What exactly is estate jewelry?

Most people think of estate jewelry as antique though very few pieces are (at least 100 years old). In most cases, "estate jewelry" means it was previously owned. Estate jewelry is very popular, affordable and fashionable and is growing steadily throughout the US. In the jewelry industry, previously owned jewelry is less than 50 years old.

Estate jewelry means it has been previously owned, one week or even two hundred years old. It comes from individuals, estate settlements, auctions, estate jewelry dealers or banks, jewelry stores, just to name just a few sources. Although there is some disagreement as to whether current law requires that antique jewelry be at least 100 years old, this is the generally accepted criterion for determining what constitutes 'antique.' Period jewelry refers to the historical periods in which the jewelry was produced (e.g. Victorian). Most period jewelry discussed today dates from the mid-19th Century.

The valuation of estate jewelry can be extremely complicated compared to that of modern pieces due to such factors as age, condition, materials, designers, hallmarks, signatures, and provenance - the value of an item increases substantially if it is signed 'Cartier' or 'Tiffany', or if it was owned by a Hollywood celebrity or a royal prince. Whether a piece of jewelry is in original condition, not restored or otherwise modified, is important in establishing value as is whether a piece is accompanied by its original box and bill of sale.

Older jewelry pieces are especially esteemed for their unique character and detailed workmanship. Because the costs of labor and materials have risen so substantially over the last 100 years, many of these labor-intensive detailed designs are no longer cost-effective to produce, making estate jewelry a particularly good buy.

"Estate Jewelry" from wikipedia.org

Estate jewelry, also known as vintage jewelry, is a fashion trend for the new millennium. Stores selling this jewelry are becoming more common in the United States. Vintage jewelry can range from inexpensive to highly costly, but the act of collecting such jewelry is enjoyable for enthusiasts.

[edit] Periods of Vintage and Estate Jewelry
Jewelry which is termed ‘vintage’ includes many decades or eras. Each era has many different designs. These eras include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro.

Georgian Estate Jewelry (1714-1837)

Georgian era jewelry is handmade, making the quality of each piece variable. Needless to say, Georgian jewelry is very rare. Often featuring nature-inspired designs such as leaves and birds, Georgian jewelry frequently includes precious stones.

Early Victorian, Romantic Estate Jewelry (1837-1850)

Like jewelry of the Georgian era, early Victorian era jewelry features nature-inspired designs. Frequently, these designs would be delicately and intricately etched into gold. Lockets and brooches were popular everyday jewelry during the early Victorian era whereas colored gemstones and diamonds were worn during the evening.

Mid-Victorian, Grand Estate Jewelry (1860-1880)

Because the Grand or Mid-Victorian era corresponded with the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, many jewelry pieces have solemn, grave designs. Known as mourning jewelry, the pieces feature heavy, dark stones. Jet, onyx, amethyst, and garnet are frequently found in jewelry from this period. The jewelry also became especially creative during this period. More colorful designs were born featuring shells, mosaics and colorful gemstones.

Late Victorian, Aesthetic Estate Jewelry (1885-1900)

During the Late Victorian or Aesthetic period, jewelers used diamonds and feminine, bright gemstones such as sapphire, peridot, and spinel. Star and crescent designs as well as elaborate hat pins were also popular.

Arts and Crafts Estate Jewelry (1894-1923)

Due to the Industrial Revolution, many jewelry designers rebelled during the Arts and Crafts movement, returning to intricate jewelry designs and handmade craftsmanship. It was common for jewelry of this era to be simple in pattern, made of colorful, uncut stones.

Art Nouveau Estate Jewelry (1895-1915)

Designed by Rene Jules Lalique in France and other jewelers in America, Art Nouveau jewelry features natural designs such as flowers and butterflies.

Edwardian Estate Jewelry (1901-1910)

The Edwardian period was born when Queen Victoria died and her son Edward became king. During this period, expensive gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies and elaborate designs were the fashion.

Art Deco Estate Jewelry (1920-1935)

Influenced by African, Egyptian and Japanese themes, Art Deco jewelry is famous for its geometric designs, sharp lines, and bright colors. Bakelite, celluloid, enamel and doublets were used frequently during this era. Necklaces were long and bracelets were worn many at a time. Amber and murano beads were worn as well as chokers.

Retro Estate Jewelry (1940s)

Inspired by Hollywood, Retro jewelry is colorful, bold and elaborate. Commonly worn were large cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and charm bracelets.