Antique, estate, and vintage are all terms that describe older jewelry pieces. While it’s common to hear them used interchangeably, there are some notable distinctions between the three. Understanding what makes them different can help you accurately evaluate your own collection and correctly identify pieces when shopping. Here’s an overview of how each is characterized. 

Antique

Jewelry pieces are considered antique when they were made more than 100 years ago. They’re typically rare and rich in history, thus, they hold the most value. They are categorized by era, which helps to further define the pieces. 

The Georgian Era (1714-1837) included delicate, handmade jewelry, while the Victorian Era (1837-1890) consisted of pieces that were inspired by nature; they were typically dark or had star and crescent patterns. The Art Nouveau era (1895-1915) introduced new jewelry-making techniques, such as enameling and the use of semi-precious stones. 

Vintage

Every jeweler has their own opinion on what classifies as vintage. Some say a piece must be at least 20 years old and others say it has to date back more than 50 years.

There’s a general consensus that vintage pieces are specific to certain eras, including Modern, Mid-Century, Retro, and Art Deco. This category encompasses a wide variety of styles and is known for its large cocktail rings, dramatic gold pieces, charm bracelets, and bold necklaces.

Estate

Many people believe that estate jewelry refers to heirlooms that have been passed down through the generations. However, it’s any piece that has been previously owned. As such, age isn’t a factor when taking into account which pieces fall into this group. Often, second-hand jewelry has been with its owner for decades and may also turn out to be antique or vintage.

If you’re in search of the perfect ring or necklace piece to add to your collection, turn to Nelson Estate Jewelers in Mesa, AZ. They carry a large inventory of estate jewelry at competitive costs and will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Backed by years of industry experience, they offer trusted guidance when it comes to classifying different pieces so customers can be confident in their investments. They’ll also appraise your unused or unwanted jewelry to trade or buy at a fair price. Call (480) 459-9867 with questions or visit them online to learn more about their services.