Archive for the ‘Vintage Jewellery’ Category
What does the “Roaring Twenties” have in common with 2013?.
Independence and a strive to be different
The 1920s was the decade in which ladies fashion entered the modern era. Women abandoned the more restrictive fashions of past years and began to wear more comfortable fitting clothes such as short skirts and daring trousers. All though the change was slow to take off it was passionately embraced from 1925 onwards and this exploded into the famous “Roaring Twenties”. Which we see back for 2013.
Men were not ignored in these changes and they quickly abandoned the highly formal attire and started to bee seen wearing more athletic style clothing for the first time. The suits men wear today are still based, for the most part, on those worn in the late 1920s
In both 2007 and 2008 there was an massive attempt to bring back the 1920’s period, but it was very short lived and many blame this on over production of that style by the fast fashion stores.
However, fashion yet again is at a point where popular culture has been drawing on this era for inspiration and, as such it lingers on the fashion trend radar, led by the success of shows such as The Boardwalk Empire and forth coming film adaptation of The 2013 Great Gatsby movie, which will no doubt show a spike in the once well known designer era of “all that Jazz”.
This does however beg the question as to what guise the 1920’s fashion will take in 2013 will it present a repeat of what has been interpreted before or will it feel fresh but still on trend. Many ask what effect will it have on jewellery styles both in the engagement and wedding market and evening and day wear. I firmly believe that the 1920’s taught us that ladies ( and to a certain extent gents) did not want to be told what they should wear and how they should look, but strive to be different. The same could be said of the current era, in jewellery fashion this change started in 2012 when the popular solitaire ring was replaced by rings taking inspiration from the Edwardian and Victorian era
Moving into 2013 this will continue but with distinguishing attributes of the 1920’s era being added such as coloured gemstones like the gorgeous rubies, sapphires and emeralds, as well as amber, agate, onyx and lapis lazuli cut. Shapes will play a large part like triangles, pentagons, trapezoids, oblongs, or emerald cuts. Much like the architecture it was influenced by.
To discover more about these latest design trends why not get in touch
Creating your unique Vintage engagement ring
The most desirable aspect of moving away from the traditional solitaire ring and opting for a vintage style is a simple but effective one. There are no limits when creating your own unique design.
So how do you start?
Some choose to visit local antique stores or go to a more recognized area like Burlington arcade where you could be blown away by the styles on offer and the sparkle of the diamonds. The range is most often old cuts and tend to look a little tired in comparison to today’s modern cuts. I have even found the gemstones could fail to do it for you as they did for me.
But please don't despair and don't be put off because unless your looking for a second hand ring then your visit is not a wasted one, your there to view the style, the era and the design.
Another great place to look is your local library where you will be able to scour the books from the Edwardian and Victorian times. Or the internet for that specific idea and era, don’t forget to search historian sites not those that just sell, as you may well find the information to be incorrect.
Once you have done your research and have some images to play with you will then need to seek out a bespoke jeweller who can transform the ideas you have gathered and infuse them with a modern feel to create your own unique ring, now that’s exciting, right?
To give you an idea of what is possible I have included a sample image for you to view. I have taken a ring from the Edwardian times and created a more modern looking engagement ring, this particular ring was used by De Beers in their promotions for the millennium.
So everything is possible, the world is your oyster when it comes to the style you want to achieve. Your design, inspiration and creativity is just a phone call away, and all at a price that suits you.