A Guide to Vintage Jewelry Styles Through the Decades
Jewelry tells a story. When it comes to vintage jewelry, that story unfolds across centuries, styles, and sparkling moments in fashion history. This guide walks through the defining features of vintage jewelry styles from the Georgian era to the bold looks of the 1980s. Each period brings something unique to the table in materials, motifs, and craftsmanship. The best part? You can find many of these vintage jewelry styles (and more!) at ShopGoodwill.com.
Let’s take a look through the decades.
1. Georgian (1714–1837)
The Georgian period marked the beginning of jewelry as wearable art. Pieces from this era were entirely handmade, often with intricate metalwork that showcased incredible craftsmanship. It’s rare to stumble upon true Georgian jewelry, but when you do, you’ll notice old-world elegance that feels almost mythical.
Jewelry designs from this time often featured:
Natural motifs like leaves, flowers, and birds
Table-cut or rose-cut diamonds set in silver over gold
Closed-back settings to enhance the brilliance of gemstones
If you come across antique vintage jewelry with slightly irregular shapes or hand-cut stones, you might just be holding a piece of Georgian history!
2. Victorian (1837–1901)
Named after Queen Victoria, this era brought romance and sentimentality into jewelry design. As technology advanced, jewelry became more accessible, yet it still carried a sense of intimate storytelling. You’ll often find lockets, mourning jewelry, and rings that symbolize eternal love or remembrance.
Look for these common features in Victorian-era jewelry:
Gold as the primary metal, often with intricate engraving
Symbolic motifs like hearts, snakes, and flowers
Pearls, garnets, and turquoise stones were especially popular
Victorian jewelry styles evolved throughout the years, from the early Romantic Period to the later Grand and Aesthetic Periods. Each one left behind beautiful artifacts that remain beloved today.
3. Art Nouveau (1890–1910)
If you love dreamy, nature-inspired jewelry with a touch of whimsy, Art Nouveau is your era. Flowing lines, ethereal women, and a tribute to mythology defined this short but magical period. The emphasis was on artistry over material value, meaning you’ll often find gold-plated metals and semi-precious stones used in imaginative ways.
Art Nouveau jewelry pieces often include:
Soft, organic shapes and asymmetry
Delicate enamel work, especially in pastel tones
Nature and fantasy motifs like dragonflies, lilies, and fairies
These designs remain sought-after for their sheer originality. A single Art Nouveau necklace or brooch can bring an entire outfit to life!
4. Edwardian (1901–1915)
As the 20th century dawned, jewelry took on an air of sophistication and grace. The Edwardian era is all about elegance— light, lacy metalwork, platinum settings, and an overall sense of sophistication. This was the age of luxury, and it shows in the level of craftsmanship.
Edwardian jewelry styles include:
Use of platinum, a new metal at the time, allowing for intricate filigree
White-on-white designs with diamonds and pearls
Feminine motifs like bows, garlands, and lace
The soft sparkle and airy design of Edwardian pieces make them timeless. They’re a favorite among those searching for a vintage engagement ring with classic charm.
5. Art Deco (1920s–1930s)
Welcome to bold geometry, strong symmetry, and statement-making glamour. Art Deco jewelry is unmistakable, with its sharp lines, striking contrast, and obsession with innovation. This period followed the extravagance of the roaring twenties, and you can see that sense of freedom and rebellion in every detail.
Keep your eye out for these vintage jewelry hallmark features:
Geometric shapes and symmetrical patterns
White gold or platinum with diamonds and sapphires
Dramatic color contrasts and bold enamel work
Art Deco jewelry designs are still among the most popular vintage styles today. Whether you're hunting for a cocktail ring or a flapper-era necklace, the Art Deco look always turns heads.
6. Retro (1940s–1950s)
The Retro era wasn’t shy about making an entrance. After the restraint of wartime, jewelry design in the 1940s and 1950s leaned bold, dramatic, and unapologetically glamorous. Oversized cocktail rings, voluminous bows, and dramatic scrolls were all the rage, often crafted in warm-toned golds like rose and yellow. While diamonds were still popular, colored gemstones like rubies and sapphires took center stage in many statement pieces.
Common features of Retro jewelry styles include:
Bold, three-dimensional designs
Large cocktail rings set with semi-precious stones
Synthetic rubies and sapphires (due to wartime limitations on natural stones)
Use of rose gold and two-tone metals
If you spot vintage jewelry with sweeping curves, ribbon-like motifs, or large center stones set high in gold, you may just be holding a Retro treasure.
7. Mid-Century Modern (1950s–1960s)
By the 1950s and into the '60s, jewelry design began to echo the sleekness of modern architecture and industrial innovation. Mid-century modern jewelry embraced clean lines, geometric forms, and minimalism while still playing with luxury. Platinum and white gold became popular again, as did diamonds and pearls, which added a sense of timeless elegance to this otherwise conservative style.
Mid-century jewelry pieces often featured:
Simple, sculptural shapes
Cluster settings of diamonds or pearls
White metal tones like platinum or white gold
Repetition of symmetrical forms
This era was all about refined craftsmanship and subtle sparkle. Jewelry designs from this time remain some of the most wearable for modern fashion lovers looking to blend past and present.
8. Bohemian & Hippie (1960s–1970s)
As counterculture movements bloomed, so did self-expression through jewelry. The Bohemian and Hippie era of the 1960s and '70s introduced a wave of handmade, natural, and globally inspired pieces that broke free from tradition. Materials mattered more than ever. Think of natural gemstones, wood, beads, leather, and mixed metals.
Popular jewelry styles from this period include:
Long beaded necklaces and layered chains
Earth-toned stones like turquoise and amber
Peace signs, flowers, and other iconic motifs
Macramé and braided leather bracelets
This time in jewelry history celebrated individuality, authenticity, and a connection to nature, all of which still resonate with vintage lovers and sustainable shoppers today.
9. 1980s Statement Jewelry
The '80s brought the drama. Bigger was better, and that applied to jewelry too. This era is famous for its oversized earrings, chunky gold chains, bold bangles, and eye-catching colors. Plastic and enamel materials were widely used, and fake it-til-you-make-it fashion was in. These include costume pieces styled to look luxe. In some cases, these pieces of vintage costume jewelry are worth money.
Jewelry pieces from the '80s often include:
Oversized hoop and geometric earrings
Bold color contrasts and neon accents
Chunky bracelets, rings, and chain-link necklaces
Gold-tone metals and crystal embellishments
For vintage jewelry fans, '80s pieces are an absolute treasure trove of personality. They add instant flair to any outfit and often reflect key fashion trends that have come full circle in today’s jewelry designs.
Explore Decades of Vintage Style at ShopGoodwill.com
Whether you're just beginning your vintage jewelry journey or you’re a seasoned collector on the hunt for rare jewelry pieces, there's no better place to start than ShopGoodwill.com. Our online thrift store has an ever-changing collection of listings that spans decades of style, from delicate Georgian rings to bold '80s earrings, offering a curated look into jewelry history.
Plus, each purchase supports community-based programs that empower people and reduce waste, so your hunt for vintage jewelry becomes part of a greater good. Whether you’re searching for antique jewelry with real value or simply love the thrill of finding that perfect piece, ShopGoodwill.com brings history, sustainability, and personal style together in one place.
So go ahead, explore the eras, identify your favorites, and let your jewelry collection tell your story, one vintage find at a time.