Vintage Inspired Jewellery

Vintage jewellery styles are simply timeless and have always been very popular in modern jewellery and never more so than in 2019 when style is all about recreating iconic looks of the past with a modern twist. Many contemporary engagement rings are designed with influences from a particular era, such as Art Deco, Victorian or Belle Epoque. But what do these names mean? How do you tell design influences apart? This guide will take a look at some of the most popular vintage jewellery characteristics – and how you can incorporate them into your style today.  

Byzantine Inspired Vintage Style Jewellery 

The Byzantine period was heavy with bling. It lasted from about year 300-1400 AD. The name comes from the Byzantine Empire, which followed the Roman Empire. The jewellery throughout this period was lavishly decorated and ornate, and one of the characteristic design features were thick, woven chains that resembled rope. Try our classic rope bracelet for a similar look. 

Rings were usually made of gold and decorated with intricate engravings, relief work or multiple gems. Our Silver, Rose Gold and CZ Links Ring is inspired by these designs. 

Romanesque Inspired Vintage Style Jewellery 

In Gothic Europe from around 1000 AD, people often wore jewellery to show their religious devotion. Crosses and images of saints dominated design.We have a range of cross pendants for you to browse through.

Gold, silver and precious gems were used in jewellery pieces worn by nobility but the lower classes wore items made of cheaper materials, like copper and enamel. Colourful gems were highly valued because of their symbolism.  

Renaissance Inspired Vintage Style Jewellery 

During the Renaissance, from the 14th and 17th century, jewellery became splendorous. New techniques meant gem cutters could carve diamonds and gems into facets. This brought increased sparkle and radiance to jewellery.  Our Cubic Zirconia Wedding Ring is a perfect example of the detailed designs they could create.

Precious metal settings featured intricate twists and twirls. These patterns echoed the fleur-de-lis, the royal lily symbol of the French Renaissance. Our fleur-de-lis drop earrings wouldn't look out of place during the Renaissance period.

Georgian Inspired Vintage Style Jewellery 

Period jewellery from King George’s time is known as Georgian. Pieces made between the 1700 to mid 1800’s were intricate and sparkling. Chandelier earrings, brooches, flowers and ribbon motifs were fashionable. Filigree, where precious metal strips were coaxed into lacy openwork, was a big trend.  Our Chandelier Drop Earrings can help you create the perfect vintage look. Brooches and earrings often featured tiny, hanging tassels, ribbons or baubles. Diamonds were the most popular gemstone of the time.  

Victorian Inspired Vintage Style Jewellery 

The Victorian era, named after Queen Victoria, began in 1837. It was divided into three periods: the Romantic Period, the Grand Period, and the Aesthetic Period.

Jewellery from Queen Victoria’s time is romantic and nature-inspired. Motifs like fruit, animals, hearts and flowers were common – as were lockets, which were often used to keep a lock of hair or a tiny portrait of a loved one. We have many Victorian style jewellery pieces but one of our favorites is our Floral Drop Earrings or maybe this Floral Band Ring set with emerald green and clear cubic zirconias.

Cameo brooches, pearls, turqoise, onyx and enamel jewellery was slightly more affordable, and therefore very popular at the time. Diamonds were not that prominent during the first two Victorian periods, but they came back in a big way during the final Aesthetic period. Late Victorian jewellery was often lavish, with ornate diamond cluster designs. Take a look at this Waterfall Necklace if you want to re-create the glamour of this era.  

Edwardian Inspired Vintage Style Jewellery 

King Edward began his reign in 1900. Jewellery styles were becoming increasingly intricate. French Belle Epoque jewellery, where pearl drops, diamond halos, intricate silver lace work and enamel on precious metals were used to create colourful butterflies and flowers, was all the rage. Coloured gems and diamonds, which had reappeared at the end of the Victorian era, were also very popular.

Some of our favourite antique inspired jewellery is from this period and our Silver and CItrine CZ Belle Epoque Earrings and Pendant as well as our ornate Sapphire CZ Earrings are very true to original antique pieces. 

Art Deco Inspired Vintage Style Jewellery 

The Art Deco era lasted from about 1920 to 1950. Jazz music, cocktail parties and a time of social change, the Art Deco period is famed for its high fashion and aesthetics that moulded one of history’s most iconic looks. Art Deco jewellery remains evermore desirable with geometric shapes and diamonds and gems set in minimalist lines. The designs are effortlessly classic, yet still feel modern. Diamond were used lavishly, but styled into strict geometric patterns. These Chandelier Earrings capture the style and feel perfectly.

Square and rectangular diamonds with princess and baguette cuts were now more popular than round or oval stones. Our Silver and Cubic Zirconia Bracelet is a perfect replica. 

The Perfect Gift  

Vintage, retro, antique – whatever you call it, it is very much in fashion from retro furnishings to vintage clothes to antique jewellery. The past continues to influence current fashion and trends.

And there is nothing more beautiful than the timeless and ageless style of vintage jewellery. But you don’t have to spend a fortune on the originals, with Cavendish French you can still create that wonderful eclectic and individual vintage look without having to spend a fortune and no-one will ever know the difference.

The charm and beauty of this museum jewellery is that there are designs suitable for every age and gift need. You can choose from beautiful Victorian earrings or pendant for your mum or grandmother or a fabulous geometric Art Deco piece for your best friend.

Vintage style Weddings are also very popular at the moment and our Vintage Silver Jewellery provides the perfect wedding Day jewellery, adding that elegant, understated and classic touch.