Are you a vintage expert? Do you know your Retro from Art Deco? We do.

You spot a striking brooch or a clean little ring and the first question pops up. Art Deco, Mid-century or Retro. You do not need a textbook. You just need a few quick tells and a calm eye. This is the friendly guide we give across the counter, with examples you can try right away. If you want to browse as you read, dip into our full Vintage Jewellery collection.

The two-second test

Stand back and squint for two seconds. If the piece reads like shapes and symmetry, think Art Deco. If it feels organic and a bit textural, think Mid-century. If it looks sculpted, bold and a little glamorous with volume in the metal, you may be in Retro territory. Now step closer and check the details.

Quick cue card

Era	First impression	Shapes	Typical stones	Metal look	Looks best with
Art Deco (1920s-30s)	Modern and precise	Fans, steps, chevrons, target circles	Old-cut diamonds, calibre sapphires, onyx	White metals, clean edges, fine millegrain	Blazers, crisp shirts, evening slips
Mid-century (1950s-60s)	Soft and tactile	Leaves, sprays, curves, abstract forms	Pearls, turquoise, mixed hardstones	Yellow or rose gold, bark or engraved texture	Knits, denim, relaxed jackets
Retro (late 1930s-50s)	Glam and sculpted	Ribbons, bows, scrolls, bold forms	Citrine, sapphire, ruby, aquamarine	High-polish yellow or rose gold, two-tone	Tailoring, party looks, statement cuffs

Art Deco in 30 seconds

Think architecture. Straight lines, stepped edges, crisp symmetry. Stones are often old-cut diamonds and calibre sapphires set into neat frames. Settings tend to be low and smooth so the piece sits close to the body. White metals dominate and edges often have fine millegrain beading. One strong Deco piece is usually enough; let it lead.

How to wear: a crisp shirt or a simple slip dress. Keep earrings minimal so the geometry leads.

Mid-century in 30 seconds

Think natural forms and texture. Leaves, sprays and soft abstract curves. Yellow and rose gold appear often, with bark or hand engraved finishes. Pearls and turquoise bring gentle colour. These pieces sit happily with knitwear and everyday layers and they photograph beautifully because of the texture.

How to wear: over a ribbed knit or with denim and a neat blazer. Texture on texture looks intentional.

Retro in 30 seconds

Think glamour and volume. Sculpted ribbons, bows and scrolls. Yellow and rose gold, sometimes two-tone with platinum accents. Stones often bring a warm glow — citrine, sapphire, ruby, aquamarine. Retro pieces are brilliant for occasions and also look sharp with simple tailoring if you keep the rest clean.

How to wear: sharp jacket, simple top, one strong Retro piece and you are ready.

Tiny clues that help

Fittings and hallmarks tell a story but they are not the whole story. Rollover safety catches arrive later and are very reliable. Trombone clasps are secure on some earlier pins. C clasps are older and hold well on thicker fabrics if the pin has tension. Hallmarks and maker’s marks are the best evidence when present. Look on the back plate of a brooch, along the pin, on a pendant bale or inside a ring shank. If you need a refresher, our quick guide is here: UK Hallmarks on Vintage Jewellery.

Styling that feels current

Let one shape lead. A Deco bar brooch with a crisp shirt. A Mid-century leaf on a knit shoulder. A Retro ribbon brooch on a blazer lapel. Keep earrings simple so the eye lands where you want it. If you love stacking, a bark finish bangle with a smooth chain keeps things calm.

Where to look next

Explore category edits that match these eras: Vintage Brooches, Vintage Rings, Vintage Pendants and the main Vintage hub. If you want a second opinion on an era, bring a photo and we will look at it with you.

FAQ

How can I tell Art Deco from Mid-century at a glance
Deco reads geometric and precise with clean frames and white metals. Mid-century reads organic and textured in yellow or rose gold. Look at shapes and metal first, then stones and fittings.

What does “Retro” mean in jewellery
Retro covers later 1930s through the 1940s and into the 1950s. Expect sculpted ribbons, bows and bold polished forms, often in yellow or rose gold with bright stones.

Where do I find hallmarks
On brooches, check the back plate or the pin. On pendants, check the bale or jump ring. On rings, look inside the shank. Hallmarks confirm metal fineness and the assay office and can help with dating.

Are reproduction pieces always a bad thing
No. Some are well made and fun to wear. If you want period craft and originality, vintage is the better choice. We show hallmarks and measurements, and we inspect pieces in house so you know what you are buying.

Can I wear Art Deco jewellery every day
Yes, choose low profile settings for daily wear and keep pieces away from sprays. Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing. If a clasp feels soft, bring it in and we will check it.

Need a hand placing a piece in the right era. Pop in or send a photo. We are happy to help.