What is vintage jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Vintage jewellery is generally understood to mean pieces that are at least 20 to 30 years old but less than 100 years old, at which point they typically become antique. The term covers pieces from the Art Deco period through to the 1990s and is used for both fine jewellery and costume pieces. Vintage is also used loosely to describe any piece with an older aesthetic or sense of period, regardless of its actual age, though technically it refers to genuine age rather than style alone.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between vintage and antique jewellery?
- Antique jewellery is generally considered to be 100 years old or more, which currently means pieces made before around 1925. Vintage covers the gap between roughly 20 years old and 100 years old. Both categories describe genuine age, not just style.
- What eras are most popular for vintage jewellery?
- Art Deco pieces from the 1920s and 1930s are consistently in demand for their geometric elegance. Mid-century modern and Retro pieces from the 1940s and 1950s are also popular, as are pieces from the 1960s and 1970s for their bold, sculptural forms.
- Is vintage jewellery a good investment?
- Quality vintage pieces from desirable eras and makers do hold value well and often appreciate, particularly if they are by named designers or in perfect condition. Like any collectable, condition, rarity and provenance all influence what a piece will fetch.
Designing a ring
Talk through vintage jewellery with us
Tell us what you have in mind, even if it is only a budget and a piece of jewellery type, and we will help you weigh up the options. We reply to every enquiry, usually within one business day.
Contact the studio