Vintage and antique Necklaces from Lyppens jewellers

Lyppens jewellers has been synonymous with unique vintage and antique necklaces for over sixty years. The collection always boasts a vast array of exceptional pieces from the late 19th century, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, the Retro years, the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

Different style periods

The 19th century was a time that saw a lot of different art influences. In the first half of the 19th century, literature, architecture and art from the gothic and renaissance period were sources of inspiration for goldsmiths. During the mid-19th century, the ancient Etruscan civilization became a huge source of inspiration and notably in Italy, goldsmiths were creating some of the world’s finest Etruscan necklaces.

The later half 19th century saw Japanese art, culture, flora, fauna and feminine beauty influence the upcoming Art Nouveau movement.

Parallel to the Art Nouveau movement was the Belle Époque. This art movement that was inspired partly by the court of Louis XIV and notably the family jewellers Cartier helped influence the style by ordering his designers to obtain inspiration from the nearby Parisian Architecture. The Belle Époque is also instantly recognizable by its elegant use of platinum and often very fine diamond settings, made possible by recent advances in goldsmithing.

The Art Deco was a period where technological and social advances created a vast amount of economic growth and wealth for many levels of society. The period is instantly recognizable in jewellery as it is often very symmetric, uses predominantly white gold or platinum and pieces are often lavishly set with diamonds. When coloured stones were used they would usually be primary colours, red (ruby), blue (sapphire) and green (emerald). The flora, fauna and feminine beauty that heavily inspired the Art Nouveau were discarded and instead the room was made for a formal and more streamlined symmetrical style that was often pleasing to the eye.

The years after the second world war saw a gradual return to a more formal feminine style. Goldsmith work became more abstract and saw less symmetry compared to the Art Deco. Pearl necklaces, diamond and gemstone necklaces were often lavishly set.

The social revolution of the hippy movement in the 1960’s and 1970’s saw the use of less expensive gemstones. Large and costly diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies were replaced with less expensive stones. This is often in combination with partially organic or abstract settings. Many jewellers for the first time started to make more hip and vibrant collections designed to appeal to a new wealthier and notably younger clientele.