Antique Costume Jewellery Silver

Ancient traditional costume jewellery made of silver is a fascinating element of traditional folk culture that is always associated with regional customs and festivities. Each of these pieces of jewellery can therefore look back on a long tradition and is still very popular with traditional costume lovers today. Find out more »

When is traditional silver jewellery considered antique?

In the art trade, the term „antique“ always refers to objects that are at least 100 years old.

Typical regional features

A characteristic feature of antique traditional silver jewellery is the variety of its designs and shapes, which allow clear regional attributions. Each traditional costume and the jewellery associated with it can therefore be assigned to a specific region. This concept goes back to the homeland movements of the 19th century, when people "focussed on regional characteristics and a romantic interpretation of rural life."

Filigree: a special technique

What unites the variety of traditional custom jewellery is the masterful workmanship of silver filigree. For this purpose, corded silver wire is laid, braided and bent into decorative ornaments, resulting in delicate structures that are then further processed into traditional costume jewellery.

Elements with engravings, colourful decorative stones or enamel turn old traditional silver jewellery into a highly individual object with a unique texture and feel.

Smart and functional

Ancient traditional costume jewellery was not only beautiful to look at and a status symbol for the respective wearer, but was also characterised by its functionality. Many of these pieces also had a practical function, such as holding garments together (see corsetry). This type of antique jewellery thus combines both aesthetic and practical aspects.

Jewellery as cultural heritage

All in all, antique traditional silver jewellery is not only a beautiful example of traditional craftsmanship, but also an important cultural heritage that keeps the history and customs of times gone by alive.