Vintage jewelry is jewelry that is at least 30 years old, while antique jewelry must be older than a century. This means that there are many different types of vintage and antique jewelry based on fashion trends, manufacturing styles, popular materials, and jewelry stamps. One of the most telling ways to identify your jewelry is by its style, which can correspond to a specific time period or area. This cute little snake ring has a pair of ruby eyes and a diamond head.

Silver and gold jewelry markings are commonly known as purity marks, maker’s marks, symbols, or date letters. This jewelry hallmarks guide.

This lava stone cameo depicts Cupid in a Neo-Classical design set in a silver mounting. She ascended to the throne of the United Kingdom in and died in Those sixty-four years witnessed enormous changes in industry, society, fashion, and, of course, jewelry. For example, it started with horse-drawn carriages and candlelight and ended with automobiles and electricity.

However, some elements endured and saw transformations, some of which can help date a piece. For example, hair jewelry was worn in the Romantic Period, but its popularity reached its zenith during the Grand Period.