Antique Jewelry: A Timeless and Elegant Adornment

Antique jewelry is defined as jewelry made during or before the early 1900’s. Compared to modern jewelry, antique jewelry is often more unique with high levels of craftsmanship. These pieces are often considered classics and rarely ever go out of style. Also, antique jewelry pieces often have interesting and unique histories attached to them. Antique jewelry predates the factory era, so pieces from this era are all handmade and have their own individual quirks which give them character as well as elegance. Antique pieces often have a degree of whimsy, setting them apart from jewelry that is more modern. This type of artisanship is very rare today, so antique pieces are easily recognizable as such. Although in past, antique jewelry was mostly worn by older persons, that attitude is changing and it is now considered fashionable to wear antique pieces irrespective of age. Antique jewelry is not generally available in department stores or brand name jewelry stores. Most often, antique jewelry is found in exclusive boutiques, auction houses, antique dealer stores or niche showrooms. It can also be found in Arizona pawnshops, estate sales or online stores. Another way to acquire antique jewelry is to inherit it. Many times, antique pieces are handed down from one generation to another and become family heirlooms. They are excellent reminders of the past and a family’s unique heritage; often times they are accompanied by pieces of family lore. These pieces can become quite valuable and often become collector’s items. As time passes these pieces become more valuable and can fetch large sums of money at auction. Due to this, they can be excellent long-term investments. The technical definition of antique means items that are at least one hundred years old. Thus, the “newest” antique jewelry is from the Art Nouveau period, which lasted from 1890 to 1914. This style of jewelry is characterized by burnished gold and soft enamel colors crafted into flowing, curvy shapes. Many pieces from this era were made into flower, plant and feminine shapes. Another term unique to antique jewelry pieces is the old mine cut, which is a way of cutting facets in gemstones that was popular until the early 1900’s. It features fewer facets than modern cuts, so gems with this cut have a more subtle brilliance easily distinguishable from their modern counterparts. Also popular in the early 1900’s, millegrain, a metal stone setting adorned with small, raised beads, is a unique technique that is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Today it is most often used to give modern jewelry a more antique look. Due to the individualistic nature of antique jewelry pieces and their oft-interesting histories, wearing these pieces is sure to be to a conversation starter. These pieces make great gifts for important occasions and are excellent pieces to add to your own jewelry collection. In addition, antique jewelry is not just for women, there are intricate pieces that were designed for men as well, like engraved cuff links or antique pocket watches. Pawn Now is a local pawn shop with 9 convenient locations in the Phoenix metro area, contact us today or stop by our store for any Arizona diamond or jewelry pawning matters! Published By: Pawn Now Pawn Now Phoenix – 85043 691 W. Baseline Rd. Phoenix AZ 85043 Phone +1 602 276-1664 Pawn Now Phoenix – 85022 14601 N Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix AZ 85022 Phone +1 602 765-4444 Pawn Now Phoenix – 85019 4135 W. Indian School Rd. Phoenix AZ 85019 Phone +1 602 442-2160 Pawn Now Mesa – 85207 8151 E. Apache Trail‎ Mesa AZ 85207 Phone +1 480 964-6666 Pawn Now Mesa – 85210 1145 S. Mesa Dr. Mesa AZ 85210 Phone +1 480 668-1009 Pawn Now Chandler – 85225 1731 N. Arizona Ave. Chandler AZ 85225 Phone +1 480 821-7296 Pawn Now Apache Junction – 85120 900 W. Apache Trail Apache Junction AZ 85120 Phone +1 480 288-7296 Pawn Now Mesa – 85204 361 S. Lindsay Rd. Mesa AZ 85204 Phone +1 480 777-7771 Pawn Now Scottsdale – 85257 7841 E. McDowell Rd. Scottsdale AZ 85257 Phone +1 480 300-4653