About Botanical Motifs in Jewelry Design
Botanical motifs in vintage jewelry design have an enduring appeal. Floral-inspired jewelry has always been popular, especially during the Early Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Edwardian eras. But it really took off from the Georgian period onward. Whether as the main element or a delicate touch, flowers were a favorite theme. You’d find them everywhere, from cluster rings to diamond brooches and corsages with flower sprays. Floral symbolism appeared in many pieces. Back in Victorian times, people made illustrated dictionaries to explain the secret meanings of flowers. Victorians loved using flowers to send hidden messages, so jewelry often featured all kinds of blooms, like forget-me-nots, daisies, roses, and tulips, each with its own special meaning.
Since botanical designs mimic the intricate and diverse forms found in nature, it requires a skilled maker to create a jewel. One of the most celebrated designers for their enchanting floral pieces is VCA. The Flora collection features a variety of flowers in many shapes and forms. From heart-shaped petals of Cosmos and cluster designs of Fleurette to the harmonious Lotus and extremely popular Alhambra, floral designs became a signature of the brand's collections.
About Vintage Jewelry
Vintage jewelry is a broad topic with multiple aspects to discuss. We decided to answer a few basic questions to provide a broad introduction to this captivating subject. So, what defines vintage jewelry? Why is it so appealing? And how does one navigate the optimal way to buy vintage jewelry online?
In the industry, different sellers and makers have different opinions regarding the specific timeframes characterizing the creation of vintage jewels. Here at Nadine Krakov, our definition places vintage within the bracket of anything produced between 50 and 100 years ago. Consequently, we label all jewelry crafted from 1930 to 1980 as vintage.
This time frame comprises Art Deco, Retro and Mid-Century styles. Why do we love vintage jewelry so much? It's all about the quality of making and, of course, the aesthetic.
Vintage pieces were mostly made by hand or at least hand-finished while modern jewels are mainly cast. As the lifestyle back in the days was much slower, jewelry makers literally had more time in their hands. Skilled craftsmen honed their craft and reputation. They couldn’t allow a flimsy, poorly done piece to ruin that. Mass market jewelry didn’t exist at that time. Each little detail of a piece was executed thoughtfully and with the high quality in mind.
All the above is especially important when you are looking for a vintage engagement ring. If you want to find a special, one-of-a-kind engagement ring, look no further because we’ve got you covered. Either it's a perfect diamond ring or a stunning color gemstone ring, we have a great variety to choose from.
How to shop your vintage jewelry online? Ask questions about the maker's marks and hallmarks, request a video of the piece, and show it to your jeweler. The easiest way to be confident with your purchase is to find a trustworthy, reputable seller. And if you happen to be in the Beverly Hills area, just google “vintage jewelry near me”, find Nadine Krakov Collection store and stop by for a good chat with a sip of champagne.
