Vintage/Retro
The retro and vintage eras that followed World War II were characterized by unconventional and striking jewellery designs featuring large gemstones, diamonds and modernist styles. Retro jewellery pieces are distinctive and attention-grabbing, making them ideal statement accessories.
It's common for people to confuse the terms vintage and retro when referring to fashion and design items. Vintage refers to authentic items from at least two decades ago, while retro items are newly made products designed to resemble those from the past. Both terms are used to describe various fashion eras and product design periods, with items from the 1920s to the 1980s generally considered vintage in style and design.
Vintage items, including jewellery, are typically made from antique materials and by manufacturers of the past. Retro items are created using modern construction techniques and materials, but successfully capture the style of a particular era. The vintage aesthetic is often sleek and modern, while retro is concerned primarily with appearance and design.
When discussing vintage items, the focus is on their age, craftsmanship, style, and patterns. Retro items, on the other hand, are judged by how they look, with an emphasis on their style or design. Vintage items are typically original pieces, while retro items are copies or imitations. Despite their differences, vintage and retro styles share many similarities, making the terms almost interchangeable.
