Vintage Designs in Diamond Jewelry

Vintage and antique styling of diamond jewelry is one of the hottest trends among the rich and famous, and a new designer is bringing the look to London this year. Gemologist Arabelle Morgan has created an entire line of uniquely styled fine jewels for modern influence on classic pieces and stones.

Cocktail rings are the largest influence in Morgan’s designs, boasting trendy large stones and bright colors. Feminine pieces whisper of vintage and Victorian Era. Her newest pieces feature diamonds combined with pearls and semi-precious stones in brooches, necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings.

White and yellow gold serve as the canvasses displaying pavé diamonds and studded chains. Cuts like kite, pear and rose are also combined with various colored metals and stones. One of her new key pieces is a large cocktail-like ring holding a 69 carat amethyst, set in white gold and bordered by pavé diamonds.

Another high-end line of diamond jewelry designs unveiled recently features the latest trend of using raw and uncut diamonds as centerpieces. Mixing the raw diamonds with colored gemstones and rare, colored diamonds creates a three-dimensional, colorful work of art. Open settings are commonly claimed the best way to set off a rough diamond, as it makes the jewel reflect more light, and the piece lighter to wear. Rough diamonds are commonly referred to as “antique diamonds” due to their varying color and vintage look.

Any piece that features a rough diamond is completely unique, as no two uncut stones are alike. They are set in jewelry pieces untouched, displayed just as they are in nature. The upcoming wedding season is expected to have a profound effect on the market for these pieces, subsequently increasing the demand and design lines available to the public.

Designer Rohit Bal recently launched The Lotus Collection. The line is so named due to its inspiration from the lotus flower. Many pieces reflect a floral influence, crafted of high-quality diamonds. White and colored diamonds, combined with colored gemstones, Conch pearls and Italian corals reflect a natural feel and color scheme. Each piece is handcrafted by an Italian jewelry maker, thus increasing the worth of the organic designs.

The organic look of a raw diamond helps to create the look of vintage jewels. Many celebrities have been seen wearing them in pieces paired with colored, fancy cut diamonds for a striking look. They may also be paired with other stones like pearls to create a more casual piece for everyday wear.

Historically, vintage jewelry has boasted intricate engravings and filigree moldings for years. Era-specific basket settings are used in modern bridal sets, attempting to capture the genuine feel of an old stone. Periods of vintage jewelry design include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro.

Jewelry from the Georgian era was often handmade and extremely valuable. Each piece was truly original, as no two pieces were alike. This era’s pieces are extremely rare. Modern designers borrow the nature-inspired floral and leaf designs from Georgian jewelry.

Early Victorian jewels were encrusted in brooches and pendants, and brought the styling of the locket to mainstream wear. Etched gold and floral designs were also popular then, but the women of that time wore their diamonds only in the evening.

Heavy and dark stones are the hallmark centerpiece of a Mid-Victorian piece. Today’s black and chocolate diamonds reflect the style that mourned the death of Queen Victoria‘s husband. Colored stones and flamboyant designs originally surfaced during this time as well.

Late Victorian jewelry utilized star and crescent carvings and designs. Colored stones were combined with diamonds for the first time during these times.

Raw stones were first used during the Arts and Crafts period, from 1894-1923. Many designers rebelled against the Industrial Revolution during this time, reverting to handmade methods once again.

The Art Nouveau period brought us more natural designs featuring butterflies and flowers from 1895-1915. This style is first credited to Frenchman Rene Jules Lalique.

From 1901-1910, Edwardian jewelry exploded with large and elaborate fashions. When King Edward succeeded his mother, Queen Victoria, colorful gems and expensive diamonds influenced the styles of jewelry worn.

Art Deco jewelry, made from 1920 to 1935, boasts geometric shapes, hard and edgy lines, and bright colors. Bracelets were quite commonly stacked during this time, paving the way for the modern cuff bracelet and trend of stacking bangles.

Retro jewelry, inspired by Hollywood starlets, reigned in the 1940s and today. These designs are extremely colorful and bold. Evidence of large cocktail rings and elaborate earrings, watches, bracelets and necklaces whisper in today’s Hollywood baubles.

The “vintage” jewelry touted today by the world’s rich and famous is a culmination of previous eras and modern influence. Increasing popularity of the style with celebrities guarantees an influx of choices for the rest of us in the very near future.

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