“I’m here to take care of it and to love it, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty.” Elizabeth Taylor
In the world of fashion, few things capture the imagination like antique and vintage designer jewelry. These exquisite pieces, created by iconic names, are our links to history, artistry, and unmatched craftsmanship. Even in humanity’s darkest times, grace and sophistication shone through everyday jewelry. Stephanie Windsor’s curated collection of antique and vintage signed designer jewelry invites you to fall in love with each unique piece. Rare gems from esteemed houses like Mellerio Dits Meller, Boucheron and Chopard, sustainably sourced from around the globe, are given a second chance to shine.
The collection is a treasure trove of luxury antique and vintage designer necklaces,rings, earrings, bracelets, and charms, each a masterpiece in its own right.The art of jewelry making spans thousands of years, with each culture contributing distinct styles and techniques. The early 20th century, often called the “Golden Age” of jewelry design, saw icons like Georges Lenfant, Cartier, Hermés, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., and Bvlgari rise to prominence. Notably, Van Cleef and Arpels 18k gold fringe necklace c.1980s and the Georges Lenfant 18k woven circles bracelet c1960s are standout pieces in our collection.
Collecting antique and vintage jewelry from these esteemed luxury brands is about possessing a piece of history. Each item in Stephanie Windsor’s collection has its own story intertwined with the lives of those who wore them and the eras they belonged to. Imagine the thrill of knowing nobody else in the world has a piece exactly like yours. Hand-engraved a hundred years ago, it’s entirely unique.
The hunt to find the perfect piece, with its unexpected details and sense of history, is part of the magic. Old mine diamonds, with their broader, handmade, and less precise cuts, are more subtle, refined, and made to glow under softer lights. These pieces enchant not only with their beauty but with their transformation from sparkling decorative gems to sustainable luxury. Revived through eco-friendly acquisition, they have time-traveled through history.
Elizabeth Taylor said of her jewelry, “I’m here to take care of it and to love it, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty.” These heirlooms are looking to find new families. Jewelry has been part of human culture for as long as history can trace back. There’s something enchanting about vintage and antique jewelry that transcends time and trends. It’s the beauty and craftsmanship of each piece, the stories they tell, and the magic they hold.
Inquisitive for More?
What is Signed Jewelry?
Signed jewelry indicates the name of the jewelry house or maker through an engraving on the underside of the piece or inside a ring. This practice began around 1860 during the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau periods and gained widespread popularity in the 20th century. Prominent jewelers and many smaller ateliers began marking their creations to signify their origin and authenticity.
In terms of value, signed jewelry is generally more valuable than unsigned pieces. A signature, particularly from a top maker, can significantly increase a piece's worth, sometimes by 50%, 100%, or even 300%. The maker and the period of the piece are key factors in determining its value. For jewelry from prestigious brands like Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Chaumet, Fabergé, or Van Cleef & Arpels, a signature ensures high standards in design, quality of stones, and craftsmanship.
How do you know if a piece of jewelry is antique?
To determine if a piece of jewelry is antique, a simple way is to check for hallmarks. Hallmarks can help identify the age and purity of the metal. These marks, often engraved inside the piece or on the post or clasp of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, can be organized by time periods and specific jewelry eras. However, keep in mind that engravings on items of jewelry more than 100 years old might wear off over time, so the absence of a hallmark alone doesn't necessarily mean the piece isn't antique.
Antique jewelry items can be classified into four popular time periods:
Georgian (1714-1837): The oldest style and longest period, known for its love of yellow gold, elaborate designs, and precious gemstones. Popular pieces from this era of style include necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, brooches, and crowns. Today, many customers still enjoy the styles from this period.
Victorian (1840-1890): Inspired by Queen Victoria's style, this era features jewelry collections adored by the Queen herself. It was a time of experimentation and luxury with jewelry, often studded with precious gemstones.
Art Nouveau (1890-1910): Characterized by nature-inspired designs and smooth, sweeping curves, Art Nouveau jewelry often features stones like opal, amber, and moonstone.
Edwardian (1901-1910): Named after King Edward VII, this period is known for its simple, elegant designs. White gold and platinum became popular, and the jewelry often featured lacy and floral patterns, carrying on the femininity from the Victorian era.
What eras are vintage jewelry from?
To determine if a piece of jewelry is vintage, you should consider its age. In jewelry trade terms, 'vintage' describes a piece that was made between 50 and 100 years ago. Therefore, as of now, all jewelry produced between 1920 and 1970 would be considered vintage.
Vintage jewelry covers three distinct eras, each with its own unique styles, designs, and compositions:
Art Deco Era (1915-1935): Known for its bold geometric designs, vibrant colors, and the use of new materials like platinum and Bakelite.
Retro Era (1935-1950): Characterized by its larger, more extravagant designs, often featuring gold and gemstones in bold, three-dimensional forms.
Modern Era (1950s-1980s): This era saw a mix of traditional and futuristic styles, with an emphasis on sleek, modern lines and the introduction of new techniques and materials.
By identifying the design characteristics and materials typical of these eras, you can better determine if a piece of jewelry is vintage.