Vintage Jewellery Eras Guide
Vintage Jewellery Eras Guide
Explore the defining styles, craftsmanship and history behind Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro jewellery. From old cut diamonds to intricate platinum settings, discover how each jewellery era developed its own distinctive character and influence.
Explore Jewellery Eras
Retro Jewellery
Bold gold jewellery inspired by Hollywood glamour and post-war design.
Georgian Jewellery (1714–1837)
Georgian jewellery was entirely handmade, making each surviving piece unique. Designs often featured nature-inspired motifs including leaves, birds and floral detailing, alongside precious gemstones and early diamond cuts.
Memento Mori jewellery also became popular during this period, featuring symbolic motifs such as skulls and coffins intended to reflect mortality and remembrance.
Because Georgian jewellery was handcrafted and produced in relatively small numbers, authentic examples are now considered exceptionally rare and highly collectible.
Explore our wider collection of vintage & antique rings featuring designs inspired by historic jewellery eras.
Victorian Jewellery (1837–1901)
Victorian jewellery evolved dramatically throughout Queen Victoria’s reign, with romantic motifs, coloured gemstones and sentimental symbolism becoming defining characteristics of the era.
Early Victorian (1837–1855)
Early Victorian jewellery often featured delicate hand engraving, lockets and nature-inspired gold designs. Diamonds and coloured gemstones were commonly worn during evening occasions.
Mid Victorian (1856–1880)
Following the death of Prince Albert, darker mourning jewellery became fashionable. Jet, onyx, garnet and amethyst were frequently used, although the era also saw increasing experimentation with colourful gemstones and mosaic designs.
Late Victorian (1880–1901)
Late Victorian jewellery became lighter and more refined, with diamonds, sapphires and feminine motifs becoming increasingly popular. Crescent moons, stars and elaborate brooches were widely worn.
Discover our collection of vintage engagement rings inspired by Victorian and antique design.
Art Nouveau Jewellery (1895–1915)
Art Nouveau jewellery embraced flowing natural forms inspired by flowers, butterflies and organic curves. Designers such as René Lalique helped define the movement with artistic enamel work and highly decorative craftsmanship.
Unlike the geometric precision that followed during the Art Deco period, Art Nouveau jewellery focused on movement, femininity and artistic individuality.
Today, authentic Art Nouveau jewellery remains highly collectible due to its craftsmanship and distinctive artistic identity.
Edwardian Jewellery (1901–1915)
Edwardian jewellery is known for its elegance, lightness and intricate platinum craftsmanship. Advances in platinum work allowed jewellers to create delicate lace-like settings featuring diamonds and fine milgrain detailing.
Diamonds dominated the Edwardian era, although sapphires, emeralds and pearls also remained popular. Designs were often refined, symmetrical and highly detailed.
Edwardian engagement rings remain particularly sought after for their timeless elegance and craftsmanship.
Art Deco Jewellery (1915–1935)
Art Deco jewellery introduced bold geometric styling influenced by architecture, Cubism and modern industrial design. Strong symmetry, contrasting gemstones and striking platinum settings became defining features of the era.
Sapphires, emeralds, onyx and diamonds were frequently combined to create dramatic visual contrast, while old European cut diamonds remained popular during the transition toward modern brilliant cuts.
Art Deco engagement rings continue to be among the most desirable vintage jewellery styles today due to their timeless structure and distinctive character.
Explore our collection of vintage diamond rings including Art Deco and Edwardian designs.
Retro Jewellery (1945–1960)
Retro jewellery emerged during and after World War II, heavily influenced by Hollywood glamour and bold statement styling. Large cocktail rings, oversized gold designs and colourful gemstones became increasingly fashionable.
Unlike the delicate platinum styles of earlier decades, Retro jewellery embraced warmth, scale and bold visual impact using yellow and rose gold.
Jewellery Era Comparison
| Era | Key Characteristics | Popular Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Georgian | Handmade, symbolic, nature-inspired | Rose cut diamonds, garnet |
| Victorian | Romantic, sentimental, engraved | Sapphire, amethyst, seed pearls |
| Edwardian | Platinum lacework, elegant detailing | Diamonds, pearls |
| Art Deco | Geometric, bold, symmetrical | Sapphire, emerald, onyx |
| Retro | Bold gold styling, glamorous | Citrine, aquamarine |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered vintage jewellery?
Vintage jewellery generally refers to jewellery that is at least 20–30 years old, while antique jewellery is typically over 100 years old.
What is the difference between antique and vintage jewellery?
Antique jewellery is generally over a century old, whereas vintage jewellery usually refers to pieces from more recent historical eras such as Art Deco or Retro.
What is the most popular vintage jewellery era?
Art Deco jewellery remains one of the most popular vintage jewellery styles due to its geometric designs, diamond settings and timeless elegance.
Are old cut diamonds found in vintage jewellery?
Yes. Many Georgian, Victorian and Art Deco pieces feature old mine cut and old European cut diamonds commonly found in antique jewellery.
Continue exploring our expert guides in the Jewellery Knowledge Centre.