Antique jewelry: a journey through time in different epochs

Antique jewelry is more than just jewelry - it is a piece of history to carry. The term "Antique jewelry" In the narrow sense, designated jewelry that are at least 50 years old. Most people mean jewelry with “antique”, which is at least 100 years old and comes from past epochs such as Biedermeier, Art Nouveau or Art Deco. We also show you the jewelry from our range, which are significantly older than 50 years. Dream back to the Belle Époque and beyond.

Fascination antique jewelry

In Biedermeier (approx. 1815-1848) After the cool strict of classicism, focus was on turning towards nature. Clear, often floral shapes and representative motifs determined the design. The so-called friendship and memory jewelry- worn as an emotional memory of beloved people was particularly widespread. Since precious metals were scarce after the Napoleonic wars, many pieces of jewelry made from alternative materials such as raffle, coral, horn or even human hair were created - artistically processed and rich in importance. The pieces often look delicate, romantic and very personal.

Art Nouveau (approx. 1895–1910) brought a creative fresh start. Artists all over Europe turned away from historical role models and developed their own aesthetics - inspired by nature, but also of geometric lines. Tendrils, dragonflies, women's portraits and floral ornaments are typical motifs. Jewelry from this time was often 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.

The Art Deco (1920s - 1930s) marks the break with the playful Art Nouveau. The style is characterized by symmetry, clear lines and cool elegance. Jewelry designers rely on clear geometry, noble materials such as platinum, onyx and diamonds - and on conscious reduction. Contrary to the historicism of the 19th century and the soft forms of Art Nouveau, jewelry was made with deliberately modern, dynamic and often unfavorable effect. Mastery craftsmanship produced pieces of until then unseen precision. Art Deco is still one of the most popular epochs for antique jewelry - powerful, style -forming and timelessly modern.

What speaks for real antique jewelry?

High quality workmanship: Only jewelry with excellent workmanship survives generations - this is what old goldsmithing techniques, real precious metals and precise manual work stand. At that time, jewelry was mostly made in a small edition or even as a single piece. Every move was aware, each stone was carefully caught. Many pieces come from studios in which techniques such as mill arrangements or frame recording were brought to perfection.
Sustainability: No new breakdown, no new materials - antique jewelry is resource -friendly and environmentally friendly. Anyone who buys antique jewelry is actively decided against new raw material acquisition and for an extended lifespan of existing materials. This makes him a stylish alternative for everyone who value aesthetics and ecological awareness.
Uniqueness: Each piece is unique with its own story - not a series product, but personality. Many designs were individually made or designed for certain occasions. Instead of fading, antique jewelry follows his own character - that makes him so special and unmistakable.
Robustness: What is still in the best condition today has proven itself for decades - a clear quality feature. Materials such as top -class gold, silver or platinum hardly age and often show only small signs of wear even after 100 years. This longevity is a clear sign of quality - and a good basis to continue the piece for a long time.
Price-performance ratio: Antique jewelry often offers more substance and character than newly produced pieces of the same price range. Many modern pieces of jewelry look almost uniform in comparison. If you choose antique jewelry, you not only get a beautiful piece - but one with deep, rarity and real collector's value. Antique jewelry is often surprisingly affordable - especially compared to high -quality new editions of a similar kind.

For special occasions - or simply for yourself

Antique jewelry is a gift with importance - ideal for engagements, anniversaries or birthdays. If you want to give away something special, you will find an antique Engagement ring, a couple ancient Earrings Or a Art Nouveaubrooch Exactly the right thing: a sign of appreciation and individuality. Unlike new jewelry, the focus is not only on the material value, but also the story that the piece brings - and the one that will still write.

Antique jewelry goes with people who give carefully. A Art NouveauTrailer For example, it can stand for subtle aesthetics, a Art Decoring For courage and expressiveness, a filigree Collier for tenderness and depth. This makes every piece of jewelry more than one accessory - it is a message that remains.

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 an unmistakable note - a conversation piece with depth. Precisely because they are not perfect or smoothly polished, antique pieces of jewelry often seem more vivid - and let the personality of their wearers shine in their own way.

Is ancient jewelry valuable?

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

How can you see antique jewelry?

Antique jewelry can be seen from different characteristics that are often typical of its time. This includes certain versions such as scraps or frames, hand-engraved patterns, historical cuts such as the rose cut or old cut, as well as old alloy stamps that are no longer used today. Technical details such as screw caps on earrings, safety chains on bracelets or finely soldered limbs are also indications. It is also characteristic of light traces of carrying that show that the piece of jewelry was lived - such as fine scratches, patina or slightly grated areas.

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

All of these characteristics, together, result in a coherent picture. With Much too much, our experts check every piece of jewelry carefully for authenticity, age, style typical and workmanship - so that you can be sure to acquire an original unique with history.

When is jewelry as an antique?

The term "ancient jewelry" is not legally defined - therefore the time classification varies depending on the source. In art and antique trade, jewelry is usually referred to as an antique when he is at least 100 years old. But there are also broader definitions that are already classified as an antique from the age of 50.

In Much Too Much, the antique jewelry category begins with pieces that were created before 1940. This includes in particular the jewelry from the time of Art Deco, which extends until around 1940 and is now generally considered an antique. Jewelry that was created between 1950 and 2000, we run as Vintage jewelry. Newer pieces, i.e. from 2000, are considered to us modern.

Important to know that the boundaries are not rigid. What is crucial for us is not only age, but also style, processing and craftsmanship. Our division should give orientation - and help to find the right jewelry with history for you.