Given the uniqueness of jewellery of the past, there is a huge desire for 20th century jewellery. They are made in the key periods of jewelry design. From Art Deco pieces, which have long been a favorite of collectors, to retro, mid-century and modern creations.
Explore the creations of the past for the ultimate Christmas surprise. Even check out katerinaperez.com's tips to make the best shopping decisions.
The explosion of online retailers specialising in antique jewellery means that finding an antique gift has never been easier. If you're not sure where to start, head to 1stdibs for inspiration.
Established in 2001, this one-stop market for antique and vintage jewellery caters to every budget. While it's a great resource to get to know the styles and designers who came to define the various eras.
High-end independent sellers specialising in antique jewellery include companies such as Bentley & Skinner and Hancocks in London. Also Ronald Abram in Hong Kong and Fred Leighton in New York. They have been regarded as trusted authorities on the subject for half a century or more. They are the place to go if you are looking for rare and exceptional period pieces.
Then there are vendors like Erica Weiner in Portland, Oregon, and Randi Molofsky's recently opened For Future Reference Vintage. These specialize in a particular period or look. Erica Weiner's eclectic collection is inspired by the secret language of estate jewelry. Her motto is: «The stranger the story, the more we love it.».
Molofsky, who is an industry tastemaker and vintage fashion enthusiast, launched her vintage jewelry brand in 2024. She focuses on unsigned statement pieces from the 1940s-1980s. She has a great eye for pieces that promote fashion.
If you are considering buying antique or vintage jewellery as a gift, it is important to be clear about the different seasons.
Vintage usually refers to any jewellery that is 20 years old or older. Although purists only use the term for items over 50 years old. While antiques are at least 100 years old.
The Victorian period covered the period 1839-1901, the Art Deco period the years 1920 to 1935. Retro is usually used to describe a piece of jewellery made in the 1940s. While mid-century for pieces from the 1950s.
In which season is the recipient most attracted? Does he primarily wear yellow gold? How do they wear their jewelry - only for special occasions or everyday, layered? Do big brands matter to them? These are all questions you should ask yourself before you start browsing.
The Art Deco period may have produced some of the most beautiful designs in jewellery history. But if they're in their 20s, a vintage gold choker will suit their style much better.
Sentimental gifts with jewellery. Make it meaningful.
From traditional love symbols to jewellery that has love in mind, the sentimental meaning of sentimental jewellery makes it the perfect gift to express your feelings.
Hopeless romantics, the Victorians were particularly fond of sentimental jewellery. They invented the art of floriography, conveying coded messages through the language of flowers.
The Victorian enamel and diamond pansy brooch, created by S.J. Phillips around 1890, is a beautifully crafted symbol of love, with the pansy symbolizing «think of me often». Erica Weiner's antique pendant with acrostic pendants is even older, dating from the Georgian period. It was created in 1820 and the gemstones - diamond, emerald, amethyst and ruby - spell out the word «dear».
There are also many other symbols of love to explore that have been popular throughout the ages. From a classic heart on the elegant 1981 cuff bracelet by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. But also to the white doves on Ronald Abram's antique Art Deco pendant.
One of the most exquisite pieces of jewellery in our gift guide is made by Georges Lenfant. One of the finest goldsmiths of the 20th century. The doves are paired for life - the perfect gift for a life partner who appreciates signature period pieces.
Bombé rings. Gifts for the daring.
Bombé rings have been a sensation since the early 1900s, with their popularity peaking in the 1950s. French for «bomb-shaped», their domed style also places them firmly in the cocktail ring category.
This bold ring style has also made a comeback in contemporary jewellery. Why buy new, though, when you can gift an original. The citrine bombé ring below by pioneering French jewellery designer Suzanne Belperron dates back to 1960. It's still a true collector's item.
And as jewellery created in the 1990s is now considered vintage, Van Cleef & Arpels' bombé ring, with sapphires, rubies and emeralds in yellow gold, updates the classic domed look with bold colours and heart-shaped gemstones.
Animalia. Wild and wonderful gifts.
In early 2024, 1stdibs also published its first jewellery report, reflecting what people were looking for most on its site. Searches for snake jewellery increased by 15% last year - pieces like these signature, mid-century snake earrings by Elias Lalaounis.
There are plenty of ideas for antique gifts that represent the beauty of the animal kingdom in precious materials, such as the enamel and tiger stripe earrings from David Webb's award-winning Animal Ark series of the 1960s-70s and Dior's citrine leopard wreath earrings from the 1990s, which respond to the animal print trend that's everywhere this Christmas.
And who wouldn't want to receive a vintage Cartier Panthère Molle pendant necklace as a gift? Created in 1981, the panther is a Cartier symbol and this version is incredibly easy to wear as it is presented on the original mixed metal chain.
Gold chokers and collars. Gifts with an emphasis on fashion.
A vintage yellow gold choker necklace or collar is the most fashionable piece of jewellery you can give this Christmas, because the 80s, a time of extravagance, shoulder pads and seriously bold jewellery (think Disney's Rivals), is back. But no jewelry house personified the ’80s as much as Bvlgari.
The rich use of gold was unrivalled, as you can see in the two gift ideas I have already chosen below. A vintage Bvlgari Monete choker, inlaid with an authentic Roman coin, exudes the glamour of an era, while the geometric links of the 1980 Bulgari Parentesi necklace are maximalist but very wearable.
But for something a little more sophisticated, For Future Reference Vintage's sleek 1980s omega chain necklace will quickly become a staple in their jewellery collection.
All vendors featured here have been vetted by us. So just read the caption to find out where you can find them. And, with the transition from curio to collectible, some sellers even offer curated gift guides featuring antique and vintage jewelry like any other luxury retailer, making the gift-buying process even easier.
Source: katerinaperez.com
