Antique Jewelry
Retro Period (1935 - 1949)
During the Retro Period, the use of platinum for engagement rings, fashion rings, pendants and brooches became less popular as this metal was needed for the war effort. When jewelry was created, it was exaggerated in size and style. You would often find jewelry produced in yellow, rose or green gold highlighted with synthetic rubies. The use of aquamarine, sapphires in all colors, citrine and amethysts with diamond accents were...
Art Deco Period (1920 – 1935)
Early Art Deco diamond engagement rings and jewelry were decorative and fancy in style with filigree which was often accented with synthetic sapphires or natural emeralds. Price was not a consideration when creating jewelry. Cocktail rings were in vogue. This was a time of high fashion and elegant style. Cocktail parties were the rage and everyone was trying to gracefully out do the other. At the end of World War...
Art Nouveau Period, 1890 – 1915
Art Nouveau jewelry from the early nineteenth century gave fresh ideas, motif and craftsmanship to jewelry making. The French Art Nouveau jewelry was led by Rene Lalique followed by Henri Vever, Lucien Gaillard and the American craftsman, Louis Comfort Tiffany. Interestingly, Art Nouveau is French for “new art”. Art Nouveau jewelry and diamond engagement rings have a very distinctive style. Examples of the Art Nouveau Period were found not only...
The Edwardian Period (1901 – 1914)
New ways of cutting stones and the use of platinum in the making of diamond jewelry and especially diamond engagement rings was the fashion. In 1901 Queen Victoria died and Edward VII became king of England. His wife, Princess of Wales, Alexandria became the Queen and she had already demonstrated her fashion style and trend in jewelry. Grace and sophistication prevailed and the style of fashion was lace, silk and...