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70s Highland Park Moeller storefront.

Which Vintage Jewelry Era Are You? July 20, 2017 Ever feel like you were born in the wrong era? You’re not alone. The problem is, there are so many different eras…Victorian, Georgian, Retro, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco, Mid-century Modern! How are you supposed to know which era is right for you? Follow our flowchart to find the era you were meant to love.

Green rock strung dangle earrings.

Every Piece is Unique Almost all of the antique and vintage jewelry you’ll find at R.F. Moeller Jeweler was made by hand, which means each piece of jewelry is distinctly different from each and every other piece. And who doesn’t love owning something that’s totally unique? From time to time we stumble upon pieces that are similar but even in those cases, there are subtle distinguishing characteristics that set the …

Mid-Century Modern Era (Roughly 1945-1955) As you might imagine the Mid-Century Modern era took place in the middle of the 20th century, from roughly 1945 to 1955. After years of war, American’s felt their country return to normal. The era was not only a turning point for the country but a turning point for fashion and design as well. Hollywood Influence In the middle of the 20th century, Hollywood glitz …

Large vintage three-stone ring.

Retro Era (1940 – 1950) The start of the Retro era coincides with the beginning of WWII and the end of the great depression. Influences from the Art Deco era spilled over into Retro jewelry, but the hard lines and bold colors of Deco designs began to soften a bit. Gemstones were smaller and flower, bird, heart, and scroll motifs began to appear in Retro jewelry. Jewelry During the War …

Art Deco Bracelet

Art Deco Era (1920 – 1938) The Art Deco period began in the 1920’s and lasted through the late 1930’s. The era is punctuated by the end of WWI and start of WWII. With its bold designs and angular features, the jewelry from this era is still tremendously popular today. Big & Bold In contrast to ethereal styles of the past, Deco jewelry tends to be bold and structured. This …

Jeweler torching a piece of jewelry

Edwardian Era (1890-1915) If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, then you’ll be familiar with the Edwardian style of jewelry: the multi-strand chokers, the long strands, the tassels, the swags. The Edwardian era was a time of increasing prosperity, representing a visual and social break from the conservatism of the Victorian. Its name comes from England’s King Edward VII, who reigned from 1901-1910. Edward and his chic wife, Alexandra, were trendsetting before taking …

Art Nouveau (1890-1915) The Art Nouveau style is one of the most memorable and recognizable. Even if you don’t know the name of the style or the artists, you are probably familiar with the look from artworks of the time or even with specific pieces. Its name is French for “New Art,” and even now, a century or so later, it still seems quite modern-looking. As the name suggests, Art Nouveau grew up in …

Green jeweled Victorian era ring.

Victorian Era (1837 – 1901) It likely won’t come as a shock that the Victorian Era is named after Queen Victoria, who held the British throne from 1837 to 1901. Because of its length, the era is typically broken up into three periods: The Romantic Period (1837 to 1860) The High Victorian Period (1860 to 1885) The Late Victorian Period (1885 to 1901) Romantic period Victorian jewelry tends to be …

RF Moeller St Paul Storefront.

The Georgian Era (1714 – 1830…ish) If you get your hands on (or perhaps in?) some Georgian jewelry, consider yourself lucky – it’s pretty rare. One reason is just because it was made a long time ago. The Georgian era was named for the four kings of Great Britain whose reigns it encompasses: George I, George II, George III, and (you guessed it!) George IV, from 1714-1830. One more king, not …