Sundance Jewelers
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EDUCATION

Explore our selection information of vintage jewelry from Sundance, featuring stunning styles from the Georgian era, all the way up to the Art Nouveau. Each era is unique and every ring meticulously hand-crafted. Pieces range in material from 14k gold, 18k gold, or platinum, with & without diamond and gemstones, take a look for more information regarding each gorgeous special era!

VINTAGE EDUCATION

GEORGIAN ERA (1714-1837)

Georgian jewelry is known for it’s exquisite regal and gothic style, which took inspiration from English royalty. The longest reigning era, with 120+ years to it’s name, many pieces reflecting nature-inspired designs such as flowers, leaves, and vines. These motifs were not just beautiful but also symbolized themes of growth, renewal, and the passage of time, which resonated with the Georgian society’s fascination with the natural world. The Georgian period wasn’t just about the styles of the time either, we use it to describe the political and social history, as well as design, literature, and art. The name “Georgian” is directly related to the 4 successive Kings of England with the name George, who reigned England during this era. Influenced by England, Germany, and France, our pieces evoke an air of exclusivity and originality. Crafted with 18k gold using repousse techniques, each piece is a testament to artisanal craftsmanship. Indulge in the opportunity to own an original unique piece of history, commonly difficult to find due to many being repurposed during the eras that followed.

VICTORIAN ERA (1837-1901)

Similarly in hand with the Georgian Era, the Victorian Era took inspiration from history and rulers as well. Queen Victoria’s day to day style formed this era into what it’s known for; grand & symbolic. Split into three separate eras, romantic, grand, and aesthetic, Queen Victoria held direct responsibility for a majority of England’s style. Victorian jewelry was marked by an eclectic mix of floral motifs that mirrored the era’s evolving tastes and societal values, commonly assigning flowers for specific reasoning, allowing one to express themselves through jewelry. Inspiration was drawn from different historical periods such as the Renaissance, Gothic, and ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece in order to create pieces. It is notable during this period that after the loss of her husband, Queen Victoria entered a long mourning period, jewelry from this time was often darker and morbid. While this did not go on forever, & the aesthetic period followed, it left a long lasting impression on many of her people. Gold and silver remained the most popular metals in Victorian Era Jewelry. Stones popular during this time were garnets, amethyst, turquoise, sapphires, pearls, and diamonds- motifs involving animals, especially snakes were also very popular.

EDWARDIAN ERA (1901-1915)

The Edwardian era was all about divine elegance, pearls and diamonds were the center star of almost every piece. With such prestigious stones, many jewelers started drifting towards platinum. Platinum’s popularity increased drastically during this time period & due to its strength and ability to accommodate intricate designs, leading to the creation of graceful, lace-like pieces. Motifs often included bows, garlands, and ribbons, showcasing a penchant for ethereal and flowing forms. Floral designs, especially featuring delicate blossoms like roses and lilies, were also prominent, symbolizing themes of love and beauty. Colored gemstones were used extensively to enhance the jewelry’s luminosity, contributing to the overall air of refinement and sophistication that defined Edwardian jewelry. A fascination with lightness and delicacy contributed largely to the styles Edwardian jewelry produced.

ART NOUVEAU (1890-1910)

Art Nouveau was known for reflecting the movement’s large departure from traditional jewelry conventions. Common stones in Art Nouveau pieces included opals, moonstones, and pearls, chosen for their ethereal, iridescent qualities that mimicked the play of light found in nature. This era is known for it playful & flowy linework, Platinum was still widely used, but gold and sterling silver was being used more commonly again as well. Settings like the three stone & enamel work became very popular during this period. Common motifs in Art Nouveau jewelry were characterized by a profound celebration of nature’s beauty along with the embrace of asymmetry and fluid, organic forms. This movement drew inspiration from the natural world, featuring motifs like sinuous vines, flowing water, insects, and exotic flowers. The emphasis on curvilinear lines and the rejection of rigid symmetry marked a significant drift from the previous styles of the time, giving rise to new jewelry pieces that were not only gorgeous but also highlight individuality.

ART DECO ERA (1920-1945)

Possibly the most prominent era, pieces from this period are easily recognizable. The Art Deco period began shortly after World War I, receiving its name from the French architect Le Corbusier, it showcases a striking departure from the organic and flowing forms of Art Nouveau & previous eras. Art Deco Jewelry is known for being geometrical, angular, and clean look, with gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, creating a combination of vibrant color. Platinum was still the preferred metal due to its strength and ability to hold intricate, angular designs. The combination of these precious stones and metals allowed Art Deco jewelry to achieve its signature aesthetic: sleek lines, sharp angles, and a sense modernity. Shapes such as triangles, rectangles, and circles were prominent, often arranged in intricate patterns that conveyed a strong sense of order, inspiration was also drawn from Egyptians, with the use of chevron patterns and stepped designs. In addition, the use of bold, contrasting color combinations and materials like onyx, coral, and jade added a striking visual impact to Art Deco jewelry, making it an iconic representation of the era’s striking movement.

RETRO ERA (1939-1950)

The Retro Era concluded with the end of World War II, the style was heavily inspired by the war and the victory that followed. Common metals in Retro era jewelry included yellow gold, often used in chunky designs that conveyed a sense of boldness and luxury, rose gold also made a resurgence, adding a warm and romantic hue to many pieces which hadn’t been seen often before. Colored gemstones like amethysts, aquamarines, citrines, and sapphires, often showcased in very large, eye-catching settings. These gemstones added a glamorous and colorful dimension to the Retro style. The combination of richly colored stones and bold and heavy metalwork created jewelry that exuded a sense of post-war optimism. Hollywood’s glamour was also another key inspiring factor to the style during this time, with the need and desire to celebrate life after a period of severe hardship. Post war optimism was very visible in this era as everything became very futuristic and hopeful.