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Featured Vintage & Estate Jewelry
Why Choose Louis Martin Jewelers
One of the earliest recognized jewelry periods, Georgian pieces were entirely handmade, often featuring floral or animal motifs inspired by nature. Jewelers used foil behind gemstones to boost their brilliance under candlelight. Gold and sterling silver were most common, and early forms of costume jewelry, including paste stones, began to appear.
Named for Queen Victoria, this era spans decades of changing style and sentiment.
- Romantic Period (1837–1860): Love symbols like snakes, birds, hearts, and flowers were prominent. Yellow gold dominated, along with garnets, pearls, and amethysts.
- Grand Period (1860–1885): Mourning jewelry rose in popularity following Prince Albert’s death. Materials like jet, black enamel, and onyx became common.
- Aesthetic Period (1885–1901): Lighter designs emerged, with Japanese and Arts & Crafts influences. Peacocks, insects, and floral motifs reflected a more decorative sensibility.
This movement broke from traditional symmetry and embraced flowing, organic lines. Expect feminine forms, enamel work, and natural imagery like dragonflies and vines. Jewelry from this period often uses opals, moonstones, and amber rather than faceted diamonds.
Edwardian pieces are refined and airy, crafted with platinum and detailed filigree. Diamonds and pearls dominate, often set in garland-inspired designs of ribbons, wreaths, and bows. Milgrain edges add softness to the intricate metalwork.
A stark contract to Art Nouveau's fluidity, Art Deco introduced bold geometry, symmetry, and high contrast. Jewelry from this era features clean lines, striking color combinations, and influences from Cubism, Egypt, and the Machine Age. Platinum settings, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and onyx were frequently used.
Born from wartime glamour, Retro jewelry favored oversized forms, dramatic curves, and sculptural gold designs in yellow or rose tones. Large cocktail rings, patriotic motifs, and semi-precious stones like citrine and aquamarine defined the look.
Post-war optimism brought bigger diamonds, textured gold, and innovative forms. Platinum made a return in bridal jewelry, while the 1960s and 70s leaned into artistic experimentation, pop art references, and bohemian styles. Expect clean lines mixed with bold accents.
Jewelry from the 1970s through the early 2000s marked a shift toward personal expression and stylistic freedom. As global design became more accessible and mass production improved, jewelers began experimenting with a broader range of materials and influences.
Alongside gold and silver, you’ll find non-precious metals, plastics, and modern alloys used in new and unconventional ways. Pop culture and music played a strong role in shaping the look of the time — from bold, oversized pieces in yellow gold during the 1980s to the sleek, minimalist styles that defined the 1990s and early 2000s. These designs broke away from traditional rules and embraced eclectic, often playful, aesthetics. Today, many pieces from this era are entering the vintage category by age, offering collectors a look into a post-modern moment where individuality led the way.
The early 2000s introduced a flashier, high-impact aesthetic. Oversized hoop earrings, chunky bangles, nameplate necklaces, and charm bracelets with playful icons like butterflies and hearts were everywhere. Pop culture and hip-hop heavily influenced the “bling” trend, bringing diamond-heavy pieces in white gold and platinum to the forefront. Rhinestones, bright colors, and statement sparkle were key.
As trends shifted, a more natural and bohemian style took hold. Jewelry featured layered necklaces, beaded details, leather cords, and materials like wood and feathers. Personalization grew in popularity, with initial pendants, birthstones, and custom pieces becoming more common as buyers looked for jewelry with personal meaning.
Delicate designs came into focus during this time. Thin gold chains, simple pendants, stud earrings, and stackable rings became signature looks. Rose gold gained popularity, and layering multiple fine pieces allowed wearers to create subtle but personal style combinations.
The modern era has no single defining look. Instead, it celebrates variety, creativity, and conscious choices.
- Statement Jewelry: Bold necklaces, oversized hoops, sculptural earrings, and cocktail rings remain popular for dramatic styling.
- Gender-Inclusive Design: Many designers now create jewelry that goes beyond traditional gender lines, appealing to a wider audience.
- Architectural Forms: Clean lines, geometric shapes, and bold structures are inspired by modern art and industrial design.
- Mixed Metals and Textures: Jewelry now blends gold, silver, and platinum, along with contrasting finishes like brushed and polished.
- Reimagined Classics: Pearls, chains, and hoops are given new life through irregular shapes, chunkier forms, and modern detailing.
- Sustainability: Consumers increasingly seek ethically sourced stones, recycled metals, and lab-grown diamonds, with a focus on transparency and responsible sourcing.
- Technology in Design: 3D printing and precision tools allow for complex, custom creations once impossible by hand.
- Customization: Personalized jewelry continues to thrive, as more buyers seek one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their identity.
Vintage & Estate FAQs
Each piece is reviewed by our expert team for period accuracy, materials, hallmarks, and design. We research maker's marks and include documentation when available. Every authenticated piece comes with a detailed report.
Estate jewelry is any piece that’s been previously owned. Vintage typically means 25 to 100 years old, and antique refers to items over 100 years old. All vintage and antique jewelry is estate, but not all estate jewelry is vintage.
In most cases, yes. Our craftsmen can resize or restore pieces with care, preserving both structure and historical value.
All pieces in our vintage and estate collection receive our Louis Martin Approval. Our expert jewelers with 40+ years of experience carefully examine each piece for period-appropriate materials, construction methods, and design characteristics to ensure authenticity.
We assess age, rarity, condition, craftsmanship, and current market trends. With over 40 years of experience, we provide fair and accurate valuations.