved one have a sparkling day!