Vintage necklaces is a classic accessory that elevates a range of looks. From bold pendants to layered rivieres, there’s something for everyone.
When shopping for vintage jewelry, consider the seller’s history and customer reviews. Look for a reputation of providing quality pieces and prompt service. A good jeweler will also be sensitive to environmental concerns by minimizing unnecessary mining and manufacturing.
1. Pendant Necklaces
Pendants create a stunning feature around the neck and can transform your look as a whole. The classic choice is a simple chain and pendant but it’s also very popular to layer multiple chains together for a more unique look.
A riviere necklace is a short style (typically 14 to 16 inches) simply strung with a line of faceted rhinestones or gemstones often graduating in size and originally set in closed-back settings. The design was especially fashionable in the 1920’s.
Other pendant styles include cameos, intaglios, medallions and picture pendants. These often have a more symbolic or meaningful aspect such as representing a loved one or a personal logo. These can be quite simple and elegant or more ornate and crafted with details. They can also be engraved.
2. Chokers
Chokers are a close fitting neck adornment that can be very tight or slightly loose around the collar bone. They can be made of metal, beads, leather or latex.
A fringed choker is one that has some type of fringe attached to the front of the necklace. The fringe can be all the same length or it can be graduated.
The Riviere choker is another very short necklace that resembles a river of gems or rhinestones flowing gracefully around the neck. It is also referred to as a bib choker.
This style was popularized by Alexandra of Denmark when she ascended to the throne as Queen Victoria’s successor. At that time, the British were still a little sore from winning a war and having on-and-off military skirmishes with France.
Read also Is it Okay to Wear Bridesmaid Dresses to Prom?
3. Lavaliers
The lavalier first appeared around the 17th century and was named for Duchesse de La Valliere, mistress of Louis XIV. The necklace became very popular in the 1800s and would continue on into the Edwardian era. Some credit French actress Eve Lavalliere with further promoting the style of necklace from which she took her stage name. During the Art Deco period, lavalier necklaces became bolder and longer.
Today lavalier necklaces are most often seen worn by college students. When a male partner presents his female love interest with a lavalier medallion featuring the group’s Greek letters, it is known as lavaliering and signifies a long-term commitment similar to an engagement. It also gives the woman honorary membership into the fraternity. Lavaliers come in many styles and can be very dressy.
4. Festoons
A festoon necklace is a style that has drapes and swags of chain, beads or metal bindings. It resembles the decorative kind of garland you find in traditional architecture and it was very popular during the Georgian period and carried into the Victorian era.
Flapper necklaces were all the rage pre-WWII. These were long pearl or bead necklaces including Sautoirs, Lariats, and Multi-strand chains and they could be over 50, 60 and even 80 inches long!
It is important to familiarize yourself with the differences in jewelry construction techniques over time so that you can recognize vintage pieces. Thick rhodium plating, prong set stones and spring ring or hook clasps are all good indicators of quality and vintage craftsmanship. Check out your local pawn shops for the best deals on antique jewelry.
5. Brooches
Originally, brooches and pins were not conceived of as jewelry but rather functional pieces that secured clothes, such as cloaks. These long pins, initially made out of flint and thorns, later took on a more decorative design, becoming opulent status symbols.
In the Victorian Era, brooches were used as mourning pins, featuring small painted portraits of deceased loved ones encased in a setting. Today, brooches are bringing their regal flair back into fashion and red carpets, adorning the necklines, collars, and hats of both men and women.
Look for antique brooches that feature gem flower designs, whimsical animals, and classic cameos. You’ll also find vintage pearl pins and hat clips that add a touch of glamour to any outfit. Choose to wear a single brooch or group several together for an effect.
