Just as clothing styles change from season to season and year to year, so do jewelry styles. Jewelry designs reflect the economic and social conditions of the era and are characterized into historical periods, including Art Deco, Victorian and Retro. Antique jewlery from these periods is popular because of the unique style and era each piece represents.

Costume jewelry is one of the most popular types of antique jewelry. Collectors are drawn to antique costume jewelry because of the style and the history associated with the pieces. Costume jewelry was first introducted in the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s. The pieces from this period are characterized by geometric design and bold colors.

Antique costume jewelry from the Retro period (1935-1950) features flowers, bows and sunburst designs and has a look of glamour, elegance and sophistication that distinguishes it from Art Deco period pieces. It was during this period that shiny Bakelite and other plastics became popular in jewelry making. Many antique jewelry collectors prefer costume jewelry from the Art Modern period because the bold, lavish pieces feature sparkling rhinestones, citrine and topaz.

Another era that is popular for antique jewelry collectors is the Victorian period. Many pieces of Victorian jewelry were designed around a natural theme such as flowers, birds and trees. Organic materials including human hair, coral and sea pearls were incorporated into the heavy, conservative jewelry designs of the era. There are antique jewelry pieces to suit any style, from a flashy costume bracelet to a conservative Victorian ring.