Fine Antique Jewelry

Finding fine antique jewelry is a real treasure for many people who value wearable or collectible decorations. Vintage pieces from the Victorian, Edwardian, Colonial or other era can prove to be a real find for collectors. Antique reproductions can also be found among fine art jewelry as well that has been handmade by specialty designers that include all the elements of retro wear. Many of the fine art designs, however, are authentic pieces that are one of kind and will rival antique pieces of the past in quality and value for years to come.

Collectible pieces of fine antique jewelry can be found at estate sales, collector's auctions, and in personal, collector displays. Many pieces are hard to find, especially from the Georgian era which included the British monarchs and the reign of Napoleon. Perhaps owing to the many wars fought during this period including the French and American Revolution, many pieces were lost or destroyed during the upheavals. A revival of the finer things ensued after this period, but the style and distinct appearance of this type of design has not been reproduced. Very few pieces from this era are available from either private or commercial collections which make any piece very rare and very expensive to purchase. "Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us; for thou also hast wrought all our works in us." (Isaiah 26:12)

There were many sub periods associate with Victorian decorations and were influenced by the many moods of Queen Victoria who married, suffered the death of her husband, mourned and finally came out of that dark period before her death. Her influence on the cultural undertones of fine art jewelry is apparent by the obvious showcasing of these moods. Everything from bright, shiny gold jewelry to the subsequent dark, plainer designs evidenced her influence over her country. This period is marked by romance and its end is punctuated by the sparkle of new diamonds discovered in South Africa toward the conclusion of her reign. Many pieces survived that era and can more easily be found on the collector's market than some other pieces from bygone eras.

The Victorian era was a very popular time in history that produced many selections that have proved to be timeless designs. Reproductions of this age can be purchased in modern stores and can be worn as adornment on contemporary styles. An important era for fine art jewelry was among the Native American Indians who were expert in developing their own styles reflective of their culture even before the discovery of America by the Spaniards. Stunning pieces of originality can still be seen made from silver and turquoise as well as other materials. The trend for Native American jewelry has continued to this day and many tribes such as the Navajo of the Southwest continue to produce dazzling, ornamental jewelry that can be purchased by anyone who appreciates this special type of artistry.

Southeastern tribes such as the Cherokee also continue to contribute to the flow of fine art jewelry that is offered through tribal shops as well as through online commerce. America has always been a rich source of development, entrepreneurship and unique design when it comes to fine antique jewelry as well as contemporary creativity. Costume decorations for personal wear became very popular in the early 1900's and many American designers have continued to develop their own unique branding through style, design and artistic flair from New York City to the boondocks of Louisiana. Some jewelry that is very costly or of moderate value can be found online through many establishments. Unusual pieces can be found by customers who have a taste for unique items that are not manufactured from cookie cutter designs. Items such as bracelets, earrings, rings, watches, necklaces, bolo ties, and belt buckles can be purchased that have a one and only design.

Many famous designers of fine jewelry sign their pieces with their own signature which can elevate the worth of the item. Of course, there are reproductions of many products that are not as expensive and are accessible by consumers are not able to pay a king's ransom for earrings or a watch. There are many ecommerce sites that offer wholesale or discount prices for designer quality products and make it possible for just about anyone to own a valuable item. For those who love the mystique of fine antique jewelry but can't afford a collector's price, keep an eye out for auctions, estate sales and yes, flea markets. A treasure can be found among many discarded items on a roadside stand or at a yard sale. Part of the fun can be the search for a beautiful piece of antique jewelry and who knows, a profit might be gained from its resale. The beauty of various styles of jewelry is always in the eye of the beholder and the worth is always more than the asking price.