Vintage jewelry can elevate everyday attire or make a statement at formal events. The selection at Quidam de Revel includes eclectic creations amassed over 20 years.
The distinction between a Lavalier and a Pendant can be difficult to keep straight. The main difference is that pendants haven’t always hung on bales; they were once permanently attached to the base necklace.
Pendants
Vintage pendant necklaces are a beautiful way to accent any outfit. They can be dainty and delicate or bold and glamorous. They come in many different styles from the art nouveau era to the 1950s.
If you have inherited Grandma’s vintage jewelry box, it may surprise you to find that there are some really valuable pieces. You just need to know how to identify real vintage from costume jewelry.
The first thing to look for is the metal type. Generally, real vintage jewelry is made with gold or silver. This is also true of antique pieces. If you are unsure, look for the hallmark on the piece. This indicates the metal type and can sometimes even indicate the designer.
You should also check for the clasp style. Real vintage jewelry will usually have ring or box clasps. Costume vintage jewelry, on the other hand, will often have snap clips. This can help you determine the value of your jewelry.
Necklaces
Vintage necklaces run the gamut when it comes to design styles. Whether it is dainty and delicate or glamorous and luxurious, the vintage jewelry specialists at Roman Malakov can help you find a necklace that suits your taste.
A Festoon necklace is a multi-strand necklace that consists of different lengths of chains that come together at the center. It can also be a multiple pendant piece with a cluster or drop of stones or pearls. It differs from a Lavalier which has one stone or plaque.
Torsade or Bayadere is a twisted multi-strand necklace. It can be made of pearls or any beads. Unlike the bib necklace a twisted multi-strand does not untwist.
A lariat is a long variation on a chain necklace that does not have a clasp and can be draped several times around the neck. It can have loops, tassels or fringe on each end. A book chain necklace has engraved rectangular links that look like little books and was popular in the Victorian era.
Earrings
A chain necklace that has beads, gemstones or other objects strung together and dangling from the chain. They can be small to very large. Sometimes they are even braided. This type of jewelry was worn by flappers.
A necklace that has a series of dangling beads or stones in the form of a circle. This style of necklace is called a bib or collar. It is a popular style that is often worn over a shirt or blouse.
This beautiful vintage necklace is a classic! The green swirl cloisonne arch with natural rich vibrant green jadeite is topped with white marquise cut diamonds that appear to float over the jade. It is a statement piece that is perfect for your next special event or night out on the town.
Bracelets
A vintage bracelet can really add a touch of class and sophistication to your look. The design styles range from simple to elaborate and they all display a level of elegance that can’t be found in any other bracelet style.
When you think of a bangle you usually think of a closed circle rigid bracelet that is worn around your wrist like the first three photos in this section but the word ‘bangle’ can actually be used to describe any type of bracelet that is not a cuff. That includes open circles, split rings, hinged and clasped bracelets.
When jewelry making companies were rationed for World War II it forced them to use different materials. Bakelite and lucite became very popular. Some bangles were made out of recycled airplane parts and even discarded wood. The designs were bold enough to match the optimism of this post war era. Jewelry designers were challenged in ways they never had been before.
