In a world where trends come and go quickly, one element remains timeless: vintage jewelry.
These gems from times gone by have a story to tell. They carry a unique charm, as if they are reviving a piece of history with every sparkle. At Donna Dorée, we understand the power of jewelry that is not only stylish but also carries a deep meaning. In this blog, we take you on a journey through the world of vintage jewelry: from their rich history and craftsmanship to how you can incorporate these timeless pieces into your modern wardrobe.
What is vintage jewelry?
Let's start at the beginning: what makes a piece of jewelry 'vintage'?
Vintage jewelry is usually between 50 and 100 years old, but not so old that it is considered antique (antique is often more than 100 years old). If jewelry is younger than 50 years, we also use the term pre-loved .
Vintage is a collective name for products that fall within a certain style period.
Currently, vintage pieces are those born between 1925 and 1975. What we understand by vintage therefore shifts over time…
The term 'vintage' conjures up images of decades gone by, where craftsmanship and style went hand in hand. These jewelry pieces are a perfect blend of past and present, where you can embrace the heritage of design without compromising on contemporary trends.
What makes vintage jewelry so special is that such a piece is unique. It is not a mass-produced item that you find in a department store – that was not the case in the past. It is a piece of jewelry that has been cherished by someone else for years, possibly passed down from generation to generation. At Donna Dorée, we see vintage jewelry as a way to pass on that history, with each piece adding a chapter to your own story, but also dealing sustainably with what is already present on earth.
The history of vintage jewelry
Each era has its own unique style and design details, from the Art Deco movement of the 1920s to the bohemian influences of the 1970s. Let me list some of the most iconic decades in jewelry design:
1. The Roaring Twenties: Art Deco
The 1920s – just after the First World War – brought us the Art Deco era, a style known for its geometric shapes, clean lines and bold colour combinations. Often made from materials such as platinum, diamonds and sapphire, these pieces exuded luxury and glamour. A vintage Art Deco ring or pendant is still a statement of sophistication and class today. It’s my favourite era… Just check out the Rhea earrings from my own collection, where I already hint at the Art Deco of the Roaring Twenties with my own design.
2. The 1940s: Elegance after World War II
During World War II, materials such as gold became scarce, forcing designers to be more creative. This resulted in jewelry made from less traditional materials, such as gold-plated metals and colored gemstones. Despite the limitations of the time, the elegance of the designs remained undeniable. Vintage jewelry from the 1940s often conveys a certain resilience and fighting spirit, perfect for the modern woman who embraces her strength.
3. The 50s and 60s: Hollywood glamour
This era saw a resurgence of beautiful, custom jewelry inspired by movie stars like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. Statement jewelry, like large pearl earrings, sparkling rings, and diamond necklaces, are a hallmark of this era. These vintage pieces exude glamour and will make you feel like a movie star every time you wear them.
4. The 70s: Bohemian and retro
The 70s were known for their free spirit and colorful expression. Big, bold pieces with gemstones like turquoise and amber were popular, as were long, flowing necklaces and statement earrings and rings. The bohemian nature of vintage jewelry from this period makes it ideal for those who love expression and color. 
Why choose vintage jewelry?
You might be wondering: why would you choose vintage jewelry instead of new?
There are countless reasons why these gems are an excellent addition to your jewelry collection:
1. Sustainability
In a time where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, wearing vintage jewelry is a conscious choice. Instead of buying new jewelry that is often mass-produced, you wear pieces that have been around for generations. These jewelry pieces are made with craftsmanship and attention to detail – something that is sometimes lost in today's fast-fashion world. At Donna Dorée, in addition to our own collection of sustainable precious metals, we like to offer vintage pieces to give the most beautiful vintage and pre-loved items a second life with you.
2. Unique and personal
Vintage jewelry is often (not always!) one-of-a-kind. In the past, not much was produced in large numbers. This means that almost no one else will wear the same piece of jewelry as you. They are not products of the band, but unique creations that tell their own story. They give you the chance to show your personal style in a way that no one else can imitate.
3. Historical value and emotional significance
There is something special about wearing jewelry with a history. Maybe someone else wore the jewelry during a significant moment in their life. Maybe it was passed down from mother to daughter. When you buy a vintage piece of jewelry, you are not only wearing a beautiful piece, but also a piece of history. This makes the jewelry even more valuable, both emotionally and financially.
For example, a Belgian customer told us how she bought a gold ring with blue sapphires at Donna Dorée and matched it with her blue dress at a wedding. This vintage jewel immediately gets a new beautiful story and new memories.
4. Combination of styles
Vintage jewelry is perfect to combine with modern pieces. It adds a unique element to any outfit, whether you choose a classic look or a more daring, eclectic style. At Donna Dorée, we offer not only vintage jewelry, but also modern designs that go perfectly with your favorite vintage pieces.
How to wear vintage jewelry in this modern age
Here are a few tips to effortlessly incorporate vintage jewelry into your modern wardrobe:
1. Combine old with new
One of the best ways to wear vintage jewelry is to pair it with modern pieces. A vintage pearl necklace looks great over a simple white shirt or a sleek dress. A statement ring from the 60s can go perfectly with a minimalist, contemporary look.
2. Make one piece stand out
When choosing vintage jewelry, sometimes it’s best to focus on one statement piece. For example, a large, statement cocktail ring or a unique gold brooch can instantly transform a simple black dress into a fashion statement. At Donna Dorée, we know that it’s all in the details, and a well-chosen piece of jewelry can elevate your entire look.
3. Play with layers, 'more is more and less is a bore'
More is more! Vintage jewelry invites you to experiment with layers, which I personally love! Try combining different length necklaces or mix gold and silver bracelets or rings for a playful, yet refined look. These types of combinations add depth and texture to your outfit. You can steal the show once in a while, lady!
What makes Donna Dorée's vintage jewelry special?
At Donna Dorée, we are dedicated to finding the most beautiful and unique vintage jewelry from around the world. Each piece in our collection is carefully selected and cleaned to restore its original glory. We know how important it is to not only buy a beautiful piece of jewelry, but also one that has emotional value.
Our collection includes vintage rings, earrings and brooches with an emphasis on craftsmanship and style. We strive to offer jewelry that is not only beautiful, but also tells a story - a story that you can continue.
Wearing vintage jewelry is more than just a fashion choice – it’s a way to connect with the past while expressing your own style. At Donna Dorée, we invite you to explore our collection and find the perfect vintage piece for you.
Shop your vintage jewelry here!