TERMINOLOGY COMMONLY USED IN VINTAGE JEWELLERY

Vintage jewellery often comes with its own set of terminology. Here are some commonly used vintage jewellery terms:

1. **Art Deco:** Refers to a design style popular in the 1920s and 1930s characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and intricate patterns.

2. **Retro:** Refers to jewellery styles popular during the 1940s and early 1950s, often featuring bold, oversized designs, and influenced by Hollywood glamour.

3. **Victorian:** Refers to jewellery produced during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901), known for its romantic motifs, intricate designs, and use of gemstones like pearls and cameos.

4. **Edwardian:** Refers to jewellery made during the reign of King Edward VII (1901–1910), characterized by delicate, lacy designs, often featuring platinum and diamonds.

5. **Cameo:** A carved gemstone or shell featuring a raised relief design, popular during the Victorian era and often depicting portraits or scenes.

6. **Filigree:** Intricate metalwork made from fine wires twisted and soldered together to create delicate designs, commonly found in Art Deco and Edwardian jewellery.

7. **Pave:** A setting technique where small gemstones are set closely together and held in place by tiny beads or prongs, creating a surface that appears to be paved with gemstones.

8. **Enamel:** A decorative technique where powdered glass is fused to metal surfaces, often used to add color and detail to jewellery.

9. **Mourning Jewellery:** Jewellery worn to mourn the loss of a loved one, popular during the Victorian era and often featuring black enamel, jet, or hairwork.

10. **Sautoir:** A long necklace, often with a tassel or pendant, popular during the Art Deco era.

11. **Tennis Bracelet:** A flexible bracelet set with a continuous line of small, closely set gemstones, popularized during the Art Deco era.

12. **Millegrain:** A decorative technique where tiny beads or grains of metal are applied along the edges of jewellery settings, creating a delicate, lacy effect.