Van Cleef & Arpels Winking Cat Brooch Chalcedony and Emerald 18K Yellow Gold

Dive into the enchanting world of antique jewelry! See below for some delightful insights behind some of these timeless pieces.

Georgian Era (1714-1837)

• Secret Lovers' Messages: Georgian jewelry often contained hidden compartments for locks of hair or miniature portraits, serving as secret tokens of affection. The intricate designs allowed for personal mementos to be kept close, discreetly.

Victorian Era (1837-1901)

• Romantic Symbolism: Beyond flowers and hearts, Victorian jewelry was rich in symbolism. Snakes, for example, represented eternity and love, inspired by Queen Victoria’s engagement ring, which was in the shape of a serpent.

Edwardian Era (1901-1915)

• Lace in Metal: The Edwardian era is famed for its use of platinum to create delicate, lace-like designs in jewelry. The metal's strength allowed for finer, more intricate work that mimicked the appearance of the finest lace.

Art Nouveau (1890-1910)

• Nature Comes Alive: Art Nouveau jewelry often featured fantastical interpretations of natural elements, with animals and mythical creatures rendered in sinuous, flowing forms that seemed almost alive.

Art Deco (1920s-1930s)

• Architectural Influence: The bold, geometric patterns of Art Deco jewelry were directly inspired by the contemporary architectural marvels of the time, including the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, mirroring their linear forms and stylized motifs.

Retro (1935-1950)

• Hollywood Glamour: Retro jewelry mirrored the opulence and escapism of Hollywood's Golden Age, with oversized, dramatic pieces that were meant to be seen and admired, embodying the glitz and glam of cinema stars.

Modernist (1950s-Present)

• Art as Jewelry: Modernist jewelers viewed their creations as wearable art, prioritizing form and artistic expression over traditional gemstone value. Pieces often featured abstract designs and unconventional materials, reflecting the era's broader artistic movements.

Victorian Hair Jewelry: 

In the Victorian era, it was not uncommon for jewelry to be made from the hair of a loved one. These pieces ranged from simple lockets with a lock of hair inside to elaborate bracelets, necklaces, and even wreaths, serving as sentimental tokens of affection or memorials to the deceased.

The Language of Gems: 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, acrostic jewelry became popular. These pieces spelled out secret messages with the first letter of each gemstone. For example, a piece might use Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Topaz to spell out "DEAREST."

Memento Mori Jewelry: 

This type of jewelry served as a reminder of mortality and the inevitability of death. Popular from the 16th to the 18th century, memento mori pieces often featured skulls, coffins, and skeletons, crafted with a surprising elegance and detail.