Vintage – Retro – Antique. What does it all mean?

As a lover and avid hunter of older treasures, I have seen different definitions of what “vintage” means in the world of jewelry. My curiosity made me want to see what the consensus was in terms of definitions, so I asked ChatGPT 4o what the most widely accepted definition of vintage jewelry was. It was clearly stated and it is quite simply put:

Jewelry that is at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old is considered vintage.

This definition is commonly used by appraisers, dealers, and collectors. Here’s how it typically breaks down in the industry:

• Antique: Over 100 years old
• Vintage: 20 to 99 years old
• Retro (a subset of vintage): Specifically from the 1940s–1950s

So, as of 2025, jewelry made between 1925 and 2005 would generally be considered vintage.

What are your thoughts on vintage jewelry?

Angela Gentile