Vintage Jewels for Valentine’s Day

Emily Huggins

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time of year to give (or ask for) some jewelry. Sometimes jewelry can seem like a slightly clichéd gift, but vintage jewelry is another story altogether! My very sweet (and very tasteful) boyfriend bought me the prettiest 1920s necklace for Christmas. It is so special and one of a kind that I think every woman should have a vintage piece or two in her collection.

Hunting down the perfect piece can be quite a task, so Karen Frishman, of Rubylane.com offers Second City Style readers some pointers:

• First, look for style and wearabilty. Make sure you love it and it is comfortable to wear. Also, know some designers of the period you are interested in, and what types of stones, backs and pinbacks were used.

• For Valentine’s Day, look for hearts, pieces with a symbol or relic attached, or even a simple strand of pearls with a gemstone clasp. Jewelry with amethyst or garnet is always pretty too.

• Bring a guidebook along to help you identify information such as the manufacturing process, types of metals used, and styles of the period. All of this information will help you determine if the piece you admire is real or fake.

Frishman says that her favorite period for vintage jewelry is the "Art Nouveau" period. This was a time when jewelry artists created jewels for everyone, no matter what their social class.

Frishman explains, "The subjects of their designs were animals, women with long flowing hair, curving lines of waves and vines, and flowers. Art Nouveau artisans revered quality and paid particular detail to craftsmanship, because this was just as important to them as the design."

Happy hunting!

1. Victorian 14K Rose Gold Ring

2. Art Nouveau Lady Pendant

3. Circa 1950, Double Heart Rhinestone Pendant Necklace

4. Yellow Gold Puff Heart Dangle Earrings

5. Art Deco Sterling and Lapis Necklace and Bracelet Set

6. Arts and Crafts Style Sterling Citrine Bracelet