What is “vintage” jewelry?

I am often asked by clients and friends about the terms“vintage jewelry” in regards to our collections, so I wanted to clarify the terminology in this blog post.  There are many definitions of vintage jewelry including pieces from an estate of a deceased person, or an antique from many years ago.  The term vintage is often thrown around and used quite loosely by the trade.  In the clothing business vintage could be an item only 20 years old.  At Chipeta Trading we think of Vintage Jewelry as pieces that have been made between 70 and 140 years ago.  Occasionally will interchange the terms Vintage with Historic since our inventories of older pieces date as early as the 1880’s.  This would place our use of these terms on pieces of Navajo and Pueblo jewelry made between 1880 and 1950’s.  From the 1960’s, forward we consider the pieces to be contemporary works or art, many of which are highly collectable and quite beautiful when made by a named artist!   Soon, Chipeta Trading will be offering our clients a new line of “historic revival”  jewelry which will include native made pieces created in the old styles using old tools and methods by currently living arts such as Greg Lewis, Laguna Pueblo; Fritson Toledo, Navajo and many other talented native artists of the Southwest.  These high quality, collectable, silver and turquoise, contemporary pieces will be perfect for the collector who would like to begin their collection of native jewelry at a more affordable entry than the vintage pieces that command top dollar.  Watch for this new category of material on our website over the next few days as items begin to arrive.  We appreciate your comments and suggestions!  Please feel free to share your thoughts will us via email to don@chipetatrading.com