Types of Jewelry You’ll Love If You’re Into Antiques

You adore antiques. The history behind grandfather clocks, weathered furniture, and delicate porcelain teacups gives them a character that modern, mass-produced items just don’t have. If you want to expand your collection, let’s talk about some unique jewelry. There are many types of antique jewelry you’ll love if you’re into historical pieces, from Victorian lockets to Art Deco brooches.

Victorian Mourning Lockets

Victorian mourning lockets are special pendants that hold a small memento of a loved one. Queen Victoria popularized this trend after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. These lockets often contained a lock of hair, a tiny portrait, or a special inscription.

They’re typically made of gold, silver, or jet, a black gemstone. The exteriors feature intricate engravings of flowers, scrolls, or personal monograms. You can fill them with your own keepsakes to symbolize your bond with a late relative, friend, or pet.

Art Deco Filigree Rings

Art Deco jewelry features bold geometry and clean lines, a stark contrast to the ornate styles before it. Filigree rings from this era showcase incredible craftsmanship. Filigree is a delicate metalwork technique where artisans twist and solder thin threads of gold or platinum into elaborate lace-like patterns.

These rings often feature a central gemstone, like a diamond or sapphire, surrounded by the intricate metalwork. If you appreciate fine artistry and timeless design, why not add an Art Deco filigree ring to your jewelry collection?

Edwardian Lavalier Necklaces

Named after the Duchess of La Vallière, a mistress of a French king, Edwardian lavalier necklaces feature a delicate chain with a single, dangling pendant. The style was named after her because of her association with elegance and femininity, traits reflected in the necklace’s delicate and graceful design.

Common materials for Edwardian lavalier necklaces include platinum shaped into motifs like garlands, ribbons, and bows, with pearl and diamond accents. These airy, light, and romantic pieces pair beautifully with wedding dresses, elegant evening wear, or romantic date night ensembles.

Antique Native American Rings

Antique Native American rings are a collector’s dream because they’re rich with cultural symbolism and masterful artistry. Crafted by artisans from various tribes, these rings often feature turquoise, coral, and silver. Each design tells a story or represents a belief from the culture that created it.

When you look for these rings, you’ll see hand-stamped silverwork and stones set in distinctive bezels. No two rings are exactly alike, which makes each one a unique work of art.

Georgian Paste Earrings

Paste jewelry from the Georgian era is a fascinating find for any antique enthusiast. Paste is a type of heavy, high-lead-content glass that was hand-cut and polished to resemble gemstones. It was a popular material that allowed people to wear extravagant designs without the high cost of real diamonds.

Georgian paste earrings often feature elaborate, chandelier-style drops that catch the light beautifully. Many of these pieces are set in silver with closed backs, a common technique of the period.

Wear a Piece of History

Fans of antiques should add some of these jewelry types to their collections. They’re personal, storied pieces that carry the historical charm you adore in other antique collectibles.