EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN
The qualities that make vintage and antique jewelry appealing — the history, character and design — are what make estate jewelry simply an elegant piece of wearable art. Each piece tells a story, carries a legacy and embodies the craftsmanship of a bygone era. If you're considering adding one of these treasures to your collection, here's a guide to help you make an informed and inspired choice.
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VINTAGE VS ANTIQUE
Most estate jewelry can be categorized as either vintage or antique. Very simply, antique jewelry is any piece that is over 100 years old. In our collection, Victorian, Art Nouveau and Edwardian jewelry fall into this category. Vintage jewelry is any piece that is less than 100 years old but is generally greater than 50 years old. For Gump’s, this includes jewelry from the Art Deco and Retro eras.
A WORD ABOUT DESIGN ERAS
Created with exceptional materials and skilled craftsmanship, estate jewelry reflects rich design eras that range from Victorian to Retro, and often includes pieces from some of the most legendary jewelers in the world. Each period is characterized by distinct design elements, materials and techniques, making each piece a fascinating reflection of changing tastes and cultural influences throughout history.
Victorian (1837-1901)
Named for Queen Victoria, whose passion for jewelry greatly influenced this era’s three diverse periods: Romantic was feminine and ornate, Grand was dark and black, and Late Victorian returned to whimsical motifs in lighter, daintier pieces.
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Art Nouveau (1890–1910)
Art Nouveau jewelers placed more emphasis on settings and — inspired by the natural world — turned to undulating curves, experimenting with enameling techniques and preferring colorful gemstones over diamonds.
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Edwardian (1901–1910)
Light, graceful and elegant designs were characteristic of this era, named after Queen Victoria's son Edward. Platinum’s strength allowed jewelers to create more intricate, detailed pieces. Diamonds and pearls were key factors in jewelry designs that showcased their natural beauty.
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Art Deco (1920–1935)
In the Roaring Twenties, jewelry became an element that allowed women to express their individuality. It evolved from relatively delicate designs to more geometric forms and angular patterns, reflecting the free-thinking spirit of the times.
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Retro (1938–1945)
Retro jewelry was eye-catching and extraordinary — reflecting the glitz and glamour women saw on the movie screen. Dazzling oversized pieces had a playful and whimsical dimension, but always with a feminine element. Gold became the metal of choice because platinum was not available to the jewelry industry during WWII.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Estate jewelry is more than just adornment; it's a tangible link to the past, a testament to human creativity, and a source of timeless beauty. By understanding the nuances of estate jewelry, you can confidently select one-of-a-kind pieces that resonate with your individuality and stand the test of time. As you embark on this journey through history, elegance and enduring glamour, we invite you to our San Francisco store, where our dedicated in-house jewelry experts with decades of experience will assist you in selecting a piece of estate jewelry to cherish for a lifetime.
