Jewelry By Designs

We Buy Antique Jewelry

Are you looking for a store where you can buy antique jewelry? We are excited to announce that Jewelry By Designs has brought back our estate jewelry line!

Whether you’re interested in selling a precious antique piece or are shopping for fashionable estate jewelry, our team is pleased to help guide you through the selling and purchasing process.

Eras of Antique Jewelry

Here at Jewelry By Designs, we buy and sell antique jewelry from every design period. From romantic Victorian Era jewelry to edgy retro pieces, we welcome and carry a wide range of designs. Below, explore the different jewelry time periods and the characteristics of these antique pieces.

Georgian antique jewelry refers to jewelry designed during the Georgian period, which lasted from 1714 to 1837. This period covers the reigns of George I, II, III, IV and William IV. Although the Georgian period mainly influenced jewelry in England, several other nations were also influenced by these jewelry designs.

One of the most interesting details about Georgian jewelry is that many Georgian jewelry pieces were designed to be worn at a certain time of the day. Pearls, garnets, moss agate and colored gems were worn during the day whereas diamond jewelry was worn only for evening events. Most Georgian pieces are closed-back with foil backings, as open-back jewelry didn’t become popular until later on in history.

One of the easiest ways to distinguish a Georgian piece is by the metal from which it is made. Most Georgian jewelry was handcrafted with 18-karat yellow gold or silver. Steel and iron were also used occasionally. Hallmarking wasn’t completely established during the Georgian time period, making it somewhat difficult to determine a Georgian piece’s origin.

Similar to the Georgian period, the Victorian period marked the time of Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901. The Victorian era is broken down into the following three periods: the Romantic Period (1837 to 1860), the High Victorian Period (1860 to 1885) and the Late Victorian Period (1885 to 1901). The Romantic Period is referred to the most, as it reflected the nation’s love for their queen and Queen Victoria’s love for her husband, Prince Albert.

Victorian jewelry was often symbolic and carried secret messages. Mourning jewelry was also commonly worn as a way to remember a loved one who had passed on. Victorian jewelry is very diverse, as many styles and designs were produced during this time period. Common characteristics of Victorian jewelry include romantic shapes, detailed details, parures (sets of jewels meant to be worn together) and rings of matching stones. Certain motifs also became popular during the Victorian Era. After Queen Victoria received an engagement ring from Prince Albert featuring a serpent with an emerald set in its head, snakes became a popular symbol of eternal love on jewelry.

Jewelry made during the Victorian era were often made with gold and topped with silver. Unlike the Georgian period, during which all jewelry was handmade, most Victorian pieces were produced by machines.

The Art Deco time period was an era of glamour and sophistication. Art Deco jewelry became popular in 1925 but also had a comeback in the late 1960s. This jewelry is characterized by geometric patterns and unique designs made with diamonds and gems in contrasting colors. Women had just been given the right to vote in 1920, and, as a result, jewelry became a bit edgier yet still feminine.

The late 1930s and 1940s are referred to as the Retro era, a time when jewelry was created with bold designs and patterns. Because platinum and white gold materials were needed for making weapons during World War II, yellow gold and sterling silver were the main materials for making jewelry. There was also a shortage of diamonds, which is why diamonds appeared on jewelry only as accent stones. Retro jewelry is noted for its big and bold designs, including jewelry with large ribbons and bows, flowers and even animals.
The Cocktail era is another term used for the Retro period. Although cocktail jewelry is available in necklaces, earrings and bracelets, one of the most common cocktail pieces is cocktail rings. Cocktail rings are larger than most rings and are designed with an oversized center stone. These rings were worn most often to cocktail parties, hence getting the name. Even though they became popular back in the 1940s, cocktail rings are still just as popular today.

Antique, Vintage and Estate Jewelry Defined

You have most likely heard the terms antique, vintage and estate used to describe jewelry. Although these terms are fairly similar, they do have differences. Let’s take a look at the definitions of antique, vintage and estate jewelry.
Jewelry is considered antique if it is 100 years or older. Unlike modern jewelry, antique jewelry is crafted with higher-quality materials. Due to the scarcity of antique jewelry, many antique pieces are considered too valuable to be worn or sometimes even displayed.
Jewelry is defined as vintage if it is between 50 and 100 years old. Because vintage jewelry is less likely to break, it is worn and displayed more often than antique jewelry. Vintage jewelry is also easier to match with contemporary styles since they are not quite as old as antique pieces.
Jewelry is classified as estate jewelry if it has had a previous owner. Although it is often thought that estate jewelry is as old as vintage jewelry, estate jewelry may be fairly new. Estate jewelry that is more than 30 years old may be listed as vintage instead to avoid confusion.

Why Buy Antique Jewelry?

There are many benefits to purchasing antique jewelry, with the first being that it is very unique. Because antique jewelry was most likely handcrafted, you can be sure that there isn’t another jewelry piece quite like it. Antique jewelry is also designed in unique shapes and patterns.

In addition to being uniquely designed, each antique jewelry piece tells a story. Jewelry from the Victorian era may tell a story of romance while a retro piece may boast a more edgy style. No matter which time period your antique piece was made in, you can be guaranteed that it will last for many years to come. Unlike some jewelry that is cheaply made today, antique jewelry is handcrafted using the finest materials.

Looking for places that buy antique jewelry? Contact us today and we’ll help you sell your precious piece.

Where to Buy Antique Jewelry

Looking for the best place to buy antique jewelry? Jewelry By Designs is the perfect place to shop for and sell antique jewelry. Whether you’re looking for where to buy jewelry online or would prefer to shop in person, our store has you covered! We understand and value fine jewelry from the past and the present. Check out our store for beautiful antique and estate jewelry!

We Buy Antique Jewelry

Jewelry By Designs purchases fine antique and vintage jewelry from every design period, including:

  • Georgian
  • Victorian
  • Art Deco
  • Retro
  • Cocktail

We understand and value fine jewelry from the past and the present.

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