What is the Difference Between Period, Estate, Vintage and Antique Jewellery?

A common question that we receive quite regularly at gold shops and Jewellery stores comes down to the differences between older style jewellery types. It is quite common to see older pieces of Jewelry for sale but knowing the difference between these types is not always a simple process. When we take a look at gold Jewelry from around the world, here are some of the main differences that we see between the idea of Vintage, Estate, Antique and Period Jewelry:

Antique gold jewellery:

When something is described as Antique, it can still be produced in high-quality gold. You can find 21K gold rings and 18K gold jewellery in antiques. In order for a piece of Jewellery, such as a gold ring, to be considered antique it needs to be at least 100 years old. This will change the system of duties that are placed on the jewellery design and classify the jewellery as being something particularly old and unique. 

Vintage gold jewellery:

Vintage is a jewellery type that comes up fairly often as well. Vintage can be a style of jewellery that pays homage to older styles of jewellery such as from the 40s, 50s or 60s and it can also be pieces that were crafted during that time, such as a gold necklace, or 21k gold bracelet. Vintage jewellery can often be items that are now handed down by parents, relatives or grandparents like vintage gold earrings. These are pieces that have remerged into popularity for their iconic looks and for the high quality of materials that were used to create them. A vintage 21K bracelet, for example, may have symbols or text or a style that was made popular in the 60s but it could also be a brand-new piece that is crafted in a vintage style. We often deem items that are produced in a style from the 1920s-the 1970s as being a vintage selection. 

Estate gold jewellery:

Estate jewellery can be a type of jewellery that overlaps into both antique and vintage. In order for a piece, an 18k gold set, for example, to be considered an Estate Jewelry piece it needs to be an item that was preowned from any time period. Estate Jewellery can often be pieces that are passed down through generations or bought at auction later on. Estate Jewellery can often be resized, polished or repurposed to bring it up to a modern style. When you buy gold in Dubai, it is likely that you can find a number of estate pieces at a heavily discounted rate over new jewellery sales. 

Period gold jewellery:

Period Jewelry is something that is defined by a place in time and with characteristics that are designed for that place in time such as Victorian rings. Period pieces can be something that is created in the art deco era or something that has a clear design characteristic from the roaring 20s. A period jewellery piece can be something that overlaps with vintage, estate or antique but it is important to consider that period pieces can also be something brand new like gold earrings designed in an Art Nauvoo style. Period pieces are designed with the idea of showcasing a designer or showcasing a specific time. With this type of authentic look, we can find something that is going to define a time in vintage or define a style of a specific era. 

Consider some of these differences when you are checking out Jewelry. If you are interested in finding the best in Vintage, Jewelry, Period Pieces and Antique Jewelry, come check out our offerings today and visit Al Romaizan Gold & Jewellery branches or browse Al Romaizan online store.