They say earrings are like friends, and you can never have too many. Whether you tend to stick to a handful of favorites or always try out new styles, there’s always room for more personality in your jewelry collection.
The vintage pieces can be very interesting when it comes to finding new and interesting pairs of earrings. Not only are they unique, but these vintage earrings also come with a story. Every pair has a history, and you can be sure that no one else will have the same exact pair as you. If you’re looking for a reason to add some earrings to your collection, then you’re on the right page.
What are Vintage Jewelry Pieces?
The vintage jewelry pieces are usually over 50 years old but less than 100 years old. This definition can vary depending on the professional you ask, but most of them are considered in this category.
After the 1920s, some popular styles began showing up and were known for specific eras in history. The Retro Modern Era covered the years 1945 to 1960 and consisted mostly of large cocktails of charm bracelets, pins, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Most of them are flamboyant, colorful, and artful. Most metals are made of gold since platinum was scarce after World War II.
Different Styles to Know About
The earrings come in all styles, from the classic hoop to the more modern stud. Here are a few of the most popular styles to know about:
Hoop: The hoop earrings are crafted in a circular shape, and they are made up of metals. The modern ones are shaped like diamonds, ovals, or squares. Some often have sparkling gemstones that make them valuable and unique. They come in various sizes, and their length can be up to one’s shoulders.
Teardrop: These teardrop-shaped earrings have wire hook closures and are often found on the earlobe. The pear or tear-shaped design can significantly mean romanticism and joy. Most of them are elegant, timeless, and appealing and can be worn on various occasions. Read more about earrings on this site here.
The Stud: The stud is a more modern style of vintage earring, and it’s perfect for those who want a little bit of personality in their jewelry. Studs come in various designs, from flowers to hearts to stars.
Dangle: Dangles are a great way to add some fun and personality to your look. They are not stationary, and the daintier pieces can be longer and ornate. You can choose many designs with them, and gems can adorn them. Other can come in tassels that makes them more enjoyable to wear.
Girandole: This style is generally made up of three stones that are suspended from a jeweled centerpiece. It was very popular during the Rococo period, and it often gets the nickname of a chandelier earring from people who are familiar with it.
Determining the Value of the Jewelry
1. Identification Phase
If you already own several pieces, you should get an appraisal and see if the earrings that you have are valuable. The first thing you need to know is the name of the shop where you bought the pieces. When they come from big-box retailers in your area, there’s a huge chance they are considered vintage. However, you might have something valuable when you snagged them up from an estate sale, antique shop, or flea market.
After determining where you bought the piece, you should see if it’s more than twenty years old. When an earring reaches 100 years old, know that it’s often considered an antique and might be more valuable. See more about antique and vintage when you click this link: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/antique-vintage-estate-jewelry-information-2042919.
2. Examine your Items
The craftsmanship of the pieces should be worth noting. See if there’s paperwork available, look for evidence that the earrings were made by a designer, and check the clasps and cut of the gems. Turn the jewelry over and see if notable details will give you a clue about its maker. Most high-quality pieces have nice finishes from top to bottom, so you know they are genuine.
Look for the materials and see if there are fine ones like platinum, gold, diamonds, and sapphires. They are generally expensive when combined with amethysts and rhinestones. Most of them have stamps, and you can always get an appraisal to see if they are worth thousands of dollars.
In each era, the cut of the gems can vary. Most might have a European cut, while others have an old mine cut. These particulars can make the pieces more expensive. Inspect the clasps and see if they have ring or box styles. They are generally popular until the 1970s, and the overall look of the earrings can make a huge difference in their price range.
Today’s popular manufacturers are Hobe, Bulgari, Christian Dior, Chanel, Tiffany, and Cartier. Scour the earrings and see if they have noticeable logos. Dig through our attic or ask your parents to see if they can provide some paperwork and authentication for your vintage piece. When you see that they come in white ribbons wrapped in a turquoise box, you might have gotten one from Tiffany.
3. Do Some Research
Read online posts and visit antique jewelry sites for more information. Others can offer you free valuation services, and they will also have photos that might help you. If you’re looking to buy these earrings, you can also count on them to provide you with the paperwork you need to ensure that you’re getting the real thing.
You can check the famous ones and see if they have similar markings, clasps, and latches on your jewelry. When you find the right markings and stamps, you might feel that you’re already hitting the jackpot. Check online about the sale price of the earrings, and this will give you an idea of their worth. You can also find a buyer and get a quote to get the most out of your vintage jewelry.