Vintage style jewelry. Vintage Jewelry

Women's vintage jewelry is small crumbs of a past era, which, although long gone, still left behind some details for us, descendants.

Previously, vintage jewelry could be purchased at flea markets or found in grandmother's chests and mother's jewelry boxes. Today, there are entire specialized sites that are practiced in the sale of such accessories. Stylish retro-style jewelry can be found at online auctions and in a variety of online boutiques.

How to choose vintage style jewelry?

First you need to learn not to confuse antique and vintage jewelry. Vintage style jewelry refers to the original jewelry of the previous generation, which is 30-60 years old. The age of antiques starts from 60 years. Some stylists, however, call vintage items created before the 80s of the twentieth century. But there is a general rule according to which vintage jewelry is divided by decades.

When purchasing retro jewelry, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

Style. In order for a piece of jewelry to be classified as vintage, it must not only correspond to its age, but also reflect the fashion trends of a certain era. It can be peculiar ornate patterns, an original castle and an old cut of a stone. Some modern designers simply stylize jewelry in a retro style.
Price. You should not think that if someone wore the jewelry before you and it managed to get a little worn out, then this will reduce the price of the product. On the contrary, it can make it even more expensive. A beautiful legend that accompanies the jewelry and facts in the form of old pictures with jewelry can add an extra zero to the initial amount.
Brand. In vintage fashion, the manufacturer of the product does not play a significant role. Of course, if this is an old brooch from Coco Chanel, then its price will be several thousand dollars, but if, as is usually the case, the manufacturer remains unknown, then few people are interested in them. The main thing here is the originality of the decoration and its design.

Stylists claim that a stylish retro piece of jewelry by an unknown designer can create a real miracle with an image stuffed with branded clothing. It feels the influence of time, it has its own history and, like wine, becomes more valuable every year.

Types of retro jewelry

At the moment, the assortment includes exquisite products that are worn every day or on a special occasion. Here are the following currents:

Vintage silver jewelry. This metal has always been available and inexpensive, so many craftsmen performed the most incredible experiments with it and gave free rein to their imagination. Pendants and bracelets decorated with large stones look especially stylish.
Vintage jewelry with natural stones. Here materials such as turquoise, jasper, garnet, amber, etc. are used. The cabochon cut is very fashionable, when the stone acquires a convex semicircular shape. Often the main decoration of the product is a large stone, enclosed in an original setting.
Vintage . Hair bands and original combs are presented here. Jewelry is decorated with textile flowers, lace, feathers and pearls.
Retro rings. They are more reminiscent and necessarily include several large stones.

In addition, other retro jewelry is presented, which will easily enliven the image and add a touch of antiquity and mystery to it.

Flea markets are the perfect place for the traveler to get to know the hidden life of the city from the inside. Locals come here to unload cabinets, find a rare vinyl of their favorite band, finally get a film camera, gawk at old clothes and jewelry, interior items and books, bargain and just chat. Often in the mountains of junk you can find really valuable things, such as antique furniture and vintage jewelry from famous brands. If you, like us, cannot imagine your trip without going to the flimarket, next time try yourself as a treasure hunter and take a closer look at the shops of jewelry dealers - with proper skill, you can buy an expensive brooch, ring or earrings for just 5 bucks. Anna Mazaikina, the founder of the Antiques by Anna project, helped us figure out how to make such a find.

What is vintage jewelry and why is it valuable?

The term "vintage" comes from winemaking, where it denotes the unique taste and technological properties of high-quality wines that are aged for years. Today, vintage is increasingly referred to as rarities in the world of fashion and design, usually produced in the 20th century and becoming popular in the last 10 years. For the manufacture of vintage jewelry (costume jewelry) precious stones and metals were not used. But if you compare old samples with jewelry that is produced now, the difference in materials and design is obvious.

“Before, designers attached great importance to this,” says Anna. - It was important for a woman to decorate herself so that it looked very elegant. The main peak of this production was in America in the postwar years, when the whole society ceased to be divided into an elite and a working class. Ordinary people couldn't afford to buy diamond brooches, but they also wanted to look pretty and good."

In Japan, where Anna now works, vintage has become popular due to a combination of different historical circumstances. This country is very friendly with America. Besides, the Japanese are terrible collectors. Like any Asians, they are very fond of brands. Owning a branded item for them is an indicator of status.

Which companies were the first to start producing vintage?

The main production center was in the USA - Coro, Monet, Trifari, Ciner and others. In Europe, Coco Chanel was the first to launch a non-gem jewelry line. The rich took it with a grain of salt. Only the most advanced fashionistas wore her jewelry in those years. She was followed by Elsa Schiaparelli (Schiaparelli), and after some time they were joined by fashion houses - Dior, KENZO, Yves Saint Laurent.

Among more than a hundred American manufacturers, there were quite massive ones. For example, in department stores in the 80s, jewelry was sold for $ 5. This "mass" jewelry is also considered vintage. On the other hand, some copies of the 40-50s have a unique design that was developed by famous designers. If the design was patented by a well-known company, such things can cost thousands of dollars or more, despite the fact that it is costume jewelry.

If Chanel initially had the task of showing that it was jewelry - she specifically used glass elements - then the Americans had the task of making the jewelry as similar as possible to jewelry. And even the design they sometimes did identical. Only a specialist will be able to determine from the details among two identical things where the jewelry is, and where the jewelry is. For example, glass will be slightly darker than real stones. Jewelry manufacturers have used very high quality metal alloys specifically to make things durable. Usually they are much heavier than modern jewelry. It is because of the combination of time and quality that vintage jewelry is so valued now.

What is considered vintage jewelry?

To understand whether the jewelry in your hands is vintage, you need to start with the manufacturer's brand. There are several companies in America that no longer exist, such as Cora. It closed in the 80s, and began its activity in 1901. If you find a thing, for example, a brooch, then you need to turn it over and look at the brand. For each period of production - 30-40s, 60s and the late period - the mark of Cora is different. So you will know that the thing is branded and you can even attribute it to a certain period.

The thing can be produced in the 85th year in the Soviet Union, it does not have any stigma, but it is also considered vintage. Another question is that the price of such a thing is much more difficult to determine. Such jewelry can be both very inexpensive and expensive, because natural stones were used in the USSR, but this already falls into the category of jewelry.

"Ordinary people couldn't afford to buy diamond brooches, but they also wanted to look pretty and good"

In principle, any thing that was produced before the 90th year is considered vintage. Anything released later, for example, during the 90s, is called "fashion jewelry". Roughly speaking, this is also a vintage, because it’s already 2017, but not the “same” vintage yet.

Modern jewelry is not marked. Basically, everything that is produced now by fashion houses is just costume jewelry. It doesn't have those prints that were made before.

How much can vintage jewelry cost and how can you determine its true value?

Jewelry that is considered vintage and has some value is branded. If you are seriously considering becoming a treasure hunter, check out the list of American and European brands and their hallmarks.

There are, of course, vintage items that are not labeled, but it is difficult for a non-professional person to determine whether they are vintage or not. In this case, you have to take the word of the seller. It is important to look for some extraordinary specimens.

“To understand what you are buying, first of all, you need to look not at beautiful stones, but at the back of the product, where its brand can be”

It is important to understand why you collect vintage jewelry - you will wear it, put it on the shelf to periodically blow off the dust and show the collection to your friends, or maybe you want to sell and earn money. In the latter case, it makes sense to look for things with the stigma of the brand, because in the future it will cost more.

“European flea markets are a treasure trove. You can find very good things on them for the lowest price, - the expert says. - Of course, there are sellers who understand their goods, but there are also those who do not really understand vintage. It is not clear where they got it all from, but they do not attach value to these things. They need money here and now. Therefore, you can buy a Yves Saint Laurent brooch for € 20 somewhere in Berlin. To understand what you are buying, first of all, you need to look not at beautiful stones, but at the back of the product, where its brand can be.

How else can you study vintage and begin to understand it?

There are catalogs that are issued by expert collectors in America, where there is an approximate cost of a particular item. There are catalogs for a specific brand or for the best copies of different brands. The catalogs indicate a "reasonable" price for jewelry. At the same time, it may not at all coincide with the price in stores or on the Internet. This is due to the fact that the number of such things is limited, so the seller sets the price himself.

There are things that only a few remained, simply because of time and safety. For example, those same Chanel brooches of the 30s, which were released the very first. If 20 years ago they could be found on sale, now they are not something that you cannot buy for $ 3,000 - you simply will not find them. All of them are in private collections. That is why it makes sense to buy everything that is cheap - over time it breaks down, is lost, there are fewer and fewer copies and the price is gradually growing.

So, I have a chance to find an interesting thing on the flimarket?

Yes, there is every chance! Now, for example, it is quite possible to find Dior of the 60s and later. It is very important to know the history of development of many brands. Fashion houses did not produce jewelry themselves, but gave the design to jewelry manufacturers. Depending on the periodicals, each manufacturer put his own brand. Dior has the mark Christian Dior made in Germany - this is the period when the jewelry was produced by Henkel & Grosse in Germany. These pieces are older than those signed by Christian Dior. And they can be found. But in another ten years they will cost much more. If now you can buy clips for $ 100, then a little later they will cost 400.

The editors thank Anna Mazaikina from the project Antiques by Anna for help in preparing the material.

And jewelry is the weakness of any woman. No self-respecting lady will pass by beautifully presented costume jewelry, whether it be inexpensive or the most exquisite thing. But a special place among all the variety of jewelry is occupied by vintage style jewelry.

What does "vintage" mean?

This word is French, in the fashion world it means a direction that is focused on the revival of the trends of the past.

From year to year, the popularity of vintage-style jewelry is growing and starting to take a leading position among the whole variety of jewelry. At the same time, such jewelry looks equally beautiful and elegant both on young girls and on ladies of the older generation.

Vintage style is beautiful, large and bright jewelry, consisting of many small details. The materials used in the creation of vintage jewelry include gold, silver, pearls, beads, wood, fabric and even paper.

Real jewelry in this style is hard to find and highly prized. Many have jewelry that is passed down from generation to generation; such an accessory emphasizes refined taste, sophistication and nobility. However, not everyone manages to find a genuine piece of jewelry that is several centuries old. In this case, shops offering the widest range of items in this style come to the aid of women. These are, of course, beautifully made gizmos, but not genuine vintage. Nevertheless, such jewelry looks amazing, unique and memorable. Each lady will easily pick up exactly the jewelry that will emphasize her individuality.

Is it possible to create a decoration with your own hands?

If it is difficult to find and purchase a vintage, then you can make a vintage jewelry yourself, and it will doubly delight the owner. Actually it is possible.

It is easy to find instruction books for creating original jewelry in this style, as well as the required materials and accessories.

Creating your own vintage jewelry is a very exciting business, as a result of which you can get an original piece of jewelry that, in principle, you will not find anywhere else. That is, you can create a thing with an unusual design in your own performance.

vintage fittings

The search for vintage fittings will not be delayed, as they are now sold in many places. What about such accessories? Metal connectors, links, bails, pins, fasteners, studs. In the creation of vintage jewelry, cameos, cabochons, rhinestones, stamps are also used.

Vintage stamps

Such stamps often depict flowers, butterflies, fairy-tale heroes, they can be pasted on glass, filigree and stone.

Cameo

A cameo is a raised image of a person or animal. Nowadays, cameos are cut by hand from natural materials and also made of plastic. The second method is more accessible and widespread, and at the same time it is amazingly beautiful. There are cameos made of porcelain and glass.

Cameo is a classic that is popular at any time. It originated in the Victorian era, in those days it was considered a souvenir. Not only women, but also men wore a cameo, which was passed down from generation to generation.

Cabochons

They are like a cameo, the sides are different: one is flat, and the other is faceted. Cabochons are made from stones, rarely from glass. They are sheathed with beads, and in fact this is a very difficult job. Not every person can create a vintage cabochon, you need experience and certain skills. But careful work will lead to an unsurpassed result.

Settings

These are frames into which cameos and cabochons are glued.

In search of vintage

A real vintage is an old thing with a history that someone has worn before. However, even the seller may not know the true story. You can try to explain yourself at your leisure.
Even if the jewelry has no backstory, the price for it should not be underestimated.
If the buyer is hoping to find a beautiful piece of jewelry at a fabulously low price, then it is better not to look for vintage.
Because everything that is genuine and exquisite can only be purchased at the right price.
But nevertheless, you can offer a bargain, it is likely that attempts can be successful.
It is worth remembering that the return of vintage jewelry is nowhere and never will be. So before buying it is better to carefully study the decoration.
Finally, after the purchase, love and appreciate your jewelry.

Not all vintage jewelry belongs to quintage, each carries its own charm. The most beautiful, unique, inimitable decoration is a real vintage. And most importantly, such an accessory will fit everything from a casual suit to the most elegant dress. A woman will look like a real lady like never before, who is able to win the hearts of many men with her individuality and in an unusual way. The most important thing is to be able to choose what really suits.

Not everyone is ready to become the owner by spending a large amount of money, and even more so, not everyone is able to understand the beauty of genuine jewelry. It should be remembered that over the years your vintage jewelry grows in value, and the charm from it only becomes more.

You can surprise the guests of your house with decoration, making it an addition to the interior. But only if you create a composition of several rare things.

How to distinguish vintage jewelry from ordinary jewelry?

The decoration must be created at least more than 20 years ago, that is, age is the main criterion. Real experts in the fashion world say that only what was created before the 60s is classified as vintage, not earlier.
The style of decoration should reflect a specific era with its subtleties and differences.

The style, based on the revival of the fashion of the past, is called vintage. This word came into the fashion dictionary from the French language. Initially, this term was used exclusively in winemaking, they denoted aged high-quality wines. Like fine wine, vintage items become more valuable over time.

Vintage style is appreciated by many celebrities. Perhaps such a popularity of this fashion trend is due to the fact that people want to have not only fashionable and stylish, but also unique things.

Real vintage jewelry in our time is often more expensive than modern items made of precious metals. Indeed, in this case, the buyer pays not only for the material and work of the jeweler, but also for the history of the thing.

Interestingly, jewelry is a relatively recent invention. In the twenties, the Great American Depression broke out (now we would call this situation a global economic crisis). Incomes of the population fell, the purchase jewelry from gold and precious stones, even the previously very wealthy people could not afford.

The fashion to wear stylish jewelry was introduced by Mademoiselle Chanel, the famous Frenchwoman showed that jewelry does not have to be prohibitively expensive to look decent.

During the same period, the first store offering handmade jewelry from Madame Haskell opened in the United States. In the thirties, famous movie actresses began to wear jewelry, and women around the world began to actively imitate them.

Almost all famous fashion houses of that time began to produce relatively inexpensive, but beautiful jewelry. Since then, necklaces, earrings and other jewelry made of base metals have never gone out of fashion.

What kind of jewelry can be called vintage?

Real vintage jewelry is things that are more than three decades old. Such products are quite expensive, so not every girl can afford to buy a genuine vintage thing.

Very lucky those fans of vintage style, whose grandmothers were fashionistas. They can "borrow" jewelry from their jewelry boxes. The trouble is that there are few such lucky women in our country. In Soviet times, very few women could buy really stylish jewelry for themselves.

If there is no opportunity to purchase antique jewelry, you should not be upset. Today, many manufacturers produce jewelry in vintage style. Of course, these things have no history, but they look like real ones and are much cheaper. If you have the desire and skill, you can make your own stylish jewelry. In this case, they will also be exclusive. Making jewelry is not such a difficult task, since the necessary materials and accessories can be bought at specialized outlets or ordered from an online store. But, of course, it will no longer be vintage jewelry, but just jewelry in a vintage style.

What and with what to wear?

Vintage jewelry is presented in a fairly large assortment. Fashionistas who want to give their image a touch of romance can safely choose such jewelry.

Basic Rules

To make the image really stylish, you need to be able to properly wear vintage-style jewelry. Basic Rules:

Even if a fashionista has a full box of vintage things at her disposal, you don’t need to put on all the jewelry at the same time. One, maximum two things - this will be enough to create a stylish look.

Is it possible to combine vintage items with modern ones? In principle, there is nothing wrong with such a combination. The main thing is to observe the principle of moderation and harmony. Modern jewelry should be made in a classic style and there should not be too many of them. For example, if a vintage brooch is worn, then you can complement the image with modest earrings and a ring.

Brooches, clips

Vintage brooches are stylish and beautiful. This type of jewelry was extremely popular 30-40 years ago, and then was undeservedly forgotten. But today brooches are once again at the peak of popularity, especially if it is a real vintage thing.

What can you wear a vintage brooch with? Much will depend on the appearance of the decoration. Modest brooches can decorate a business or informal jacket if you attach it to the lapel. The decoration on the coat collar looks beautiful. The brooch can also be used to perform useful functions, it can be stabbed with a stole, neckerchief, scarf.

A light brooch can decorate a blouse or a summer dress. It is important that the decoration does not merge with the fabric, but stands out. In this case, the decoration should be combined in style with other accessories of the ensemble.

Large brooches with crystals are a great addition to evening dresses. In this case, you do not need to wear other jewelry around the neck, the brooch should "solo" in the ensemble.

The brooch can also be used to decorate a handbag or hat. But only if these things do not have other decorations.

Clips are a special kind of jewelry worn as clips for scarves and ties, decorations for hats and handbags. Vintage clips are made of brass or copper, some items are gilded or silvered.

cameos

Today, jewelry with cameos is in trend again. These decorations are made in the technique of bas-relief. Sea shells and semi-precious stones were used to make cameos. The lower part of the decoration is a contrasting background on which a relief image is located.

Cameos can depict portraits, floral motifs, abstract drawings. Most often, oval-shaped cameos are found. Cameos can be made in the form of brooches, pendants, as well as rings and bracelets.

If a cameo in the form of a brooch is chosen, then it must be placed closer to the face. A great option is a cameo decorating a blouse with a frill, it is stabbed right under the throat. If other decorations are used in the set, then they must be made of the same metal as the cameo setting. Jewelery with pearls looks good with cameos.

Pendant or medallion

Exquisite vintage pendants were made of metal or stones. Enamel was often used for decoration. You can wear these pendants in combination with a chain or a black velvet ribbon.

The medallion differs from the pendant in that it consists of two parts on a swivel joint. Inside the medallion there is a space inside which romantically inclined young ladies hid a miniature portrait of their beloved, a dried flower or other memorabilia.

You can wear pendants and medallions both with clothes without a cutout (for example, with a turtleneck), and with a dress that has a V-shaped cutout.

Bracelets and watches

Vintage bracelets are usually wide, encrusted with semi-precious stones. But there are decorations of original forms, for example, from beads, glass, and even from such an exotic material as snake skin. Until the middle of the last century, colored carved bracelets made of bakelite, one of the first types of plastic used for jewelry, were very popular.

Vintage watches often have such a rich decor that it is difficult to distinguish them from a bracelet at first glance. The dial can be both modest and richly decorated with rhinestones.

It is customary to wear a watch on the left hand, and a bracelet on the left. It is not recommended to wear several jewelry on one hand.

Earrings and clips

Women have always loved to wear earrings. Vintage earrings are presented in a huge variety. To give the decoration an original look, not only stones and rhinestones were widely used, but also materials such as feathers, ribbons, and fabrics. The shape of earrings can be varied - fantasy, classic, floral, etc. Vintage ear cuffs look original, which adorn not only the lobe, but completely frame the ear.

What clothes go with it?

Best of all, vintage jewelry is combined with clothes of the same style. Today, retro looks are in fashion, which will successfully complement the jewelry "from that" time.

However, you can wear vintage jewelry with modern clothes. Best of all, they are combined with things of the simplest cut and design. Against the background of a plain dress, beautiful jewelry will look especially impressive.