Jewellery for men is less common than for women, but historically it was much flashier. In this collection of premium Vintage mens jewellery you will find pieces from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Mid-Century eras.
These periods brought about bold design and fashion, with jewellery no exception. For example, cufflinks became one-of-a-kind with intricate fretwork and millgrain detailing.
Victorian
The Victorian era, which encompasses Queen Victoria’s 63 year reign (1837-1901) was a time of progressive scientific advancements and global exploration. This was also a time of prosperity, so jewellery became more affordable as the industrial revolution made machine-made gold available.
Stickpins (aka cravat pins or scarf, necktie and ascot pins) were popular in the Victorian era, as well as the cuff link and waistcoat button. The era saw the introduction of the watch chain as well.
As a response to the Civil War in America, Victorian society went into mourning, so black jewellery made of onyx was very popular. Serpent motifs were also popular. They were used as a symbolic representation of eternity. They were commonly crafted in the repousse technique, which is a form of cannetille that is thinly hammered metalwork.
Edwardian
The era that took its name from King Edward VII was one of lightheartedness and elegance. Women were expected to be “dressed to the nines” all of the time and jewelry that matched their elegant ensembles was sought after. Jewellery made during this period often featured the white metals platinum and silver with diamonds featuring Old European cuts. Elaborate designs incorporating filigree were also popular.
In the beginning of this period simple diamond studs were in style but quickly fell to the wayside. Long, glittering earrings with delicate floral motifs or articulated centre stones became the new trend. Flimsy, fabric-like earring dangles in various shapes also appeared. These styles featured the usual Edwardian elements of openwork platinum and millegraining.
Aside from jewellery men also wore cuff links, often meant to show off their sense of humor or interests. This was especially true for the figurative cuff links that featured a can-can dancer and playing cards.
Art Deco
Stunningly sophisticated jewellery was created in the 1920s and 1930s. It’s a style that was both uniquely of the time and unmistakably timeless, making it a desirable collectors piece today.
The era is remembered for its cocktail sipping, fringe shaking flappers, jazz and Great Gatsby lifestyle but it was also a time of innovation and exploration. Designers were inspired by Cubism, Futurism, Aztec designs and the shapes of industrial machines.
Jewels were bold, eye catching and colourful. Necklaces hung long, strands of pearls were piled high and bracelets became wider. Pictured carved gemstones and Egyptian motifs became popular, especially after the opening of Tutankhamuns tomb in 1922. The versatile clip brooch was introduced, with double clips that could be worn either side of an item of clothing.
Mid-Century
From the 1920s to the 1930s the fashion world made drastic changes. Hemlines were raised, corsets were removed and hair was bobbed. This led to women being able to participate in sports and leisure activities previously restricted to men. These new styles influenced jewelry styles as well.
Novelty jewellery made from celluloid, Bakelite and Galalith became popular during this time. These plastics could be laminated to create geometric shapes (polka dots were a favourite), carved, inlaid with metal or covered with rhinestones. These new types of jewellery included cufflinks, tie clasps and scarf pins.
It was also a time when the parure, which consisted of a necklace, bracelet, earrings and brooch, was back in style. After all, June Cleaver wore hers every day on Leave It to Beaver!
Post-Modern
Thanks to men like Harry Styles and Shawn Mendes, jewellery has regained its status as a masculine fashion staple. But it wasn’t always this way. For centuries, men’s jewellery was more elaborate.
Postmodern jewellery uses appropriation to make reference to the past, embracing the idea that styles from different eras can coexist on equal footing. The jewellery of this era is bold and theatrical. It also focuses on a duality: on one hand, grotesque and a caricature, but on the other, classical African beauty.
This style dominated the 1970s and 1980s jewellery, a decade known as the ‘designer decade’. It was a time of bold colour and theatricality, disseminated by magazines and music. The result was a mix of references and styles that were sometimes challenging but always exciting.