Antique jewellery is a piece of jewellery that is over 100 years old. A piece of jewellery is termed antique based on its age, the rarity of the gems and beads embedded, craftsmanship, design and at times even the emotional connection it has with the owner. In Europe, the jewellery pieces are classified as Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian.

You should not confuse the term vintage with antique jewellery. A piece of jewellery that is at least 20 years old is classified as vintage jewellery. The wedding jewellery designs and styles that were fashionable between 1920 and 1980 are considered to be vintage jewellery. These are priceless pieces of jewellery that was in vogue during a certain era. Also be aware of the fact that jewellery does not become a vintage or antique piece just because it includes vintage parts, beads or findings. These marvelous pieces of jewellery are more contemporary and yet have the traditional designs that would never go out of trend.

You should also be aware of the fact that the current contemporary jewellery designs can also be given antiqued finish.

Would you be interested to know how the jewelers give antique finish to a piece of new bridal jewellery?

The most natural form of antique finish on gold jewellery is done by nature over a period of time. The colour of the bridal jewellery becomes a darker golden tone. However, if you want to have antiqued finish on a new piece of jewellery, talk to your jeweler about it. There are two ways he can get it antiqued, either using chemicals or special paints which contains resin like content similar to black shoe polish. The method used also depends on the type of antique finish you want.

For instance you want to have a greenish black background on some parts, then durable paint or black shoe polish is the best choice. However, if you want only a shadow of darkness in recesses, then you should opt for a chemical method. The chemical leaves a grayish color on the metal.

Related: Diamond Jewellery – A Women’s Best Friend

Indian antique jewellery use gold as metal and are hand crafted by the goldsmith. The gemstones used are superior quality diamonds, rubies and emeralds. During the historical period, each and every wealthy household had their own goldsmith who designed and handmade unique pieces of jewels. These jewels were handed over to the next generation and are known as the heirloom jewellery and thus become vintage jewellery.

In India, each and every state has their contribution to the jewellery. In southern India, the miniature of gods and goddess were carved as the pendants, necklace and bangles. Whereas in northern India, the Kundan Jewellery and Meenakari styled bridal jewellery  sets encrusted with diamonds and other precious jewels are more popular.

Related: Indian Classic Jewellery designs are collectors item in the world market

A beautiful armbelt, generally worn by South Indian brides as a tradition has the Goddess Lakshmi sitting on the lotus. The green and red stones are encrusted subtly. The crown of the goddess has a red stone. The three hangings are intricately carved flowers that are highlighted using green stones.

This is a classic example of antique kundan bridal jewellery. This floral necklace is studded with white and red stones. Circling the stones is the green enamel. The earrings also take the same design as the necklace and have a pair of red stones on the studs and intricately carved gold bead as the drops.

Indian antique jewellery is as old as the country itself. Today, the brides of India show an affinity towards the ethnic chunky pieces of bridal jewellery that were worn in the historic days. The Indian jewelers are more than happy to fulfill the wishes of the young brides-to-be. The South Indian jewels are carved out in 22kt gold. The work on the jewels would be mostly of goddess Lakshmi and god Ganesha. The most of the bridal jewellery set would have a chunky and well-designed necklace, Traditional Jhumkas and bangles.

The brides of south India popularly wear the Ganesha necklace. This bridal jewellery is subtly studded with red stones. It can be worn with any attire for any auspicious occasion.

Look carefully at the artwork on this antiqued bridal bangle. It’s the ashta-Lakshmi bangle that depicts the 8 different forms of Goddess Lakshmi. A bride-to-be- is considered as a goddess that enters the new house and is a sign of prosperity to the new house.

The jewels of Northern India are inspired by the Mughal art. Therefore whether it is Kundan or Meenakari, you will find valuable stones such as garnets, rubies, emeralds, amethysts, corals, sapphires and turquoises studded on them. The intricately crafted chokers and earrings would have tiny gemstones embedded in them. The artistic cut and polishing of the gemstones add a touch of endless beauty and glamour to the bridal jewellery.

However, the beauty of the whole process on the antique finish is that, if you decide that you want to remove the antiqued finish, you can always take it back to the jeweler. He would use certain chemicals to wash off the chemicals or the black polish/paint to get back the yellow glow to the beautiful bridal jewellery pieces.

In India, the bride can choose her jewels to match with her bridal attire. The jewelers are digging into the history of India to bring out the various periodical designs that were worn by the Maharanis and the Maharajas and re-make them giving the antique look.

Bridal jewellery is incomplete without the 8 pieces of adornment. They are:

Maangtika –  Is worn on the forehead.

Necklace –      The centerpiece that is co-coordinated with the bridal wear would be an intricately designed piece of art, which hangs along the neck. These can be of different lengths.

Earrings –      This mostly match with the necklace. There is a wide variety ranging from heavy and long to short studs or danglers.

Nose Ring –      The traditional nosepiece is known as Nath. It consists of a studded nose ring, which may or may not be attached to a long chain that is hooked up in the hair.

Armbands –      These are used to add grace and elegance to the upper arms. However,  today, it has become a fashion statement and is adorned by women for all occasions.

Hath Phoolhar- Here the five finger rings are connected with a central piece. The center piece is connected to the bracelet or a huge bangle.

Waist Band-      This is a heavy piece of Bridal Jewellery worn on the waist over the bridal attire. It gives a traditional look.

Anklets and toe rings–  The anklets and toe rings are the final addition to the  bridal jewellery.

Who wouldn’t love to wear a beautiful piece of bridal jewellery? Whether it’s a pair of earrings, a wedding band or a simple piece of necklace, jewels are treasured and close to the heart by women all over the world. Bridal jewellery is also considered as assets, given by her parents when she leaves her parents house and steps into a new world with a new family. She can use these in times of need and any emergency. No wonder it’s called the “stri-dhan”, and no one has the rights to take these away from her.