Your Comprehensive Guide to Estate Jewelry
The extensive pre-owned collection of vintage and estate jewelry you’ll find inside Elebash’s extends through many eras but it’s also a highlight of our store that’s always changing. From Antique to Art Deco to Contemporary jewelry, plus designer-signed pieces, you’re sure to discover unique jewelry finds to fall in love with.
We are passionate about estate jewelry at Elebash’s – and we love sharing our many years of buying and selling expertise with you.
The Historical and Romantic Significance of Estate Jewelry
Fine jewelry is valuable and decorative art, worn and enjoyed for centuries. At Elebash’s, we love the history behind each piece in our vast estate jewelry collection. From the 100-year-old, truly antique Victorian styles, to the Art Deco era that’s always in demand, to more recent, contemporary pieces, we have it all.
What we love about every ring, bracelet, necklace and watch are the unique stories behind them. Bet you didn’t know the term “cocktail ring” dates back to Prohibition and the decade of excess. Now you do! Imagine the swanky parties to which our Art Deco cocktail rings may have been worn—the conversations they were a part of and the stories they could tell if they could use words.
As with any style, it’s a fact that fashion trends tend to repeat themselves. And this is true with jewelry as well. Spend a few minutes browsing online or scrolling on social media, and you will find proof that vintage jewelry has made a major comeback!
Do You Have an Estate Jewelry ‘Style’? Find Out.
Picture how your home is decorated. Just like your taste in lamps, pillows or accessories may lend itself to a certain aesthetic, so does jewelry for most people. We’ve provided a brief tutorial on the different jewelry eras. Which do you find yourself identifying with?
Georgian Era Jewelry
In the estate jewelry world, Georgian Era jewelry is considered to be a rare find. The Georgian era of jewelry was named for the four kings of Great Britain (all Georges, of course!) reigning from 1714-to 1830. Georgian jewelry was made by hand and is quite difficult to replicate today, which is why it is so rare. Old diamond cuts such as rose, table, and old mine were popular and they don’t have the brilliance today’s cuts offer. These jewelry pieces also often included natural materials such as jet, ivory, and coral that are now restricted to use environmentally.
Victorian Era Jewelry
Americans have a huge fascination with the royals, and in the Victorian Era, it was clearly evident then too. Named after Queen Victoria, who held the British throne from 1837-1901, this style features cameos, long and elaborate earrings, and necklaces that drape. Victorian jewelry also tends to have a symbolic nature. Gemstones were sometimes used to spell out words like a lover’s name or a special hidden message. Although it’s morbid sounding, mourning jewelry was also often created, where lockets incorporated the hair of the deceased, as a way to keep a loved one close.
Art Nouveau Era Jewelry
If you gravitate toward elements of nature in jewelry, you’ll likely be drawn to Art Nouveau Era jewelry. French for New Art, this style often showcases curves of the female body, natural objects, like insects and stylized plants and flowers, and mythical creatures. The gems featured were often opals, moonstones, and other ethereal stones, mixed with natural materials like amber, horn, and pearl. Art Nouveau jewelry also highlights colors in pastel tones. Historically speaking, this style became very popular in the early 1900s, as a reaction against the industrialization occurring at the turn of the century. In addition, many women were starting to reject stifling Victorian styles.
Edwardian Era Jewelry
Arriving at the same time as Art Nouveau, Edwardian style was very different in its aesthetic. It featured multi-strand chokers and tassels, the likes of which you may have seen on Downton Abbey. This style featured white metals and white stones such as diamonds and pearls. Ribbons, bows, and wreaths were popular motifs. Its name comes from England’s King Edward VII and reflects a time of prosperity. Similar to Victorian jewelry, Edwardian jewelry often featured symbolic themes in colored gemstones, when they were used to spell out secret or special messages.
Art Deco Era Jewelry
This highly popular jewelry style hit the scene from the roaring 20s through the late 30s. This was the era of the flapper and the time women really started wanting to express themselves individually. Clean lines, geometric shapes, and contrasting colors comprise the highlights of this style. Popular designers have transcended time and are still very popular today, such as Tiffany & Co. and Cartier, among others.
Mid-Century Modern Era Jewelry
Much of the jewelry from this era is very sculptural and artistic, reminiscent of the lines of mid-century modern furniture, which has made a style comeback in recent years. Influenced by Hollywood, women wanted to look like celebrities during this time. “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” became the mantra of the day. Large cocktail rings were very popular at this time, as were multilayered pearl necklaces.
Retro Vintage Era Jewelry
Excessive styles of the past became a thing of history as jewelry styles mirrored what was happening in the world. With WWII now over, most of the jewelry of this time period appeared in gold due to a shortage in platinum supply because of the war effort. Engagement rings from this time period were typically smaller, and the colored gemstones featured were less expensive, such as garnet, amethyst, and citrine. Cultured pearls were also popular. This era also ushered in the popularity of the charm bracelet. Another interesting and defining feature of this era was that pierced ears went out of style. Many earrings of this time period, from 1940 to 1950, featured screw backs or clip-on styles.
The Value of Estate Jewelry
Now that we’ve gone through the major eras of jewelry, you may find that you are drawn to more than one style. The good news is that no matter which style speaks to you, think of estate jewelry as today’s affordable luxury. It’s how we look at it at Elebash’s. The value will become evident as you investigate our transparent pricing. Thinking about proposing? Priced complete with the center diamond, purchasing one of our vintage engagement rings ensures a truly unique look at an incredible value! The pre-owned Tiffany piece we sell is infinitely more affordable than its new counterpart.
Pre-owned Fine Watches
Have you always dreamed of wearing a really fine timepiece, such as one by Rolex or Cartier? Although they’re hard to come by, at Elebash’s, they are certified and include a one-year warranty, unless otherwise noted, ensuring confidence in your purchase. That status watch of your dreams is now attainable, but you will have to move quickly on it. Our pre-owned luxury watches are very popular buys with our estate jewelry enthusiasts!
No Repeat Performances
We feature many of our estate pieces on our website but invite you to explore so much more in our Pensacola location. You’ll discover the many reasons to fall in love with vintage and estate jewelry with your own eyes! The real beauty in the estate collection cases at Elebash’s lies in the fact that it’s ever-changing, and each piece is always one of a kind.
Your Source for Buying and Selling Pre-owned Jewelry
At Elebash’s, we have been buying and selling vintage and contemporary estate jewelry, diamonds, colored gemstones, platinum, and gold for more than 90 years! Don’t let those unwanted and unworn pieces sit in your jewelry box. Consider giving us the opportunity to turn that neglected jewelry into cash, or restyle it into something you will love to wear again. All of our transactions are confidential! Schedule an appointment!