Iconic Collections from the World's Most Illustrious Jewellery Marques
Jewellery has always been a symbol of beauty, elegance, and luxury, and antique and vintage jewellery collections from the most illustrious jewellery marques are especially renowned for their craftsmanship, style, and historic value. These collections are not just a reflection of the aesthetics of their respective time periods, from vintage engagement rings to brooches, these pieces represent significant cultural and historical moments in the world of fashion and jewellery.
The 1920s to the 1980s was a time of significant change in the world, both socially and economically. These changes were reflected in the jewellery designs of the era, with bold, innovative designs emerging in the 1920s during the Art Deco period, followed by more classic and elegant styles in the 1930s and 1940s. The 1950s saw the rise of glamour and extravagance, while the 1960s and 1970s were characterised by a more experimental approach to design. The 1980s saw a return to opulence and luxury, with the emergence of the 'power dressing' trend.
Bulgari's Trombino ring design is a timeless piece of jewellery that has captured the hearts of many since its creation in the 1930s. The design usually features a main eye-catching gemstone or Diamond in a pavé set diamond ring, which gives it a striking and sophisticated look. The collection was named after the Italian word for "little trumpet," and it was one of the first designs created by the brand's founder, Sotirio Bulgari. Today, the Trombino ring remains a classic piece of jewellery that is highly coveted by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. It has been worn by many famous personalities over the years, including Elizabeth Taylor, who was a big fan of the brand.
Cartier's Tutti Frutti collection is an excellent example of Art Deco jewellery design. This style emerged in the 1920s and 1930s and was characterised by geometric shapes, bright colours, and bold designs. The Tutti Frutti collection was created by Jacques Cartier, one of the most influential jewellery designers of the time. After his many trips to India he became inspired by the vivid colours of their gemstones and created the collection fusing traditional gemstone carving techniques and the cutting edge manufacturing methods of the day, resulting in a collection of jewellery that was bold, luxurious, and highly sought after.
Today, the Tutti Frutti collection remains a symbol of the glamour and decadence of the Art Deco era, and it continues to inspire designers and collectors alike.
The Van Cleef & Arpels Ballerina brooches are an iconic collection of jewellery that pays tribute to the art of dance. These exquisite brooches feature delicate ballerina figurines in tutus, crafted from diamonds, pearls, and gemstones. The collection was created by the French luxury brand in the 1940s and has remained popular among jewellery collectors ever since. The Ballerina brooches are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and whimsical designs. They are a testament to the creativity and artistry of the brand and have become a symbol of luxury and refinement. Today, the Ballerina brooches remain one of the most coveted collections of jewellery in the world and are highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts the world over.
Other notable collections include the Art Deco designs of Cartier's 'Panthère' collection, which features sleek and powerful panther motifs, the luxurious gold jewellery of Tiffany & Co.'s 'Paloma Picasso' collection, designed by the famous artist and designer, Paloma Picasso, and the elegant diamond jewellery of Harry Winston's 'Cluster' collection.
Owning a piece of antique or vintage jewellery from these iconic collections is like owning a piece of history. These jewellery pieces not only hold immense cultural and historical significance but also embody the essence of the time period they were created in. If you're interested in adding a piece of vintage jewellery to your collection, be sure to do your research, purchase from a reputable dealer, and invest in a piece that speaks to your personal style and taste.