Why Buy Antiques?
We don’t play favorites; we love both new and antique jewelry. We believe in mixing and matching eras and designs to create your own personal style. As you can tell from our handcrafted jewelry collections, at ESQUELETO we seek out the most unique pieces, and purchasing an antique is a great way to ensure your item is one of a kind. Vintage pieces have the added bonus of sustainability - nothing is more eco-friendly than repurposing existing items! Let us walk you through some of our favorite time periods and design movements of the past and why we love them.
Georgian Era
An era spanning the nearly 100 years reign of the four Kings George of England, from 1714 to 1837, the jewelry from the Georgian era reflects the burgeoning art scene and remarkable social and technological changes that occurred during this time. Handcrafted jewelry was created by skilled artisans using intricate metalwork and eye-catching gemstones. The jewelry from this time remains remarkable in design, often combining silver and yellow gold with foil-backed diamonds in rose cuts, old mine cuts, and table cuts.
Victorian Era
One of the most romantic eras was the Victorian era, which is evident in the elegant jewelry from that time period of the mid to late 1800s. Bespoke jewelry from this time was often adorned with stones like diamonds, rubies, garnets, emeralds, sapphires and amethysts. You may see lacy or floral designs within the metalwork of handcrafted Victorian jewelry. Hand engraving with personal sentiments was popular. Some notable styles from the Victorian period are albert chains, buckle necklaces, half hoop diamond rings, braided “keeper” rings, and long guard chains.
Edwardian Era and Art Nouveau
Delicate styles were popular in the Edwardian era, spanning the short lived period between the death of Queen Victoria and the start of WW1. Favoring more feminine details like bows, floral motifs and narrow navette silhouettes, paired with old mine cut and old European cut stones, Edwardian jewelry is typically hand fabricated. With a lighter and almost ethereal style, filigree work decorated many of the rings. Taking inspiration from natural and organic shapes, the overlapping Art Nouveau design movement favored naturalistic asymmetry and curvaceous details, featuring intricate metalwork and fine details.
Art Deco
Modern shapes and bright colors are two qualities of Art Deco design, emblematic of an emerging 20th Century modernism. Emeralds and sapphires were often used during this time, and Deco-era diamonds are extra sparkly owing to the invention of the brilliant cut and the popularity of white metals like platinum and white gold. Clean, modern lines are common in Art Deco jewelry; forms tend to be geometric and the linework more rigid, with bold colors and futuristic designs adding all the fun and flair of the Jazz Age. Statement cocktail rings are a glamorous example of a typical Art Deco style.
How to For Shop Antique + Vintage Jewelry
Always be sure to shop with a reputable jewelry purveyor. We are experts in jewelry, both new and antique, so we do the work of ensuring our antique and vintage jewelry collection is legitimate, working with reputable dealers from around the globe. We know what to look for with hallmarks and certifications, design and fabrication, and stones and metals testing, so that you can shop from ESQUELETO with confidence. If you’re looking for a piece from a specific era, we can find that for you. Seeking a unique vintage or antique engagement ring? We're on it. Whether it’s a statement signet ring, engraved locket or a vintage wedding band, we can source your perfect piece.
How to Style Vintage Pieces
Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Pair antique pendants and lockets with modern chains. Pair a star-set diamond engagement ring with a contemporary eternity band. Stack your heirloom family crest signet ring with some textured stacking bands. Mix a sparkling Art Deco diamond tennis bracelet with modern chunky curb link bracelets. Go bold by mixing Mid Century Modern styles with those of the late 1800s. We believe these different decades and periods are meant to exist together, and we are always happy to help you style our favorites.
How to Care For Antique and Vintage Jewelry
We love antique jewelry for its connection to our collective history, incredible craftsmanship (they don’t make ‘em like they used to!) and the beauty of bygone design movements. However, due to their age antique items often require extra care when wearing, cleaning and storing. Read more about antique jewelry cleaning and care tips, and please contact our expert sales associates with any questions you may have regarding caring for your antique or vintage jewelry piece.
Want to Learn More?
Visit our collection of antique and vintage jewelry here.