Collecting antique jewelry is a two-fold hobby. On the one hand, it is a pleasure to search, find and get hold of the most beautiful and special pieces to include them in our collections. On the other hand, quality jewelry is always a great investment that increases in value over time. The beautiful designs and noble materials used in the making...
Collecting antique jewelry is a two-fold hobby. On the one hand, it is a pleasure to search, find and get hold of the most beautiful and special pieces to include them in our collections. On the other hand, quality jewelry is always a great investment that increases in value over time. The beautiful designs and noble materials used in the making of antique jewelry pieces make their designs never go out of fashion, remaining as beautiful and current as when they were made.
Brief history of jewelry
The passion for adorning oneself with precious materials has accompanied men and women since the earliest times of mankind. In prehistoric times, when metals were not yet known, human beings embellished themselves with jewelry and ornaments made from mollusk shells. The earliest known pieces of jewelry come from South Africa and date back to the Stone Age: this means that the passion for jewelry has been with man for 75,000-100,000 years. It was not until the Copper Age (7,000 years ago) that the first metal jewelry was made; but in reality, the real passion for jewelry was born in Antique Egypt, when ornamentation made of noble metals and precious stones was used as a form of embellishment, a symbol of power and part of the funerary trousseau.
During Classical Greece the use of jewelry was reserved for women, who wore it on special occasions (a custom that survives to this day). In Antique Rome, on the other hand, jewelry was worn by both men and women. In Antique Rome, wealthy patricians retained the Etruscan custom of wearing an iron ring to indicate their status. Initially (321 BC), the gold ring (annulus aureus) was reserved only for nobles with official positions, but over time its use was extended to all social strata. There were also signet rings to mark official documents. Rings and brooches for fastening clothes were highly prized jewelry by the Romans, while women wore necklaces, bracelets, pendants and rings.
Throughout the Middle Ages many of the Roman designs were maintained; noteworthy in these centuries was the use of precious and semi-precious stones in brooches, necklaces, crowns, rings... Cameos were also very popular. After a period of expansion during the Renaissance, in the First French Empire (Napoleon I's time) French jewelry experienced a great boom that continued during the nineteenth century. In the United States, the Tiffany firm emerged (1837), which shared the first world positions with Cartier in France and Bulgari in Italy. These great firms remain in our days, sharing space with new designers who use materials such as steel and more affordable stones. In this way, jewelry today is an affordable luxury that undoubtedly makes a difference.
Types of antique jewelry
Nowadays we have access to a wide variety of antique jewelry, coming from all over the world and made of gold, silver and platinum. There are magnificent pieces full of charm and beauty: rings, bracelets, brooches, earrings, necklaces, tiaras, pendants, bracelets... These pieces of antique jewelry display all their attractiveness compared to recently manufactured jewelry, which in no way reach their interest or personality. Because antique jewelry are real treasures, worthy of kings of yesteryear or those elegant ladies who shone in the salons of the late nineteenth century.
Vintage gilded silver and freshwater pearl set from the 1990s. Earrings, ring, brooches. 71 g of handcrafted elegance inspired by regional jewelry. Vintage gilded silver and freshwater...
Elegant Toi et Moi 18K gold ring with zirconias, spiral design and radiant sparkle, perfect to wear or give as a stylish gift Elegant Toi et Moi 18K gold ring with...
Vintage 18K gold ring, likely from the 1960s70s, with an Art Deco-inspired design and brilliant-cut zirconia stones. Vintage 18K gold ring, likely from...
Vintage 9K gold ring with a central tanzanite and 6 genuine diamonds. A delicate, elegant piece and a perfect choice for a unique gift. Vintage 9K gold ring with a central...
Vintage brooch from the 1970s in 18K white gold with 119 diamonds, refined botanical design, luminous and timelessly beautiful. Vintage brooch from the 1970s in 18K...
Floral brooch from circa 1950 in 18K and 14K gold with a 0.60 ct natural emerald and 49 diamonds (1.64 ct). Isabelino style. With certificate. Floral brooch from circa 1950 in 18K...
Vintage 18K white gold ring with 7.94 ct natural sapphire and 8 diamonds. Elegant piece with gemological certificate from 2023. Vintage 18K white gold ring with 7.94...
Vintage 18K gold set with 3 natural pearls and 36 diamonds. Elegant and refined jewel, ideal as a gift, collectible or investment piece. Vintage 18K gold set with 3 natural...
Japanese mother of pearl amulet with hawk and shipp? symbol, handcrafted, 1970s, symbolic piece with original silver tone metal bail. Japanese mother of pearl amulet with...
Vintage pendant with a shell-carved cameo of Jesus del Gran Poder, circa 1970. Fine detailing and original brass frame with natural patina. Vintage pendant with a shell-carved...
Vintage 90s ring and earrings set in 18K gold with cabochon-cut rubies and natural diamonds, elegant and refined design with timeless sparkle. Vintage 90s ring and earrings set in...
Vintage set in 18K gold with 24 natural diamonds. Elegant, well-preserved and timeless, perfect for wearing or gifting. Vintage set in 18K gold with 24...
Articulated 18K gold earrings with jet stones and white zircons, vintage floral design. Elegant, unique and full of character. Articulated 18K gold earrings with...
Vintage 18K gold ring with 33 natural rubies and 48 diamonds. Certified by EGDI. Elegant, dazzling and a solid investment piece. Vintage 18K gold ring with 33 natural...
Vintage earrings from 1950 in 18K gold and silver, with 12 natural diamonds and 12 pearls. Timeless elegance in a unique jewel. Vintage earrings from 1950 in 18K...
Antique stethoscope from the late 19th century in silver-plated metal...
Vintage pendant with a shell-carved cameo of Jesus del Gran Poder, circa...
Antique Roman-style chalice in gilded silver with paten. France, 1932....
Antique 18K gold ring with 7 natural diamonds. Delicate openwork design,...
Impressive repoussé silver reliquary by José Vilaplana, Valencia, c....
Vintage 18K gold ring with seven natural diamonds in floral setting....
Spanish chalice from 1942 in solid silver, gifted by the Church of...
Spanish chalice in white silver with matching paten, handcrafted....
Erotic Verge Fusee pocket watch by B....