Have you ever held a piece of jewelry that felt straight out of Jane Austen’s novel? Vintage style jewelry has that effect. Every intricate work and rare gemstone of such pieces swirls you into the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice, whispering the stories of the past. No matter how modern our lives get, there’s something about such jewelry pieces that still makes us feel connected to a story, a secret.
From the Victorian sentimental rings to the Art Deco geometry, vintage style jewelry is like a love letter written by the bygone eras. So, go ahead and channel your inner Elizabeth Bennet along with the modern charm of Taylor Swift and pick your next vintage piece. Whether you are looking for the perfect engagement ring or a family heirloom, step through the doors of time. Because once you start, you won’t stop.
Vintage Style Jewelry: A Desired Modern Trend
We cannot say, “vintage jewelry is back” because it never left.
In a world of changing trends and evolving fashion, vintage remains a constant. People are moving away from the cookie-cutter designs and gravitating towards jewelry that feels personal and meaningful. And what could be more sentimental than a piece worn by our ancestors?
Vintage inspired pieces have something more to offer than just their intricate detailing; they come with nostalgia, symbolism and romance.
Celebrity Influence: The Ones keeping it Relevant
Hollywood’s elite and royals have embraced the vintage pieces, so what’s stopping you?
- Kate Middleton wears the Late Princess Diana’s royal halo sapphire ring as her engagement ring, carrying on the royal legacy with elegance and charm.
- Taylor Swift’s vintage inspired cushion-cut diamond engagement ring from Travis Kelce is a nod to the Art Deco era. The bejeweled singer proved that vintage is eternal for all her Swifties.
- Penélope Cruz’s vintage sapphire ring dates back to the Edwardian era. The ring features a cluster of diamonds surrounded by a royal blue sapphire stone.
Every filigree and milgrain detailing and the fine craftsmanship behind it holds a story of its own. Whether you are a minimalist or maximalist, vintage style jewelry is the best way to reflect your unique personality.
Vintage Eras Shaping Today’s Fashion
Find out what inspires today’s vintage jewelry pieces and how each piece gets its aesthetic and charm.
- The Georgian Era (1714-1837)
The Georgian era gave us jewelry that looked like they were sculpted by poets. From delicate floral designs to hand cut diamonds and gemstones that glowed in candlelight, it had everything. Today’s Georgian vintage style jewelry features filigree work, rose-cut diamonds and romantic color palettes.
From floral earrings to rings, each piece is perfect for romantic dinners, engagement proposals or any moment where you want to channel your inner elegance.
- The Victorian Era (1837-1901)
The Victorian era began with the reign of Queen Victoria and her British Empire and went on until her death on January 22, 1901. This era was deeply emotional, full of hidden meanings and messages. People wore jewelry in this era as expressions of love, loss and milestones. Heart-shaped pendants, serpent motifs and gemstone clusters are the perfect examples of the Victorian-inspired jewelry.
Wear claddagh rings and drop earrings to family gatherings, brunch dates and intimate milestone celebrations and reflect your different emotions with your jewelry.
- The Edwardian Era (1901-1914)
The Edwardian era is the one that saw the lace turned into jewelry. It was intricate, airy and subtle. Platinum filigree work, scalloped edges, and bow and garland motifs along with pear-cut gemstones were something that spanned across the Edwardian era. Today’s Edwardian style jewelry includes pear shaped diamond rings with milgrain borders, delicate oval drop earrings and minimal lace-like diamond wedding bands.
Such vintage style jewelry pieces are perfect for work events and boardroom presentations, pre-wedding celebrations, engagement parties and bridal showers.
- Art Deco Era (1925-1940)
If you want your jewelry to exude your style, attitude and confidence, opt for Art Deco inspired jewelry. The Art Deco period is the age of glam, geometry and Gatsby. From straight lines, symmetrical designs, black and white contrast to gemstones in bold shapes, you’ll see it all. Contemporary designers and artists worship the Deco period.
Opt for emerald-cut emerald rings and propose to your partner with a vintage piece. Add this era’s influence to your modern cocktail party looks, dinners and evening events.
- The Retro Era (1950-1990)
Retro style vintage jewelry is all things bold, beautiful, colorful and dramatic. It adds unapologetic glamor to your style. From oversized chunky rings to pendants featuring large gemstones and sculptural metal designs, each piece is perfect for making a statement. Semi-precious gemstones such as aquamarine, citrine and amethyst started making waves in the jewelry world in the retro era.
Add retro glam to your birthday party looks, date night celebrations, vacation outfits and red-carpet moments. From chunky necklaces to bold bracelets featuring bright color gemstones, steal the spotlight by channeling your inner Elizabeth Taylor.
Vintage Style Jewelry for Every Occasion & Look
Some vintage style jewelry pieces always stay timeless. Pick your favorite to create unforgettable looks.
Signet Rings: Powerful, Regal & Stylish
Signet rings were once worn by aristocrats to seal documents. Today’s men with impeccable taste wear it as a symbol of their quiet confidence. A yellow gold signet ring is perfect for both men and women. It gives striking appeal and adds instant vintage energy.
Wear a signet ring with your initials engraved on it to corporate meetings. It can elevate your entire outfit. Pair it with a tailored blazer and a classic watch for a refined look.
Claddagh Rings: Love, Loyalty & Friendship
The Irish claddagh ring is a meaningful symbol of love and everlasting commitment. The heart, crown and hands represent love, loyalty and friendship, making it a perfect choice for engagements and weddings. Wear your claddagh ring outwards if single, inwards if taken. This symbolism adds mystery to your looks. It is perfect for romantic proposals if you are looking for dreamy vintage style jewelry.
Shop your favorite claddagh ring from GemsNY and create a unique fusion of vintage and contemporary. Pair it with a celtic inspired vintage pendant for a regal touch.
Drop Earrings: Add the Essence of Elegance
From Victorian inspired gemstone earrings to Deco period earrings geometric patterns, drop earrings are the backbone of vintage style jewelry. You can style drop earrings featuring pear shaped diamond drops for weddings and big events.
Opt for elongated oval-shaped sapphire drops for cocktail nights and brunches. For daily wear, choose small gemstones in round shapes with a subtle filigree touch.
Side-Stone Pendants: A Modern Girl’s Favorite
Side stone pendants add a modern twist to vintage style jewelry. They feature a large center stone with small sparkling side accents. This unique design is subtle but eye-catching. A diamond side-stone pendant is perfect for daily wear, as it can elevate your outfit, casual to formal.
A sapphire or emerald side stone pendant with diamond accent stones gives your neckline subtle sophistication, perfect for brunch and tea parties with friends. For a date night look, try a ruby side stone pendant and unlock vintage romance.
Bracelets: The Unforgettable Heroes of Vintage Style
Bracelets shimmer on your wrist and complete your look like no other. From pearl-laced bangles inspired by the Victorian era to diamond bracelets featuring geometric designs from the Art Deco periods, each one adds old Hollywood energy. And don’t forget chunky bracelets featuring colorful gemstones from the retro era, perfect for that boho-vintage aesthetic.
Whether you are on a vacation with family or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, bracelets always steal the spotlight.
Mix & Match Jewelry like a Stylist
Mix modern and vintage style jewelry for a unique and creative look. A modern blazer with a Victorian locket simply exudes old-world charm. Go for a minimal ring stack with a bold signet ring because fashion has no rules, right?
Play around different colored gemstones such as ruby and diamond, emerald and garnet, sapphire and amethyst and create your own vibe.
Pick Vintage & Let Your Story Begin!
The best part about vintage style jewelry is it brings back the romance, nostalgia and charm of the old-world, all wrapped in one beautiful piece.
Whether you are choosing a three-stone engagement ring for your partner or a side-stone pendant for the modern-vintage aesthetic, you are creating your unique look. Vintage style jewelry helps you time-travel and enter into an era that has seen some of the greatest picks of today. So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t already added a vintage piece to your collection, now is the time.
Explore GemsNY’s wide range of vintage jewelry pieces. From rings and pendants to earrings and bracelets, we have it all. You can also customize your dream piece using our website’s “Make-Your-Own” jewelry feature. For a deeper look into the jewelry world, visit GemsNY Press.
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