Admit it, you love vintage jewellery trends, but you also want to pull them off well. You aren’t sure what’s in style – and that’s fine. If you like it, flaunt it. However, if you’re new to the scene and want to get the basic idea of what’s coming back in style, here’s a list we made for you to check out.

1. Art Deco Style

The art deco trend started u in the mid-20s after the World’s Fair in Paris. Art Deco – or more formally known as Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts) is known for being showy and ostantacious. As many history buffs know, this was due to the fact that everyone had money during the Roaring 20s. Common traits for this vintage jewellery trend include geometric shapes, filigree cuts, and most importantly, eye-catching sparkles.

If it isn’t eye-catching, it isn’t art deco.

2. Pearls

This vintage jewellery trend has been coming back in style every few years. It never fully goes away, and thus needs its own heading.

Nothing is more classic than a pearl. Throughout history, it has always been a symbol of luxory and elegance. Often times, when seen in films or television, pearls are used to show off how rich someone is. Why? Who knows. It is worth noting that pearls are the only gemstone to come from a living organism. It’s made up of calcium buildup – that alone adds to the level of extravagence.

The best way to tell vintage pearls from synthetic is by shape. If pearls are perfectly smooth, chances are they’re not real. Real pearls are uneven, and often look more like ovals than circles.

3. Pave

As we’ve explained in the past, a pave setting is basically a cluster of melee diamonds. It’s a pattern that’s been around for centuries, and often used in brooch, earrings, and rings. A lot of the older jewellery uses this style to accentuate flower, heart, and animal motifs.  Some argue that the look is tacky because of it’s use in costume jewellery, but there’s something classy to be said about pave.

4. Floral Motifs

Whether it’s done in marcasite or a pave setting, flowers is one of the vintage jewellery trends we can definetly get behind. There’s nothing more classic than a flower brooch or earring, especially during the spring and summer months. Now, when it comes the the vintage side of things, these flowers are usually more on the realistic side. They resemble real species or are depicted in baskets, attatched to sun hats, or wrapped in a ribbon.

5. Bows

Yes, tons of little kids wear bows, but we’re thinking of a different style than ribbons or hairclips.

Bows were very popular in the Gregorian Era. They were usually big fancy and fluffy looking brooches. These were often found in pave or marcasite styles worn by women. The reason this is one of the vintage jewellery trends we enjoy is because of how it accents an outfit. It helps to add something both whimsical and elegant to whatever you’re wearing.

6. Poison Rings

This 16rth Century item is popular among certain sub-cultures, but let’s face it – poison rings are way too cool not to wear. Poison rings weren’t restricted to poison. Through history people have carried pills, purfume, and messages among other things.

Poison rings are one of the vintage jewellery trends that have had a huge impact on society, even to this day. Believe it or not, in Italy there is the saying “versare alla traditora“, meaning “traitor’s way pouring.” It refers to someone pouring a drink for someone else while holding a bottle in a way to allow for something to fall out of a poison ring. Mind you, that’s not why we want it to come back – we just like the style of these rings.

7. Big Gemstones

How can you write a vintage fashion blog post without mentioning big gemstones? We’re talking amethyst, turqouise – you name it! Of all the vintage jewellery trends, big gemstones is one that won’t be going away any time soon. Quite frankly, it’s one we wouldn’t mind becoming a modern trend, either. We’re looking forward to seeing more black onyx, opal, and amethyst – but who doesn’t love a good gemstone?

8. Collar Necklace

Similar to chokers, collar necklaces (or dog collars to some) are fairly short. They sit close to the neck right on the collarbone just like, well, a collar.

Considering that the majority of people who wore these kinds of necklaces were royalty, they’re often found in more elaborate designs. Fancy lace, diamonds, and certain gemstones were the most popular during the Gregorian and Victorian eras. Since many of the trends from around this era are coming back, who’s to say that big, elaborate necklaces like these won’t, either? We hope to see some soon!

9. Brooch

When it comes to jewellery, nothing says “vintage” like brooches! In almost every period piece or classic film, well-off women can be seen sporting brooches. Many of them were made of marcasite or decorated with pave settings. Depending on the era, they depict different motifs like flowers or animals. However, modern brooches are much more diverse. Novelty commas and elegant Trees of Life can be found for sale, allowing people to express themselves in more contemporary ways.

10. Faces

This is by far one of our most favourite jewellery trends. Faces are making a comeback, and we’re more than happy to embrace them! Back then faces were usually cherubs or religious figures. Now they’re more contemporaty art-deco minimalist designs. You can still find old-school portrait-like jewellery, but frankly, both work well.

11. Beads

Have beads ever not been in fashion?

12. Lockets

This is one of those vintage jewellery trends that we hold very near and dear to us. Nothing says “classic” like a locket. Delicatly engraved, covered with crazy enamel patterns – whatever the case may be, we’re hoping lockets never leave.

13. Fruit

Food has become very popular in recent years, but it’s really nothing new. Fruit has inspired jewellery for years – a quick Google search will show you that. There are single fruits on necklaces, bunches of fruits on earrings – you name it!

14. Charm Bracelets

Who doesn’t like a good charm bracelet? Clearly there’s enough of a demand if the trend is making a return. Typically these bracelets were made with a curb or link chain and the charms were n’t interchangable. Some are dainty and delicate, but some are heavy enough to slow people down. Either way, we’re completly on this bandwagon.

15. Cameo Jewellery

Cameo jewellery is one of those vintage fashion trends that people either love or hate – there’s no inbetween. We aren’t sure what exactly it is about the trend that people love or hate so much, but it’s quite interesting to look at. These historic peices were usually made of a stone like glass or coral during the Victorian era, but now they’re made of whatever material the creator finds best suiting the piece.

Did we forget any? Are there some you disagree with? Comment and let us know.