01 Oct Sell Vintage and Antique Earrings in San Diego
Seen Above: Georgian Period French Chandelier Earrings. Made in 18K yellow gold and silver, set with emeralds, rubies, diamonds and pearls.
C. Blackburn Jewelers of La Jolla is one of the best places in San Diego to sell vintage and antique earrings, as well as contemporary diamond and gemstone earrings. We specialize in earrings designed by luxury jewelry makers, such as Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef & Apels, and Harry Winston.
When you sell earrings with us, you will talk directly with our owner Carl Blackburn, who has been one of San Diego’s most prominent jewelry buyers for over a decade. You can be confident that Carl will be able to accurately identify your antique or vintage earrings and pay you the highest possible price.
To get started call 858-251-3006 or send a text message with photos to: 619-723-8589.
To learn more about the earrings of the most popular eras of fine jewelry, please keep reading.
Recent Estate Jewelry Buys
Browse a collection of C. Blackburn Jewelers’ recent purchases of earrings, rings, bracelets, and pendants.
Sell Georgian & Victorian Earrings
During the Georgian era, earrings were characterized by their grandeur and intricacy. Ornate designs, often inspired by nature, adorned these earrings. Hoop earrings, drop earrings, and chandelier earrings were prevalent styles. Crafted from precious metals like gold and silver, these earrings featured detailed filigree work and openwork designs. Gemstones such as diamonds, pearls, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies were used, with foil-backed techniques enhancing their brilliance, especially under candlelight.
In contrast, the Victorian era witnessed a shift in earring styles and motifs. Early Victorian earrings were smaller and more delicate, featuring sentimental symbols like hearts, flowers, and bows. The mid-Victorian era saw a rise in elaborate designs, often incorporating dark gemstones such as garnets and black onyx, which reflected the mourning culture of the time.
In the late Victorian era, earrings embraced historical revival motifs, drawing inspiration from ancient civilizations such as Etruscan, Greek, and Egyptian cultures. Materials diversified to include platinum, and gemstones like opals gained popularity, alongside pearls, amethysts, and turquoise.
A comparison of Georgian and Victorian earrings reveals distinct differences in size, ornamentation, and motifs. Georgian earrings were larger and ornate, boasting intricate metalwork and natural inspirations.
In contrast, Victorian earrings, especially in the mid to late Victorian period, were smaller and more intricate, featuring sentimental symbols and historical themes. The choice of gemstones and cutting techniques also evolved, with foil-backed gems prominent in Georgian jewelry, and Victorian earrings showcasing a broader array of colored stones and innovative cuts.
Sell Art Nouveau & Art Deco Earrings
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed two influential art movements, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, which left an indelible mark on jewelry design, particularly in earrings.
Art Nouveau Earrings (1890s-1910s)
Art Nouveau was characterized by its devotion to organic forms and natural inspiration. Earrings from this era embraced intricate, flowing designs, often featuring motifs drawn from nature, including flowers, leaves, and mythical creatures. Artisans used materials like gold, silver, enamel, and semiprecious stones.
Craftsmanship was paramount, with artists employing innovative techniques to create pieces that seemed alive. Renowned designers, like René Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany, were instrumental in defining this era’s jewelry. Lalique, for instance, was celebrated for his unique use of materials such as horn, ivory, and enamel, crafting jewelry that embodied sensuous, organic shapes.
Art Deco Earrings (1920s-1930s)
In stark contrast, the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s departed from the organic, embracing geometric precision, symmetry, and bold patterns. Art Deco earrings featured sleek, angular designs characterized by sharp lines and striking color contrasts. The preferred materials were platinum, white gold, diamonds, and other precious gems.
This era’s jewelry was a product of modern industrialization, resulting in streamlined, elegant designs. Notable Art Deco design houses like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels were at the forefront of this style. Cartier, for instance, achieved fame for its luxurious and sophisticated earrings, marked by geometric shapes and the inclusion of vibrant gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires.
Art Nouveau and Art Deco earrings stand as polar opposites in terms of style, motifs, materials, and design philosophies. Art Nouveau celebrated the beauty of the natural world with its intricate, flowing designs, while Art Deco embraced the modernist, geometric aesthetics of industrialization.
Materials differed as well, with Art Nouveau favoring gold, silver, enamel, and semiprecious stones for their craftsmanship, while Art Deco focused on platinum, white gold, and diamonds, aiming for visual impact through high-quality gemstones and precise metalwork.
Sell Retro and Modern Earrings
From the Retro era to the present day, earrings have undergone a fascinating evolution, mirroring changing styles, materials, and societal influences.
During the Retro period (1935-1950s), earrings embraced bold, glamorous designs inspired by Hollywood. Yellow and rose gold gained popularity due to wartime platinum restrictions. Elaborate three-dimensional designs featuring diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and semi-precious stones became the norm. Renowned houses like Tiffany and Cartier epitomized this opulent Retro style.
The late 1950s and early 1960s ushered in simplicity and clean lines. Minimalist and abstract forms, often geometric, dominated designs. Silver became prominent alongside gold, with gemstones like turquoise and coral finding favor. Designers like Georg Jensen embraced a sleek, functional aesthetic during this period.
From the 1970s to the present time, earrings have become extraordinarily diverse, reflecting influences from around the globe. Experimentation with unconventional materials, recycled metals, and ethically sourced gemstones are now prevalent. High fashion houses like Chanel and Dior have ventured into jewelry, creating iconic pieces. Advancements in technology have allowed for innovative designs, with 3D printing enabling intricate shapes. Personalization is now a key factor, allowing wearers to express unique styles through customized earrings.
How to Sell Earrings in San Diego
The first step in selling earrings in San Diego (whether antique, vintage or modern) is to contact C. Blackburn Jewelers for a free cash appraisal. Our estate jewelry store is conveniently located in La Jolla By the Sea, and thus a short drive from San Diego communities such as La Mesa, Del Mar, and Solana Beach.
Get in touch with Carl Blackburn by calling 858-251-3006 or send him a message in the contact form below.
Text Message & Photos:
619-723-8589
