A Blog about the Fascinating World of Jewelry » historical jewelry

So you thought Art Deco was bold? Honey, you haven't seen anything yet. Welcome to the Retro era, where jewelry didn't just make a statement, it practically shouted from the rooftops with the confidence of a 1940s starlet strutting down Sunset Boulevard. Hollywood was exploding, cocktails were bigger, and rings were even bigger—think dazzling gems and chunky gold that refused to blend in. These...

rom geometric glamour to surprise innovations, this week’s Art Deco deep dive uncovered how bold design, technological breakthroughs, and even Hollywood influenced some of history’s most coveted jewelry. Discover the secrets behind iconic cigarette cases, ‘Tutti Frutti’ gems, and the unexpected rise of Bakelite—and get a playful peek at how the Modern Era will rewrite the rules next week.

Discover the brilliant techniques and bold innovations behind Art Deco jewelry—from new geometric stone cuts to dazzling platinum settings. Find out how artists of the 1920s and ’30s used cutting-edge technology and creative flair to make jewelry more accessible, dramatic, and unmistakably modern.

Explore the bold world of Art Deco jewelry motifs—think sunbursts, chevrons, zigzags, and striking influences from Egypt to the Far East. Discover the meanings behind these signature designs and how they captured the spirit and style of the roaring 1920s and ’30s.

Step into the dazzling world of the Art Deco era—where jazz-age energy, bold geometric designs, and vibrant gemstones redefined jewelry style. This is Part 1 of our 4-part series exploring the glamour, freedom, and innovation that transformed accessories into true works of art.

Step into the smoky glamour of old Hollywood with the ever-enigmatic Humphrey Bogart—icon of trench coats, whisky glances, and unforgettable cool. Whether lighting up the screen alongside the dazzling Lauren Bacall or sporting cufflinks that spoke louder than most dialogue, Bogie defined leading man style for generations. From Casablanca to real-life romance, discover how his signature look still sets the gold standard for classic...

  Welcome to our first "Signature Saturdays" post! I'm excited to launch this new series where we dive into the stories behind legendary jewelry pieces and explore how they continue to inspire modern designs. Today, we're taking a fascinating journey through time, following the jewelry trails left by history's most iconic figures. Have you ever wondered why certain jewelry motifs never go out of...

  Well, here we are at the end of our Edwardian jewelry journey! What a week it's been exploring one of history's most elegant and refined periods in jewelry design. I hope you've enjoyed diving into this fascinating era as much as I have. Let me take you through everything we've discovered together and share some delightful surprises I uncovered along the way. Monday:...

  I've always found it fascinating how world events can completely reshape something as personal as jewelry. Think about the pieces you wear every day: would they have been possible, or even desirable, a century ago? The Great War (what we now call World War I) created one of the most dramatic transformations in jewelry history, marking the end of the romantic Edwardian era...

  The Edwardian era (1901-1914) was a straight-up game-changer for jewelry: it took what was heavy and dark in the Victorian years and spun it into something light, clever, and impossibly elegant. When I look at Edwardian pieces, I can’t help but marvel at how the jewelers of that time pushed the limits of their craft. This post is all about how they did...

Step into the the world of Edwardian Era exquisiteness. A blog post about the Edwardian Era of jewelry. From Nature's touch to its hidden meanings. Peter's Vault Blog

Step into the Edwardian Era, where jewelry became lighter, airier, and more refined. Discover how platinum and pearls took center stage as tradition met innovation, and elegance was all about delicate craftsmanship. See why this period marks a graceful shift from Victorian ornate style to effortless sophistication.

Here’s a quick, friendly recap: we just traveled through Victorian jewelry’s mood swings—sentimental early romance (snakes for eternal love and trembling flowers), the grand, dramatic mourning years with jet and strict etiquette, and the late-century push toward lighter, artful innovation that set new techniques in motion. Two quirky tidbits I love: entire bracelets were braided from a loved one’s hair, and some jewelers tucked...

Explore the closing chapter of Victorian jewelry as it transforms into the Edwardian era. Discover how new technologies, like the oxyacetylene torch, made platinum jewelry possible and brought diamonds into the spotlight. The final years of Victoria’s reign created lighter, more elegant designs and set the stage for modern trends we still cherish today.

Discover the Late (Aesthetic) Victorian era (c. 1885–1901), when jewelry turned lighter, more artistic, and surprisingly modern. Designs embraced Japanese-inspired nature motifs, celestial stars and crescents, and delicate work in silver and enamel—all reflecting the era’s changing social attitudes and women’s growing independence. This period is a bridge to 20th-century styles, full of creativity and subtle color, where tradition gave way to bold artistic...

Step into the Victorian Era, where jewelry told stories as grand as the age itself. From 1837 to 1901, Britain’s design world blossomed with innovation, sentiment, and a love of detail. This intro covers the historical vibe, everyday motifs, and distinctive materials—like gold, garnet, and intricate enamel work—that set Victorian pieces apart. Whether you’re admiring mourning brooches or sparkling sapphire rings, the charm of...