Largest Estate Jewelry Department in the RegionAt Freeman's you can find all kinds of one of a kind items dating back over 100 years, to a time when fine craftsmanship was expected and quality was as important as the design. Estate and antique jewelry is typically sold for much less than a newly made piece of jewelry of similar quality. The term "estate jewelry" simply means previously owned and does not specifically indicate the age of the item. "Antique jewelry" is a term used to refer to items that are 100 years old or older. Other terms commonly used in referring to estate jewelry are replica or reproductions, period jewelry and motif jewelry. A replica or reproduction item is newly made to duplicate an original item and may even include precious metal and stones. These are often a one of a kind item. Period jewelry are items made prior to 1949, but not old enough to be antique. Included in this category are Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Retro and Edwardian jewelry. Motif jewelry are newly made item that may remind you of an older style, but are not duplicates of an original. Dating jewelry according to style and craftsmanship Georgian (1790-1831) Period defined by the reigns of four King Georges of England. The themes most often dealt with nature. Common were leaves, trees, flowers and animals. Often stones were set into sterling with a high karat gold backing. Stone cutting and faceting was in its developmental stages. Paste, a lead glass imitation stone was commonly used as a substitute for genuine gemstones. Victorian (1837-1901) The reign of Queen Victoria was a diverse period. Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861 so black enamel and jet jewelry grew in importance, as Victoria remained in formal mourning until she died. Finely worked gold pieces, often with granulation work in lovely, intricate detail, underlying emphasis on sentiment, the motifs of hearts, flowers, animals, clasped hands and locks of hair, all playing important roles. Edwardian (1901-1915) The reign of King Edward VII brought a new romance defined by lightness and delicacy. Jewelry of the time had much filigree work, mostly set in platinum, much knife-edge metal work to add a lacy emphasis on white stones such as diamonds and pearls. Also common were demantoid garnets and amethyst. Art Nouveau (1895-1905) Flowing, sensual, unreal, asymmetrical lines, emphasis on women with sensuous bodies and long, undulating tresses, delicate color, often fine enamel work which, when held up to the light, is transparent. Art Deco (1920-1935) Hard, crisp, geometric patterns, bright color contrasts such as jade and onyx, coral and jet, rubies and emeralds, obsession with fun after horrors of World War I. Palm tree broaches, long rope style necklaces, obsession with speed and science: diamond greyhound pins, lightening bolts, rockets, etc. Retro (1940-49) Jewelry reflected the feelings of the war and post war era, and the emergence of the United States as the major world power. Large scrolls and bows were a common theme. Rose colored gold was the predominant feature. Aquamarine, amethyst, sapphire and especially rubies were featured. Post Retro (1950-1969) Explosion of the United States as the World's economic power. Jewelry of this period is highly diverse using all types of designs and stones. Reproductions of earlier periods become more prevalent during this period.
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