Antique
This is such a big category we split it into several parts as what many people think of when they say "Antique Style" is
Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Victorian and Edwardian.
For us "Antique" Style is a mix of these period styles, and is more broadly defined as pieces with intricate design elements including one or more of:
as well as MIlgrain edges and Pierced work
For this very large category of our work, it is best to save some examples you like to a design page.
Or, go through the Design Elements section and learn about the specific Design Characteristics you like most!
Art deco (1920~1930)
BOLDNESS, SYMMETRY AND GEOMETRIC SHAPES.
During this period women began wearing their hair short and Sporty. Hemlines Rose and Women became emancipated.
Compared to the two previous period, Art nouveau and Edwardian, Art deco jewelry often has taken free flowing curves and naturalistic motifs and replaced them with symmetrical themes. Think Frank Lloyd and the Chrysler building...
Egyptian influences were strong; Some popular motifs were falcons & sphinx.
Art Deco Movement and Designs
Example of Art deco jewelry
Art Nouveau (1890-1915)
Free flowing Asymmetrical lines, nature and myth. Art Nouveau is French for 'new art'; expressive, imaginative. The most common motifs in jewelry were orchids, lilies, irises, ferns, snakes, dragonflies, animal and human forms. Notable artists are Alfons Mucha and Rene Lalique.
Art Nouveau Artists and History
Victorian (1837-1901)
FEMININE AND ROMANTIC. Victorian period follows the reign of Queen Victoria in Great Britain. Queen Victoria's love for family reflected jewelry to a romantic and sentimental outlook. Design themes were borrowed from natural origins, flowers, trees, insects and birds. Opals were popular as Queen Victoria adored them.
Edwardian (1901-1910)
Intricate, airy and feminine. Edwardian style jewelry is intricate works that accentuates feminineness. Platinum was used extensively as the strength of platinum made to produce pieces that are thin and open work designs. Fine filigree work that resembled lace with millgrained setting was popular during the period. Strength of platinum make to produce pieced that are thin and open work designs. Knife edge band was first introduced in this period.
Retro (1935-1950)
Big, Colorful, Whimsical and BOLD!
This was war-time in Europe and America when platinum was being used for the war effort and was not available to jewelers. In result, gold regained popularity, different colors of gold such as Rose gold and Green gold were admired to many people in this period.
Retro refers to the golden age of Hollywood glamour jewelry, and oversized and dramatic styles represent it. Colored gemstones were used widely especially rubies and sapphires.
Renaissance (A Very Long time ago - a long time ago )
Rebirth or revival, Renaissance jewelry is characterized by rich color and by sculptural or architectural design.
The best known jeweler in this period is Benvenuto Cellini.
Think Middle Ages, Yellow Gold and a Bit Hand Made looking...not too Perfected
Contemporary or Modern
Not specificly the artistic Style known as "Modern" , We just mean Up to date and "Recently developed or advanced style".
For the Person who doesn't like so many ornate Details. Think Little Black Dress, or Blue Jeans and a Turtleneck.
Floating or Tension setting, Channel setting, Bar Set, Bezels and Half Bezels, are modern techniques that make the design clean and simple, smooth and Contemporary looking..
The trick is, you can take a contemporary look, and hide little elements to create your own Unique take on modern style
Rustic
Rustic styles often have coarse, rough, hammered textures and a worn down look.
Easy to wear, as every new Ding or Scratch adds Character...
Abstract or Unusual
Abstract style often refers to the asymmetrical shapes that look as if it contains little or no recognizable or realistic forms from the physical world. Focus on formal elements such as colors, lines, or shapes. Artists often "abstract" objects by changing, simplifying, or exaggerating what they see. It has few recognizable images with great emphasis on line, color, shape, texture, value; putting the expression of the feelings or emotions of the artist above all else.
Organic
Organic style often have shapes having none of the geometric angularity associated with other shapes such as squares, triangles, rectangles, etc.. Organic shapes are fluid and often are associated with things that occur in nature.
Think Water, Molten and soft...
Nature or Natural
Natural style incorporates realistic nature objects into design elements.
Think Leaf and Vines, Flowers, and Scenes.
Many Natural "vine like" motifs also get Tagged as Art Nouveau, and Mountain Designs often get tagged as Rustic...
