Jewelry With A Story — Sparrowood Jewelers

There are certain things that stand the test of time even in fashion. Vintage jewelry is no different. The pieces crafted in various eras have a way of bringing part of history with you and setting your style apart.

Here are the most notable jewelry eras from the last few centuries and how they got their start.

Georgian - 1714-1837

Named for the reigning George’s in the British Monarchy, this period lasted over a hundred years. This jewelry is very rare today, but if you are lucky enough to find it you’ll recognize it by it’s ornate style (typical of royalty). These pieces are handcrafted by jewelers and typically gems were set with a closed back and foil to enhance their brilliance in low light settings, because who wouldn’t want their gems to shine at their candle light dinners?!

Sadly, the jewelers melted down most of the pieces from this era to make new fashionable designs with the gold and stones.

Victorian - 1837-1901

Named for Queen Victoria, this era has a wide array of feminine and ornate jewelry styles to reflect her changing taste. This period can actually be divided along the lines of her love life. The Queen’s love for her husband Albert was reflected in her jewelry styles starting with the romantic period. In this period hearts, bows, flowers and birds were commonly found on jewelry to symbolize unending love.

However, when Albert died, Victoria went into full mourning. She wore mostly black, to honor him. The public soon grew tired of the constant black, that a split within the eras began.

While the Queen was mourning, the nation (and it’s jewelers) began to crave something fresh. The industrial revolution kickstarted the jewelry manufacturing business allowing more people to wear the latest fashions at affordable prices.

Eventually this led to the Arts and Crafts movement where artisans focused on the aesthetics and art from jewelry rather than the ornate gems found 50 years ago. Truly a period for artisans and hipsters of their time - this era was filled with independent jewelers and designers creating one of a kind pieces.

Art Nouveau - 1890 - 1910

A short era, Art Nouveau was a movement of artists. Designers focused on women and nature (can you name two more beautiful things?!) to invoke powerful imagery.

Opal and pearls were commonly used with yellow gold in various mediums to make up this style.

Edwardian- 1901-1920

Yet again, named for British monarchy, this era highlighted a jeweler’s skill set. The ornate filigree designs made possible with the fabrication of platinum, a newly discovered metal used in addition to gold. Designs reflected delicate fabrics and bows to accent the royal’s luxurious fashion tastes. The onset of World War I marked an end to this era and it’s opulence.

Art Deco- 1920-1930

The first era of the people, and not the British monarch, this marked a dramatic change in fashion. No longer were people looking for flowery images, but something to mark the new world that the end of World War I brought. Clothing designers like Erte, promoted geometric and bold designs that the everyday woman could wear. One of the most popular eras, it promoted the confidence that women began to have in the Roaring 20’s.

Retro - 1930s-1950

The romance of the retro era hails from “Old Hollywood” style. This golden age made jewelry larger than life with snake chains, brooches and charm bracelets taking center stage. Textures gave outfits a whole new look, adding to the appeal of this jewelry. Costume jewelry became more popular with it’s affordable price mimicking the celebrity styles. Because who wouldn’t want to look like Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn? Need we even mention jewelry obsessed Elizabeth Taylor?

Have an estate or vintage piece that you don’t have a use for? Bring it in to the store today to see if consignment is the right option for you!