#5639 Cartier ring. 

Once Upon a Time, when I thought of antique jewelry, it meant Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau and maybe, just maybe, Art Deco. Not for me the flash of anything modern. Anything made after 1929 was definitely beyond the cut-off point. Head high, eyes averted, all of that post ’29 gleam was like the tree falling unheard in a forest — it might as well not exist as far as I was concerned. 

#6905 Georgian brooch.    

How could you possibly compare the fine, classy act of 200 year-old hand-carving, filigree, setting and workmanship of any kind with the brash flash of anything made within living memory? A foiled pink topaz or aqua with a great big glitzy blitzy bauble? No way! I was a purist and antique means antique. End of story. 

#7427 Wolfers Retro bracelet.   

Then slowly, the rot crept in. First I discovered the excitement of vintage retro design. Angles and arrows and starbursts that were joyful and boisterous. Designs that are pure fun and excitement. When I heard how difficult it is to find retro pieces my interest was even further piqued about that type of vintage jewelry. Should I admit to harboring an inner secret snob or is it the challenge of the hunt?  

And then, horrors! I began looking at post-modern items — sculptured and exciting, works of art to wear on your body.
I love parts that move: #5913  

My old fine art training must have come through, as I fell in love with a newer (post post post) era, for the beauty of its invisible settings and its mysterious, novel and marvelous expression. Some jewelry today combines great technique, exciting visuals and innovative design. And it is getting even more exciting with every day of the 21st century. Some of the 'new' jewels simply make me gasp. 

#7385 beautifully made Graff earrings.  

There's a generalisation that we don't like what our immediate predecessors wore as though 'granny' is a negative in style and fashion. Supposedly, it takes a few generations to pass before we are willing to look at and appreciate the past styles.  At my age, how can I possibly agree with this ageism?

#7534 French 1950's.    

In the 1960's a great exhibition brought "Modern Jewelry" to the public's attention. Today, over 60 years later, some of those names are the hottest thing out there. In fact, even later designers have become big names and perhaps there is more willingness amongst the cognescenti to consider  'now' trends.

#6067 Mercedes Benz car brooch with moving wheels.  

Maybe 1820 and 2030 have something in common: great beauty and great workmanship are ageless, whenever they were created. 

As for me, I have a lot of catching up to do. The fun of being a jewelry seller is that there are no rules for when to stop.
Finally, despite years of ignorant, snobby remarks about gauche glitz, I finally learned that there continue to be makers out there creating true items of art and beauty. Superb workmanship and imaginative design are not a thing of the past, but live on in exquisite jewels made to this very day.  

#6964 pop art diamond ring.  

So express your love of particular eras of antique or current jewelry making. Collect it, wear it, love it. But don’t be afraid to open your eyes even wider to the eras you may not be that familiar with or to the wonders still being created around you.

#7547 Christian Dior earrings 1990's.  

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