I love going on and on and on about vintage jewelry. I am “Vintage Jewelry.” I want to show them my hubs, dies and rolls. I have to admit, showing them off is one of my favorite things. I love an audience that can appreciate the magnificence of this collection. Here is a little taste of almost 4,000 pieces:
The technical definition of “Vintage” means "pertaining
to a certain era, style or area." It is a term well-crafted for describing
jewelry that is stylistically reminiscent. As stated earlier when I
wrote about the term “Antique Engagement Ring,” these periods are relevant as
they define styles associated with a timeline of what we generally think of as
“vintage jewelry.”
Georgian 1714-1830
Victorian 1837-1901
Edwardian 1901-1910
Art Nouveau 1880s-1910
Art Deco 1918-1938
retro Art 1938-1948
The point being is that something does not need to have been
manufactured in a certain period to be of that style. We have different
rules here than we have with the term “antique.” Forget the 100-year
rule. Forget provenance. Forget technicians poring over a piece
with a loupe looking for proper tool marks and materials. All we need
here is the correct look. And this is what makes finding, collecting and
preserving these hubs so much fun. I have a library of jewelry designs that is
incomparable.
Here is a small sample of Signet ring hubs. Keep in
mind that each of these blocks of steel have been carved by hand…probably
between (just guessing here) 1880-1940.
All of them, when brand new were works of art that were at
once, “vintage”. You can look at these signets and see Art Nouveau, Art
Deco, Retro Art, Victorian, etc, etc. (Check with your local art history
professor for tips how you can tell the difference between styles.)
So, pick a style that suits how you feel, a place in time
you are simpatico with, a look you can identify with and, chances are, you can
find a hub, die or roll that has the design content you are seeking.
However, since the original request was Vintage Engagement Ring,
I have to include this:
