Vintage Style Bracelets
Whether you are seeking the perfect gift, basking in self-indulgence, hoping to enhance your collection, or simply accessorizing, you will find that there is a vintage bracelet to satisfy your desires. The only problem that you may encounter is making a decision. Vintage bracelets are available from hundreds of vendors displaying their wares anywhere from E-bay to 5th Avenue. A wide variety of materials, styles, designers, and prices, make your selection virtually limitless. Whether you choose a $49 used vintage silver bracelet or a $5000 Cartier 22K gold vintage tennis bracelet, you will find that shopping for vintage bracelets transports you back to the classic eras of the past.
Although the large selection of vintage bracelets available makes it easier for you to find just what you are looking for, it should also make you wary about getting the appropriate value for your purchase price. Particularly if you are shopping online, be sure to read the vendor’s return policy and any feedback offered by previous buyers. Since you will be limited to seeing a photo of the bracelet, the return policy is doubly important should you be dissatisfied with your purchase once you have received the bracelet and are able to try it on.
Buying vintage jewelry can be addicting, and if your casual purchase of a vintage watch bracelet becomes an initiation into the world of serious collecting, you will realize that many dealers use the term “vintage” rather loosely. For example, a vintage diamond bracelet may be advertised as “vintage estate” but would not necessarily have come from an estate. Rather, the term “estate” should refer to the fact that the item was previously owned. Calling an item “vintage” simply means that it comes from a particular historical period, and each of these periods is characterized by its own particular style, not only in jewelry but in art, literature, architecture, and music as well.
Vintage bracelets from the Georgian period (1714-1837) are truly antiques and difficult to acquire because of their rarity. It was an age of respect for the richness of the natural world, and a typical vintage silver bracelet might feature leaves or birds decorated with precious gems. The Victorian era spans the years of Queen Victoria’s reign, 1837 until her death in 1901, but subtle differences can be seen in artistic expression during the early, middle, and late periods of that era. The Early Victorian period retained the Georgian period’s homage to nature but simplified its expression. A vintage gold bracelet from this era might be etched with vines or clumps of grapes. The Mid-Victorian period was marked by the untimely death of the queen’s husband, Prince Albert. A vintage bracelet from this period of mourning would probably display heavy, dark stones such as onyx or jet. By the Late Victorian period at the turn of the century, bracelet designs had become much more ornate, featuring brightly colored gemstones and later, during King Edward’s reign (1901-1915), becoming quite expensive. A vintage diamond bracelet could easily come from this era. Art Deco is the style attributed to the period between the World Wars (1915-1935) and is characterized by geometric designs reflecting the growth of the industrial world. Estate jewelry, which was introduced by Hollywood and features showy bangles and large stones, is currently enjoying great popularity and has come to be synonymous with the Retro period, commonly designated as 1940-1970. A vintage charm bracelet from the 1950’s would typify this period. Besides satisfying your aesthetic appetite, shopping for vintage bracelets can also offer an interesting glimpse into the past.
Vintage Bracelets Silver
In today’s world, vintage glamour has reached a point that ensures everyone desires to have several vintage items on hand to compliment their wardrobe. Vintage jewelry is particularly popular now, and some of the most fashionable vintage items that could enhance any attire are the classic and timeless vintage silver bracelets.
As time marches steadily onward, the value of antique jewelry soars ever upward, and a vintage silver bracelet. Will hold its value very well, and, indeed, increase in value over time. A quality piece of antique silver, such as a bracelet, will not only be an asset to one’s wardrobe, it will also be financially valuable. Because they hold their value so well, a great piece of jewelry may cost more than a typical contemporary piece, but if cared for, its value will continue to appreciate as time goes by.
Charm bracelets are very popular for both young and old alike. A nice vintage silver charm bracelet is a great fashion accessory that will make a bold statement and showcase one’s exquisite sense of taste. These charm bracelets have many different colors available as the charms on them can be made of different gemstones or materials.
Antique sterling silver bracelets are considered treasured finds because of the quality of craftsmanship and design for this type of vintage jewelry. There are specialty stores that offer antique silver bracelets but the price can be a bit steep. Many of the most rare and exquisite designs are found online but you have to make sure that you are buying the real thing before you pay for it. Check the credentials of the seller to be sure that they are honest businesspeople selling an authentic product. Make sure that there are clear, detailed pictures of the item as well as a detailed description. People can still find bargains on vintage silver jewelry if they know where and how to shop for these items. Flea markets, estate sales, garage sales and online auctions are some popular places to look if a person wants to find a nice vintage piece of jewelry for a good price.
One of the reasons why people are enamored of vintage silver jewelry is that such pieces are considered “timeless”. This means that the design is not a fad and does not change from season to season. It is traditional, enduring, and an investment in good taste and solid value. Vintage silver bracelets may be considered the little black dress of jewelry, a classic that every woman needs to have in her possession for those times when nothing but the real thing will do.
Vintage Bakelite Bracelet
Anyone who has ever worn a vintage Bakelite bracelet knows the smooth, natural feel of wearing these pieces of jewelry, and will realize that they have found something special. A piece of polished Bakelite jewelry has distinct marbled colors in shades of ivory and many other hints of color throughout the entire piece. The unique colors and numerous geometric shapes used in these pieces have attracted many collectors throughout time. Vintage Bakelite jewelry is bought and sold, as well as worn by collectors all over the world.
Bakelite was the first synthetic plastic that was created by inventor Leo Baekeland in the early 1900’s. In the 1930’s, it was used primarily for kitchen utensils. With its innate ability to hold bright and vibrant colors, it was a perfect retro fit for that era. Some of the more common Bakelite kitchenware pieces, with which some people may be familiar, are the cutlery sets with bright handles in a multitude of colors. The jewelry industry quickly stepped in and began using this beautiful innovation in the production of fantastic Bakelite bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry pieces.
Vintage Bakelite can be found online from auction sites, Bakelite jewelry companies, and private collectors. Some of the wider band, intricately carved, vintage Bakelite bracelets can for sell over $700. The original Butterscotch and Philadelphia bracelets generally command high prices. Many of the thinner bracelets are about a half an inch wide and are easily recognizable and contain marbled orange, green, or yellow coloration with inlaid dots. These bracelets can sell for approximately $500-$600. Some of the other vintage bracelets include colorful bangles that are created in marbled earth tones and can sell for $150 or more. Combining a number of these bracelets together can make beautiful color combinations and the distinctive clicking noise that they make is very identifiable as belonging to Bakelite vintage jewelry.
Many companies attempt to imitate the colors and unique 1930’s retro look and feel of vintage Bakelite. If you are considering starting your own collection, you may want to make sure that you only buy from reputable dealers.
Though bracelets are one of the most popular pieces created with Bakelite, there are other Bakelite jewelry items including carved pins, hair barrettes, earrings, and necklaces. You can begin your collection, or add to it, by purchasing a vintage Bakelite bracelet at a flea market, estate sale, garage sale, or from any number of online vendors.
Vintage Charm Bracelet
If you love the look of old world fashion, you may want to purchase a vintage charm bracelet. These fashionable, attractive, and versatile bracelets can come in several different styles. One can opt to purchase a charm bracelet made of chain link metals like silver or gold. They are also available as single or double rope styles. The best part about vintage charm bracelets is that the offer a person the opportunity to choose the charms that they may want to display on it. A person can choose charms that reflect the types of hobbies or activities that they enjoy, or else look for charms that reflect their personality. Every vintage bracelet that is adorned with personally chosen charms becomes unique to that owner.
You can purchase a vintage sterling silver charm bracelet. These silver bracelets are more rare than the traditional gold ones are, so if you are looking for something that is unique, you may want to consider a charm bracelet made of sterling silver, rather than gold. You can also find vintage silver charm bracelets with or without charms already attached. If you want to choose your own vintage silver charms for the bracelet, you can certainly do that as well.
A well designed vintage bracelet is the perfect accessory piece for any style of evening wear, or casual wear. You can create your own look and wear the bracelet with a pair of comfortable jeans and a casual top. If you really want to give someone a special gift, the various antique charm bracelets that are available would be ideal. They are both elegant and charming and will look great with many different styles of apparel. You can also get gemstone charms if you want to give the gift as a birthday present or to create a perfect gift for a Mother’s Day present.
The appeal of the vintage charm bracelet is obvious for women of all ages. You can give the bracelet as a special holiday gift to a young girl complete with charms that represent the various activities and passions in her life. A vintage charm bracelet makes an ideal gift to give to another person, or yourself!
Vintage Diamond Bracelet
If you have a special woman in your life and you want a unique gift to give her, you can give her a vintage diamond bracelet. The sparkle of diamonds is always a treat to receive in a well crafted piece of jewelry. Giving the gift of diamond jewelry lets a woman know how special she is to you. You can choose several different styles of bracelets available that are set with diamonds. If the woman you are shopping for likes elegantly styled jewelry then you will want to look at the types of antique diamond bracelets that are available.
If the woman’s taste in accessories is more trendy and chic, you can also find styles of diamond bangle bracelets. These bracelets are the perfect accessory piece to wear for a night out clubbing. They go well with a pair of hoop earrings and a short skirt or dress to complete a hip and chic look. If your lady or girlfriend likes the very unusual or original styles then you can give her the art deco diamond bracelet. It is a very nostalgic piece designed for someone who truly has his or her own individual style.
The vintage diamond bracelets also make a nice Valentine’s Day gift. You can have them specially wrapped with your own personal sentiment written on a card to express how much you care. A diamond bracelet is the perfect piece of jewelry to wear for any special occasion. It can be worn for a night out to dinner or to the opera. There are many different designs that can fit with whatever style of clothing the woman prefers to wear.
The vintage diamond bracelet is also available in silver or gold. You can also choose between the different numbers of diamonds the bracelet comes set with. The more diamonds the piece has in it, the more expensive it will be, so if you are on a budget you will want to choose a simpler style for your gift.
Gold Vintage Bracelets
Donning a vintage gold bracelet is a simple and understated way of making an elegant statement, no matter what your attire. This is a very versatile piece of jewelry that will go as well with casual couture as it will with formal wear. No matter the style a person prefers, there will be many selections from which they can choose, from simple and elegant to broad, elaborately carved or decorated bracelets, and many styles in between. Vintage gold bracelets are always in vogue due to their timelessness and classic appeal.
Opt for Authentic or Inexpensive?
There are a staggering number of vintage gold bracelets and vintage gold bracelet knock-offs on the market, today. Whether a person opts for the real deal and purchases a genuine authentic piece, or a quality replica of a vintage bracelet, price, quality and appeal are factors to consider. However, an important aspect to take into consideration is the quality. You may be fortunate to get a few years worth of wear out of a knock-off piece that is actually a poorly constructed replica of vintage jewelry. Authentic vintage gold jewelry, on the other hand, will be able to be passed down for generations to come. Additionally, knock off gold pieces simply do not boast the same weight as authentic gold jewelry. If someone were to try on the cheap reproductions of a “vintage gold” bracelet, they would know it for a fake in an instant.
Choosing a Style
If you would like to own a timeless piece that will never go out of style, a clever type of vintage bracelet that you might want to consider is a vintage gold charm bracelet. Vintage gold charm bracelets lend an aura of girlish innocence to your apparel that would be difficult to attain with other pieces of jewelry. Alternatively, if you are going for a more edgy look that will command attention, you might want to choose vintage gold bangle bracelets, as these provide a roughed-up edge that starlets such as Rihanna and Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) have been known to choose for wearing to red carpet events.
Vintage Watch Bracelets
Those people who find vintage jewelry interesting and attractive should consider adding vintage watch bracelets to their wardrobe. Bracelet watches that were made prior to 1962 are considered vintage. This style of watch has the unique advantage of looking like a bracelet, but it offers the function of a time piece as well, making it both fashionable and functional.
Many people enjoy this style as it usually comes complete with a long history. Not only is the watch company an important part of the watch but often these styles of watches cannot be duplicated among today’s styles. You can find many of these styles of watches in estate jewelry collections. You may even have one sitting in an old jewelry box at home. The bracelet style of watch came into fashion in the early 1900s.
Vintage watch bracelets can be found that were made by a variety of well-known watch makers. You can find ones made by Hamilton, Bulova, Rolex and a host of other fine watch makers. These companies incorporate the practicality of a timepiece with the elegant design of the bracelet and strap. They are often adjustable so that they can fit just about anyone’s wrist.
There are even companies that have replicas of some of these fantastic designs of vintage bracelets watches. Of course, the replicas will be considerably less expensive than the original ones, but these offer a person the opportunity to own a bracelet watch at a much lower cost.
However, if you are looking to purchase the real thing, you need to make sure that it is not a counterfeit. You need to be able to verify the authenticity of the piece you are considering from those selling the watch. Many companies on the Internet have a large selection of vintage watches available for purchase in varying styles and at different prices. Vintage watch bracelets are an excellent addition to anyone’s jewelry or watch collection as they combine the two pieces into one beautiful, unique and valuable piece of jewelry.