5 Reasons Why We Love Period Jewelry

There are many reasons why we at Hays Worthington love period jewelry. Before listing some of those reasons, we thought it would be helpful to explain what period jewelry is. Period jewelry is defined as jewelry of a certain period - such as Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro or Mid 20th Century. Typically, a period piece is an estate piece, meaning it was previously owned. A period piece can be an antique piece if it is at least one hundred years old. A period piece may be called vintage when it is at least 25 years old.

Now that we’ve clarified what period jewelry is, below we list just five of the reasons why we love period jewelry.

1. Unmatched Beauty, Glamour & Quality

Pieces from bygone eras typically possess a beauty and glamour unparalleled to many of the today’s newly minted pieces. The styles are rich and evocative of the period in which they were made reflecting the culture, history and technology of the period. Not only is the workmanship exceptional, the materials and gems used are typically from the finest mines many of which are no longer in production. The stones are typically not treated and totally natural. Moreover, there are no lab-grown diamonds, which is something that has emerged in the 21st century where diamonds are actually man-made in a lab. Pieces are typically hand made in France, England, Italy or America by the finest jewelers in their ateliers. These pieces often stand on their own as works of art.

Mid-Twentieth Century 18K Yellow Gold Charm Bracelet with Four Hardstone Charms. Mid Twentieth Century Fine Aquamarine and French Cut Diamonds Cocktail Ring.

2. Unique and One-of-A-Kind Pieces

Period pieces are often one-of-a-kind. They are not mass produced by machines nor are they mass marketed. As a result, these pieces tend to be rare and often unique and highly collectible. Many pieces of period jewelry are handmade decades or even centuries ago, crafted by talented artisans in a way that mass produced pieces are not created today. If kept in prime condition, period pieces will appreciate over time due to their one-of-a-kind nature and value.

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k yellow gold and diamond Lion’s head door knocker earclips. Buccellati Silvery Pale Grey Baroque South Sea Pearl and Rose Diamond Pendant Earrings.

3. History, Provenance & Romance

Each piece of period jewelry has its own history and provenance; and with that comes a certain romance of its past. Many pieces can be identified back to their origin and historical period providing a rich provenance which can be further enhanced by establishing the jeweler or house in which the piece was made and even the ownership. While no one can deny the excitement and romance in owning a piece worn by an iconic woman such as Jackie Kennedy or Elizabeth Taylor, every jewel has an important story to tell, no matter how modest. Their stories and connection to history are part of what makes period jewelry special.. And while the pieces are beautifully crafted from a bygone era, they posses a relevance today and are made contemporary by today’s modern women and men who wear them.

Elizabeth Taylor, known for her extravagant jewelry collection, wearing a Belle Epoque Diamond Necklace with old mine-cut diamond foliate scrolls, circa 1900.

4. Green is…In!

Collectors of period jewelry are adhering to the best form of re-purposing. There is no mining, no blood diamonds in these pieces. In short, the collector of vintage and period pieces is quite literally reusing something beautiful that was made in the past and wearing it with their own contemporary interpretation.

Kate Middleton wears the Cartier Halo Tiara on her wedding day. Actor Timothée Chalamet wears a Cartier diamond and ruby “Tradition” brooch.

5. Timeless Style

While trends quickly change in the current era of fast fashion and mass production, period jewelry does not go out of style. Like a master painting, the beauty, quality, history and rarity renders a fine period piece of jewelry timeless. And like a master painting, period jewelry may be passed from generation to generation.

Coco Chanel and her signature strands of pearls just as beautiful today as it was when she wore it. Chanel Diamond Cluster Ring.

Collecting Period Jewelry

Collecting period jewelry is like going on a treasure hunt. Collectors often treat each new acquisition as a piece of the puzzle that helps complete their jewelry ensemble. And purchasing that first special piece of jewelry often leads one on a happy path of creating one’s own individual collection. But as we all know, the most important and exciting aspect of acquiring jewelry is wearing it!

About Us

Hays Worthington specializes in exceptional fine and period jewelry, owned by a family of jewelers who have been in the business for three generations. We always say “Jewelry is not a fashion accessory, it is a fashion necessity.”

Hays Worthington curates pieces that are fine, authentic, and will last a lifetime and beyond. Our collection includes rare and signed pieces including Bulgari, Chanel, Cartier, Seaman Schepps, Tiffany, Verdura and Van Cleef & Arpels, amongst others.

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