Estate Jewelry

Buy Estate Jewelry

Did you know?  King Jewelers has an amazing collection of quality estate jewelry in Battle Creek.  We have many different pieces from multiple decades and design periods.

Looking for Victorian or Art Deco pieces?  We have them!  We also have a nice selection of pre-owned Rolex watches.  Whether you are looking for a unique ring, watch, necklace, or bracelet, we can help.

To view pieces from our collection, please contact us and describe what you are looking for.  We will pull pieces that fit your criteria and set up an appointment for your review.

Vintage Rolex watch at King Jewelers in MI

*King Jewelers is not affiliated with Rolex


Sell Estate Jewelry

King Jewelers is the best place to sell estate jewelry in Battle Creek.  If you’d like to sell your estate jewelry, please bring in your pieces for appraisal, and we may make you an offer on the spot.

Learn More About Estate Jewelry

Georgian jewelry (1714–1837)

Georgian era jewelry is very rare as it was handmade. Georgian estate jewelry often features nature-inspired designs such as leaves and birds and frequently includes precious stones. ‘Memento Mori’ jewelry was also popular at the time (meaning ‘remember you will die’) featuring skull motifs and coffins.

Early Victorian, romantic jewelry (1837–1855)

Like jewelry of the Georgian era, early Victorian era estate jewelry features nature-inspired designs. Frequently, these designs were delicately and intricately etched into gold. Lockets and brooches were popular everyday jewelry during the early Victorian era. Colored gemstones and diamonds were worn during the evening.

Mid-Victorian, grand jewelry (1856–1880)

Many Grand or Mid-Victorian area jewelry pieces have solemn, grave designs. Some historians attribute this to the influence of the death of Queen Victoria’s husband. Known as mourning jewelry, the pieces feature heavy, dark stones such as jet, onyx, amethyst, and garnet. Compared to previous periods, Mid-Victorian pieces may have more color due to shells, mosaics and gemstones, and some would argue that there was more creativity in the design process.

Late Victorian, aesthetic jewelry (1885–1900)

During the Late Victorian or Aesthetic period, jewelers used diamonds and feminine, bright gemstones such as sapphire, peridot, and spinel. Star and crescent designs as well as elaborate hatpins were popular. Some scholars believe the aesthetic era began sooner, in 1875, and ended as early as 1890.

Arts and crafts jewelry (1894–1923)

Due to the Industrial Revolution, many jewelry designers rebelled during the Arts and Crafts movement, returning to intricate jewelry designs and handmade craftsmanship. It was common for jewelry of this era to be simple in pattern, made of colorful, uncut stones.

Edwardian jewelry (1901–1915)

The Edwardian period started with the death of Queen Victoria, and her son Edward became king. Many of the Edwardian designed pieces incorporate more expensive gems such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies in their elaborate designs.

Art Nouveau jewelry (1895–1915)

Art Nouveau jewelry features natural designs such as flowers and butterflies and was generally considered “romantic”.

Art Nouveau was a style popular from roughly 1895 until World War I. The movement actually began around 1875 in Paris, and its influence spread throughout the Western world. The movement eventually died out by the end of World War I, but has since continued to be revived throughout the contemporary ages. Art Nouveau jewelry follows curves and naturalistic designs, especially depicting long-haired, sensual women sometimes turning into birdlike or flowerlike forms.

Art Nouveau vintage jewelry is still a source of inspiration and popular among many collectors.

Art Deco jewelry (1915–1935)

Much Art Deco design was a transition from the earlier Art Nouveau and, as with the Art Nouveau epoch, was inspired by the art of the American Indian, ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman architecture. Art Deco jewelry motifs are characterized by geometric designs, diverse combinations of color and abstract patterns.

Art-deco jewelry is one of the most sought-after jewelry categories, and it is very popular at auction.

Retro jewelry (1945–1960)

Inspired by Hollywood, Retro jewelry is colorful, bold and elaborate. Large cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and charm bracelets were common.