Jewellery trends have changed throughout time but there are some items that are simply classic in their design. By definition a classic piece of jewellery is something that transcends its era and remains a stylish and popular choice to wear in any period. For an item to be a classic it must have some unique quality that makes it stand out amongst the other pieces of the moment whether it be a feature gemstone, a distinct setting or its maker. Today we will look at some of the most iconic jewellery pieces as well as some classic jewellery examples.
Iconic Jewellery Pieces
The Elizabeth Taylor/Krupp Ring
This asscher cut diamond ring, previously owned by Vera Krupp, was originally gifted to the actress in 1968 by her husband Richard Burton. After wearing the 33.19 carat diamond throughout her life it was renamed when she passed away, later selling for over 8 million dollars. With a colour of D (the highest grading) and a VS1 clarity it is considered one of the finest diamonds. At the time her husband purchased the ring for over £300,000 dollars and would later break his own record in buying more expensive jewellery for Elizabeth.
Princess Diana and Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring
In February 1981, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer became engaged, with a ring that has remained to be one of the most recognised in the world. The 12 carat Ceylon sapphire is encircled by 14 diamonds and is set in white gold, created by the then crown jewellery Garrard. It was actually available to anyone for purchase, being in Garrard’s jewellery collection, not custom made. It was inspired by a sapphire brooch that Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria for their wedding. After her death, Prince Harry chose the ring and reportedly wanted the ring to one day “be sat on the throne of England”. Therefore, when Prince Willian proposed to Kate Middleton, he gave her the famous ring.
Heart of the Ocean Necklace
Known from the film Titanic, the heart of the ocean was a fictional diamond that had allegedly come from the crown of Louis XVI and made into a heart. However, it was based on the real Hope diamond which is worth between 200-350 million dollars making it one of the most valuable diamonds in the world weighing 45.52 carats. The film used a zirconia and white gold necklace and is stored in the film studios archives. Celine Dionne and the actress who plays Rose as an old lady in the film wore a replica of the heart of the ocean made by Asprey & Garrard.
Classic Jewellery Pieces
Classic Stud Earrings:
A simple yet effective style of earrings, small stud earrings can add a real pop of colour (if a bright gemstone) or provide a subtle sparkle without detracting from your face or getting tangled in your hair. These butterfly fastening earrings have been crafted in platinum and feature antique 3.06ct and a 2.96ct Old European round cut diamonds. Matching any outfit and any hair style, stud earrings are one of the easiest items of jewellery to wear, they’re popular throughout the decades – a real classic.
Classic Birthstone Jewellery:
When a piece of jewellery is something that you will always want to wear no matter how much time as gone by you have a classic in your collection. Brandishing your birthstone on a brooch, for example, will never go out of style because your birthday never changes. They make an excellent choice for a birthday gift. Each birthstone represents different qualities therefore you can really tailor your jewellery to match the meaning behind the gemstone. For example, like this stunning yellow gold brooch, made in the late 1800s, displays a stunning amethyst encircled by seed pearls represents the month of February and its feature gemstone is believed to encourage calm contemplation.
Classic Solitaire Diamond Ring:
Diamonds really are forever and you can’t get much more classic than a solitaire ring. Though they may be simple in design, solitaires are often very expensive and sought-after pieces jewellery. This antique platinum solitaire has a four-claw setting to display a feature 2.17ct Old European round cut diamond. It is further embellished with three graduated pavé set transitional modern brilliant round cut diamonds to each of the shoulders. Roughly 75% of diamonds sold are round cut like this one making that the most classic choice, though all diamond rings shine on throughout time.
Statement Necklace
If you want to add the wow factor to your look, a statement necklace such as this emerald and diamond-embellished one certainly will. The diamonds are pavé set to stylised fleur-de-lis settings while the emeralds are claw set and catch the eye as the central feature arrangement. By daring to wear a bold piece of jewellery you will instantly elevate your outfit.
Bold Bracelet
Similarly, to a statement necklace, a bold bracelet or bangle will pay off adding more detail to your look. Mixing multiple stones can work wonders like this yellow gold bangle which incorporates ruby, emerald and diamond that are pavé set in the centre of the flower-shaped links. Made in Milan, this vintage bangle couples the classic design of flowers with the bold shine of the stones.
Hoop Earrings
Another classic earring style are hoop earrings. These have a lot of versatility to suit any look, whether you have a larger statement pair like these 4.24 carat diamond and platinum ones, smaller gemstone-encrusted ones, or medium and completely plain. Be sure to consider your hairstyle when incorporating this classic style.
Single Stone Necklace
Simple single stone necklaces or pendants are a great option for subtle but noteworthy piece of jewellery. This classic style works to show off the neckline of a plain dress or be used to create layers with chain necklaces if you want to use a classic piece in a more modern way.
Tennis Bracelets
Pro tennis player Chris Evert’s tennis bracelet came off during her match which was paused as she insisted it was her lucky charm. Why not consider a tennis bracelet your lucky charm when it comes to wearing a classic piece? The simple diamond setting makes it effortless to style a diamond tennis bracelet matching with a pair of classic stud earrings or the classic solitaire diamond ring. You don’t just have to wear the piece to match though, try stacking with a watch to add a touch of sparkle.
Throughout time, jewellery trends have evolved as styles have changed however there are some items that will never go out of style. These are just a few of the most famous classic items, along with some of AC Silver’s top recommendations of classic pieces. Though the items may be timeless they may not be in stock forever so browse all our jewellery on our site to find your classic item.
