Vintage jewelry is a popular field of collecting today. Even movie stars are wearing vintage and vintage look pieces to high profile award shows like the Emmy`s. Manufacturers have picked up on the interest and are turning out similar styles. The internet has bought dealer and collector closer together and hundreds of shops have sprung up on the world wide web.

Most women have one or two pieces of heirloom jewelry. Something tucked away in a drawer or jewelry box which was their Mother`s, Grandmother`s or an Aunt. Not all of it has monetary value but most has sentimental value. So how do you know if you have something desirable? Condition is very important. Wear can lower value considerably. The age, quality and rarity of a piece is also very important.

Victorian (circa 1840-1910) : These are the true antiques. Nearly everything in good condition has value. In the 19th century new inventions for pin making, die stamping and electro-plating made jewelry more affordable to the growing middle class. Even machine made Victorian jewelry shows the finishing work of a craftsman and costume jewelry was made to look like the real thing. A hallmark of Victorian jewelry is it`s incredible detail and obviously old findings. Chains, cameo`s, dark mourning jewelry and pieces in gold and gold-filled are common.

Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Edwardian (c1890-1920): These styles were produced simultaneous with the Victorian style which continued up until about 1910. Arts and Crafts jewelry is hand wrought often of silver and semi-precious stones used en cabochon. This movement sprung up in stark contrast to the more mass produced, machine made decorative objects of the day. Art Nouveau designers utilized stylized nature motifs and images of women in a way which was totally new and fresh. Edwardian jewelry has beautifully delicate and ornate openwork set with white stones or pearls.

Art Deco (c1920-30`s): It was during the deco period that costume jewelry came into it`s own and was more widely accepted. The Art Deco style is famous for it`s symmetry and geometrical motifs. Other styles were also worn with filigree and Czechoslovakian jewelry among the most popular today. Czech jewelry has ornate brass settings and beautiful faceted glass. Filigree has intricate white metal pierced work set with camphor glass and faceted glass in many colors.

Retro(c1935-1950): A style which used Victorian and Nouveau motifs sometimes with a heavier, machine done look.

Rhinestones (c1945-1960): The rhinestone came to the forefront during this time. Many pieces were made with minimal settings showcasing the designs made in rhinestones and "art" glass. Important companies like Eisenberg, Trifari, Weiss and Coro are collected today.

Throughout the decades of the 20th century plastics, figurals and Victorian Revival styles also continued to be made and worn. Bakelite plastics and figurals like "Jelly Bellies" are among those sought after today.

The women before us have left a legacy in their personal adornments. They can tell us alot about our predecessors and the changing times they lived in. With proper care they will last to speak to future generations!