Antique jewelry: unique pieces from bygone eras

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Antique jewelry is more than just jewelry - it is a piece of history to wear. In the narrow sense, the term "antique jewelry" refers to pieces of jewelry that are at least 50 years old. However, most people use the term "antique" to mean jewelry that is at least 100 years old and comes from past eras such as Biedermeier, Art Nouveau or Art Deco. We also show you pieces of jewelry from our range that are significantly older than 50 years. Dream with us back to the Belle Époque and beyond.

Large cross pendant around 1910 in 585 gold, silver with amethysts and diamonds

Art Deco brooch in 14k gold and platinum with diamonds and sapphires

Art Deco engagement ring in 750 yellow gold platinum-plated with diamonds total approx. 0.63 ct

Pair of earrings around 1900 made of 9 ct yellow gold and silver with a total of approx. 3.1 ct diamonds and emeralds

Edwardian bracelet circa 1910 in 585 red gold, platinum-plated with diamonds

Antique ring around 1910 in 585 yellow gold, platinum-plated with diamonds and a sapphire

Tois-et-mois ring around 1900 with diamonds in 585 yellow gold, platinum-plated

Historicism pendant in 750 gold bicolor with diamonds

Art Nouveau ring in 333 rose gold with a citrine

Victorian earrings in 18k rose gold with diamonds and sapphires

Victorian 9 ct yellow gold brooch with onyx and seed pearls

Ring around 1920 in 750 yellow gold with platinum and diamonds

Ring around 1890 in 585 red gold with a sapphire and diamonds

Art Deco ring in platinum with diamonds and sapphires

Brooch around 1900 in 750 / 585 gold with rubies and diamonds

Bar pin around 1930 in 585 gold, platinum-plated with diamonds

Art Deco bar brooch in 585 yellow gold, platinum-plated with diamonds

Brooch around 1900 in 9 ct red gold with garnet and seed pearls

Pendant around 1900 in 333 gold with a cameo shell

Needle around 1930 in 585 rose gold, platinum-plated with cultured pearls and diamonds

The fascination of antique jewelry

After the cool austerity of classicism, the Biedermeier period (ca. 1815-1848) focused on a turn towards nature. Clear, often floral shapes and figurative motifs dominated the design. Friendship and keepsake jewelry was particularly widespread - worn as an emotional reminder of loved ones. As precious metals were in short supply after the Napoleonic Wars, many pieces of jewelry were made from alternative materials such as tombac, coral, horn or even human hair - artfully crafted and rich in meaning. The pieces often appear delicate, romantic and very personal.

Art Nouveau (ca. 1895-1910) brought a creative new beginning. Artists throughout Europe turned away from historicizing models and developed their very own aesthetic - inspired by nature, but also by geometric lines. Vines, dragonflies, portraits of women and floral ornaments are typical motifs. Jewelry from this period was frequently made in silver or yellow gold, often decorated with colorful enamel - for example on the wings of insects or in flower motifs. Opals, moonstone and other translucent stones underline the slightly mystical character of many pieces.

Art Deco (1920s-1930s) marked a break with the playful Art Nouveau style. The style is characterized by symmetry, clear lines and cool elegance. Jewelry designers focused on clear geometry, precious materials such as platinum, onyx and diamonds - and deliberate reduction. In contrast to the historicism of the 19th century and the soft forms of Art Nouveau, jewelry was created with a deliberately modern, dynamic and often non-representational effect. Masterful craftsmanship produced pieces of hitherto unseen precision. Art Deco is still one of the most popular eras for antique jewelry today - powerful, style-defining and timelessly modern.

What speaks for genuine antique jewelry?

High-quality workmanship: Only jewelry with excellent workmanship will last for generations - old goldsmithing techniques, genuine precious metals and precise craftsmanship stand for this. Back then, jewelry was usually made in small editions or even as one-off pieces. Every movement was deliberate, every stone was carefully set. Many pieces come from ateliers where techniques such as millegriffes or bezel setting were perfected.
Sustainability: No new mining, no new materials - antique jewelry conserves resources and is environmentally friendly. Anyone who buys antique jewelry is actively deciding against the extraction of new raw materials and in favour of extending the life of existing materials. This makes it a stylish alternative for anyone who values aesthetics and ecological awareness.
Uniqueness: Each piece is unique with its own story - not a mass-produced product, but a personality to wear. Many designs were made individually or created for specific occasions. Instead of following fashion trends, antique jewelry follows its own character - that's what makes it so special and unmistakable.
Robustness: What is still in top condition today has proven itself over decades - a clear sign of quality. Materials such as high-carat gold, silver or platinum hardly age at all and often show only minor signs of wear even after 100 years. This longevity is a clear sign of quality - and a good basis for continuing to wear the piece for a long time to come.
Value for money: Antique jewelry often offers more substance and character than newly produced pieces in the same price range. Many modern pieces of jewelry seem almost uniform in comparison. If you choose antique jewelry, you not only get a beautiful piece - but one with depth, rarity and real collector's value. At the same time, antique jewelry is often surprisingly affordable - especially in comparison to high-quality new editions of a similar kind.

For special occasions - or simply for yourself

Antique jewelry is a gift with meaning - ideal for engagements, anniversaries or birthdays. If you want to give something special as a gift, an antique engagement ring, a pair of antique earrings or an Art Nouveau brooch is just the thing: a sign of appreciation and individuality. Unlike new jewelry, the focus here is not only on the material value, but also on the history that the piece brings with it - and the history that it will write.

Antique jewelry suits people who give thoughtfully. An Art Nouveau pendant, for example, can stand for subtle aesthetics, an Art Deco ring for courage and expressiveness, a filigree necklace for delicacy and depth. This makes every piece of jewelry more than just an accessory - it is a message that stays with you.

Antique jewelry is also a statement for your own style. Many customers appreciate the special charisma of these pieces. They tell stories, arouse interest and give every look a distinctive touch - a conversation piece with depth. Precisely because they are not perfect or polished, antique pieces of jewelry often appear more vibrant - and allow the personality of their wearers to shine in their own unique way.

Yes, antique jewelry often has a much higher sentimental and material value than many new pieces. On the one hand because of the quality: many antique pieces of jewelry were made by hand from higher quality materials than is usual today. Secondly, because of its rarity: what is no longer produced increases in value - especially if it is well preserved. This is why antique jewelry is not only beautiful, but often also a worthwhile investment.

Antique jewelry can be recognized by various features that are often typical of its time of origin. These include certain settings such as prong or bezel settings, hand-engraved patterns, historical cuts such as the rose cut or old european cut, as well as old alloy stamps that are no longer in use today. Technical details such as screw clasps on earrings, safety chains on bracelets or finely soldered links are also indications. Slight signs of wear are also characteristic, showing that the piece of jewelry has been lived with - such as fine scratches, patina or slightly rubbed areas.

An example: In the Biedermeier period, 333 or 585 gold was frequently used, often with a warm yellow gold tone. In the Art Deco period, on the other hand, platinum and white gold were mainly used, sometimes combined with onyx or diamonds.

All of these features together create a coherent picture. At much too much, our experts carefully check every piece of jewelry for authenticity, age, style and workmanship - so that you can be sure you are buying an original, unique piece with a history.

The term "antique jewelry" is not legally defined - therefore the chronological classification varies depending on the source. In the art and antiques trade, jewelry is usually described as antique if it is at least 100 years old. However, there are also broader definitions that classify jewelry as antique if it is 50 years old or older.

At much too much, the antique jewelry category begins with pieces created before 1940. This includes, in particular, jewelry from the Art Deco period, which dates back to around 1940 and is generally considered antique today. Jewelry created between 1950 and 2000 is considered vintage jewelry. More recent pieces, i.e. from 2000 onwards, are considered modern by us.

Important to know: The boundaries are not rigid. For us, it is not only the age that is decisive, but also the style, workmanship and quality of craftsmanship. Our classification is intended to provide orientation - and help you find the right jewelry with a history.