Estate Jewelry Through the Ages: A Landmark Jewelers Guide

Victorian Era (1837–1901)

Overview
Named after the legendary Queen Victoria, whose reign spanned over six decades, the Victorian era produced a wide spectrum of jewelry styles. From the romantic and nature-inspired designs of Victoria’s early years to the somber mourning jewelry that followed Prince Albert’s untimely death, this era speaks to both the height of royal romance and the depths of personal grief.

Defining Features

• Sentimental Symbolism: Hearts, snakes (symbolizing eternity), and lockets with hidden compartments were very popular.

• Materials & Techniques: Gold was prevalent, often featuring hand-fabricated metalwork, and colored gemstones—particularly rubies, sapphires, and emeralds—shared the spotlight with diamonds. Mourning pieces frequently included jet, onyx, and even woven hair.

• Why Collect: Victorian jewelry offers exquisite craftsmanship layered with intimate stories. If you appreciate pieces that blend romantic motifs with deeply personal narratives, this era resonates strongly.

Landmark Jewelers Tip
Visit us at Landmark Jewelers in Saint Paul, MN, to explore authentic Victorian brooches, lockets, and rings. Our extensive collection includes both the lighter, whimsical designs of the era’s early phase and the rare, jet-black mourning pieces that capture Queen Victoria’s enduring love story.

Edwardian Era (1890–1920)

Overview
The Edwardian era ushered in a wave of elegance, named for King Edward VII, who adored opulence and courtly finery. Designers drew inspiration from Versailles and 18th-century aristocratic fashions, refining jewelry to near weightless grace. This period arrived at the height of the Belle Époque in Europe—a time of optimism and cultural blossoming.

Defining Features

• Platinum Prowess: Edwardian jewelers embraced platinum for its strength, which enabled delicate, lace-like filigree and elaborate openwork.

• Garland Style: Motifs such as bows, garlands, ribbons, and floral swags became synonymous with the era, emphasizing femininity and grace.

• Pastel Palette: Soft color schemes in fashion (pale blues, pinks, and lavenders) prompted jewelers to pair platinum settings with white pearls, diamonds, and sometimes subtle flashes of colored stones.

Why Collect
Coveted for its airy intricacy and timeless refinement, Edwardian jewelry easily lends itself to today’s formal events and bridal styles. Collectors prize the era’s platinum craftsmanship and crisp yet romantic silhouettes.

Landmark Jewelers Tip
At Landmark Jewelers, the premier estate jewelry destination in Saint Paul, MN, we take pride in offering a curated Edwardian selection—perfect for those who admire the period’s graceful motifs and superior metalwork.

Art Deco (1920–1935)

Overview
Bold, geometric, and distinctly modern, the Art Deco era was shaped by the Roaring Twenties—an age defined by jazz, flappers, and newfound social freedoms. Design influences ranged from the discovery of King Tut’s tomb (spurring Egyptian Revival designs) to the sleek lines of modern skyscrapers and Cubist art movements.

Defining Features

• Geometry & Symmetry: Straight lines, angular silhouettes, and stylized motifs (fans, chevrons) were everywhere.

• Vibrant Colors: Designers used contrasting gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and onyx to create daring color blocks.

• Exotic Influences: Asian, Egyptian, and tribal art inspired motifs like scarabs, lotus flowers, and stylized flora.

Why Collect
Art Deco pieces are instantly recognizable and remain highly sought-after for their statement-making flair. If you love sleek, vintage glamor that still feels modern, this era will captivate you.

Landmark Jewelers Tip
Landmark Jewelers is proud to feature a variety of Art Deco treasures—from diamond-studded bracelets to gemstone-laden cocktail rings. Each piece embodies the confident, cutting-edge spirit of the 1920s, right here in Saint Paul, MN.

Retro Era (1930–1950)

Overview
The Retro era emerged amidst World War II and the ensuing resource shortages. Jewelry design pivoted toward bold and sculptural gold styles, reflecting both wartime constraints (less platinum available) and a resilience that embraced bright, standout pieces. Hollywood’s Golden Age further shaped the era with larger-than-life glamour.

Defining Features

• Bold Gold: Yellow, rose, and greenish gold alloys were popular due to platinum rationing.

• Oversized Motifs: Bows, scrolls, and voluminous ribbons dominated, often set with semi-precious stones like citrines and aquamarines.

• Machine-Like Aesthetic: Chunky links and strong, structural looks echoed the era’s industrial undercurrents.

Why Collect
Retro jewelry is a wonderful snapshot of wartime creativity: designers answered shortages with ingenuity, producing pieces that combine practicality with undeniable sophistication. Fans of statement-making adornments often gravitate to the Retro style for its unique blend of boldness and charm.

Landmark Jewelers Tip
We regularly source hard-to-find Retro pieces at Landmark Jewelers, including substantial gold bracelets and gem-studded cocktail rings that evoke the golden era of Hollywood.

Vintage 1950’s & 1960’S

Overview
Post-war recovery ushered in a renewed sense of joy, influencing fashion and jewelry alike. Women’s silhouettes became more playful, with shorter skirts and vibrant colors, while jewelry often featured sleek lines or whimsical motifs. Hollywood glamour took center stage, with movie stars setting trends in diamond and platinum jewelry.

Defining Features

• Mixed Metals & Finishes: Polished gold alongside florentine or matte textures.

• Playful Motifs: Surrealism-inspired designs (abstract shapes, animal themes) became popular, reflecting post-war optimism.

• Glamorous Diamonds: With prosperity on the rise, diamonds returned to the limelight, often paired with platinum or white gold.

Why Collect
These decades blended classic elegance with mid-century innovation, resulting in pieces that feel both timeless and refreshingly modern. Collectors seeking a slice of Hollywood’s golden age often find it here.

Landmark Jewelers Tip
Step into Landmark Jewelers in Saint Paul, MN, and explore our meticulously selected ’50s and ’60s pieces—from whimsical animal brooches to radiant diamond necklaces—embodying a transformative era in American fashion.

Vintage 1970’s

Overview
The 1970s were marked by fearless experimentation in both fashion and jewelry. Designers embraced vibrant color palettes, while yellow gold soared in popularity. Large statement pieces—including door-knocker earrings and collar necklaces—mirrored the decade’s anything-goes attitude. Textured finishes on gold added edgy flair to otherwise classic shapes.

Defining Features

• Chunky & Colorful: Wide bracelets, bold necklaces, and brightly hued semi-precious stones.

• Texture & Dimension: Hammered or brushed gold surfaces created a fresh contrast to the smooth metals of earlier eras.

• Bohemian & Eclectic: Naturalistic designs, tassels, and free-spirited motifs echoed the cultural shifts of the decade.

Why Collect
If you love jewelry that makes a statement, the ’70s are your playground. These pieces celebrate self-expression and a carefree spirit, standing out for their fearless use of color and scale.

Landmark Jewelers Tip
At Landmark Jewelers, Saint Paul’s premier destination for vintage and estate jewelry, you’ll discover stunning 1970s finds—from large gold cocktail rings with vibrant gemstones to stylish door-knocker earrings—perfect for expressing your bold side.

Embrace Estate Jewelry with Landmark Jewelers

From the Victorian era’s romantic sentimentality to the daring experimentation of the 1970s, estate jewelry offers a tangible connection to history’s most captivating design movements. When you shop at Landmark Jewelers—the top estate jewelry store in Saint Paul, MN—you’ll experience an extraordinary curated selection spanning these influential eras. Our passion for exceptional craftsmanship and authenticity ensures that each piece tells a story you’ll cherish for years to come.