If you’ve ever browsed through a jewelry site (like ours!) and wondered what exactly makes something estate, vintage, or antique… you’re not alone.
These terms get used a lot—sometimes interchangeably—but they actually have distinct meanings. And knowing the difference can help you shop smarter, whether you’re starting a collection or choosing a once-in-a-lifetime piece.
Let’s break it down.
Estate Jewelry: Previously Owned, Not Necessarily Old
Estate jewelry simply means it’s been previously owned. That’s it.
It could be 6 months old or 60 years old. It might be a designer ring from 2015 or a handcrafted brooch from 1890. As long as it had a past life, it’s considered estate.
Think of estate as the umbrella category that includes both vintage and antique.
At The Jeweled Crescent, we inspect, clean, and often restore estate pieces so they’re ready for their next chapter—whether that’s as your signature everyday piece or something passed down to your own heirs.
Antique Jewelry: Over 100 Years Old
A piece is officially antique when it’s more than 100 years old.
That means as of this year, anything made in 1925 or earlier qualifies.
Antique jewelry often features:
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Handcrafted detail (before mass production)
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Rose-cut or Old Mine-cut diamonds
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Platinum or high-karat yellow gold
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Styles from the Georgian, Victorian, or Edwardian eras
These pieces are history you can wear—tiny, intricate treasures from a time before email, espresso machines, or TikTok. (Can you imagine?)
Vintage Jewelry: 20 to 100 Years Old
Vintage jewelry is the sweet spot between “old enough to feel special” and “young enough to wear daily.”
Most vintage pieces date from the 1920s to the early 2000s, and include iconic design eras like:
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Art Deco (bold geometry, 1920s–30s)
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Mid-Century Modern (clean lines, 1950s–60s)
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Retro & Hollywood Glam (chunky gold, 1940s)
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1970s–90s fashion-forward or minimalist styles
Vintage jewelry is perfect for collectors, stylists, and anyone who wants to wear something different. It often costs less than antique pieces but still has that one-of-a-kind magic.
So… Which One Should You Buy?
That depends on your style, your budget, and your mood.
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Antique if you love romantic stories, delicate details, and old-world craftsmanship
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Vintage if you want statement pieces that feel timeless but wearable
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Estate if you love a good deal on high-quality jewelry that’s already lived a life
At The Jeweled Crescent, we specialize in all three—and we’re always happy to help you find the right piece for your story.
Want to Know What You’re Looking At?
We include the proper category for every piece in our shop, but if you ever have a question, just reach out. We’re not just here to sell you something beautiful—we’re here to help you feel confident and informed while you shop.
Because every jewel has a past. We’re here to help you find its future.
