How to Get The Look of Antique Vintage Jewelry

Antique vintage jewelry might be perfect for your wedding day. This works well if you are going with an art deco theme. It also makes it look like an heirloom. This is a good investment because it will never look outdated, merely antique. However antique vintage jewelry can be expensive. Here is how to get the look even if you are buying new jewelry.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Go with sterling silver for your antique vintage jewelry. The average person won't know that it isn't white gold & you'll be able to get a much heavier setting at a fraction of the prize.

2. Find unique gemstones. Antique vintage jewelry uses a lot of tanzanite & alexandrite. If you can't afford those, go with a gem you've never heard of before like lapis or rutilated quartz. This will really stand out even when everyone else is wearing diamonds because it will probably be something that hasn't been seen before. Study up on your gem of choice so you have a nifty story that will start conversations all by itself.

3. Cabochons are uncut gemstones that were popular in antique jewelry. They are often much cheaper than faceted gemstones & you can get cabochons in large sizes. This gives you the feeling of antique vintage jewelry without the price.

4. It's all in the details. If you can't afford an expensive gemstone, don't despair. Vintage settings are all about filigree work & details to make the piece feel special. Go for a cluster ring which will be cheaper than a solitaire & true to the period. Antique vintage jewelry tends to have bigger rings that really make a statement.

5. Look in your jewelry box. You probably have a few pieces from your mother or grandmother. Even if it is costume jewelry check out the setting. If it's sterling or gold you may be able to clean it up & have a genuine gemstone set in it.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't buy an entire set of matching earrings, a ring, & necklace. You would rarely find a complete set of jewels when shopping in antique stores. Instead, look for pieces with the same metal, gemstone, or gem color so they look like they have been collected over several lifetimes.
• Try out rose gold which will feel modern & old world all at once.

Resources

• Generations 1912

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