Vintage & art nouveau jewelry: focus on retro style

November 06, 2025

Reading time | 5 min

Vintage here, vintage there... The fashion world blows us away with this word! But what is the vintage look? And, above all, what vintage jewels are all the rage?

Clip-on earrings, brooches, pearl necklaces... MATY reveals the secrets of successful vintage style through jewelry!

What is vintage jewelry?

As we all know, fashion is cyclical! And if every year we notice that old models of clothing and accessories come back into fashion, it's normal, and will continue to do so. The vintage trend is equally suited to men and women, and is inspired by fashion successes from the 20s to the 80s.

The same goes for jewelry! In short, everything that was all the rage in previous decades is now a treasure to be snapped up!

How to select jewelry for a successful vintage look?

When it comes to jewelry, there's no set pattern for creating a vintage look: bracelets, watches, earrings, necklaces... Everything adapts to this trend!

The only rule is that the model must be inspired by a flagship model from a decade other than our own.

Second-hand vintage jewelry to add a singular touch to an outfit.

And to take your style a step further, opt for pre-owned jewelry that truly dates back to the years of their success.

Jewelry, rings, brooches... Second-hand jewelry is steeped in history, giving it a very special cachet. A real plus for a vintage style, since they draw on the aesthetic and stylistic codes of the past while being unique in their own right.

Browse our selection of second-hand jewelry online or in store.

Focus on vintage jewelry

Here are a few examples of products that could be perfect for your "so vintage" style

Vintage pendants

Whatever your favorite era in terms of fashion and trends, you're bound to find the right pendant for you!

More of a fan of Ancient Rome through to the Renaissance period? Opt for a cameo! This jewel, with its bas-relief engraving as unique as the number of them available, is perfect for you. Back in fashion at the beginning of the 20th century, the cameo still has many years ahead of it.

And if you have a penchant for the Art Deco period, there are many stone pendants to suit you. Sapphire, ruby, emerald... You'll have a fashionable and precious jewel.

Vintage brooches

Brooches are making a comeback among trendy jewelry and accessories! Hanging on a jacket, coat or sweater, the brooch is minimalist in its use, but your style will feel all its power. A real jewel for your clothes, dating back to the 50s, that you won't be able to do without! The little extra: brooches can be accumulated without counting the cost (or almost).

Vintage rings

If you're looking for vintage rings to complete your look, you're spoilt for choice! However, there are a few things you should bear in mind: blackened, hammered or aged metal will immediately give your ring a vintage look. Next, fine and precious stones with a jewel-like appearance are perfectly suited to give your outfit a retro-chic touch! Finally, amber, because of its fossil origin, is naturally a material that lends a vintage spirit to your jewelry.

Focus on Art Nouveau jewelry: vintage with shimmering animal and plant motifs

Art Nouveau jewelry should be distinguished from Art Deco jewelry: in the inter-war period, the Art Nouveau movement expressed itself in all creative fields. Art Deco expressed itself in architecture and geometric figures, in contrast to the Art Nouveau movement, which featured curves. This artistic movement of the late 1800s and early 20th century highlighted the aesthetics of women, flowers, animals and plants...

How does the art nouveau movement translate into jewelry?

Art Nouveau jewelry is considered more a work of art than a fashion accessory. As such, they are generally imposing, composed of a variety of materials. Organic materials, fine and/or precious stones and delicate ornamentation are often used.

The mysterious world of Art Nouveau is a perpetual quest for beauty, a sublimation of women and their graceful curves, and of nature in general.

 Recognizing Art Nouveau jewelry

Inspired by women, fauna and flora, Art Nouveau jewelry is easily identifiable. Delicate curves, representations and chic ornamentation are the hallmarks of Art Nouveau jewelry. The use of certain materials is also characteristic of Art Nouveau jewelry: ivory, glass, horn, mother-of-pearl...

As for the shapes, they are made of interlacing foliage, flowers, insects, birds, women or pictorial representations of sensuality.

The exceptional quality of Art Nouveau jewelry still fascinates many collectors, and if there's one place where you can find genuine Art Nouveau jewelry, it's among the second-hand jewels!

For those who simply want to take their cue from this trend and wear jewelry inspired by it, there are plenty of pieces to delight you!

925 Sterling Silver Ring with Chinese Pearl, Amethyst, and White Topaz

925 Sterling Silver Ring with Chinese Pearl, Amethyst, and White Topaz

22,50 45€ (50)

Fantasy brooch

Fantasy brooch

€35.67 €118.90 (-70%)

Gold-plated bracelet with American curb chain 16 to 21 cm

Gold-plated bracelet with American curb chain 16 to 21 cm

107,50 215€ (50)

Fantasy brooch

Fantasy brooch

€20.67 €68.90 (-70%)

Necklace yellow gold plated medallion beaded zirconias 45 cm

Necklace yellow gold plated medallion beaded zirconias 45 cm

50,50 119€ (58)

Second-hand brooch in 750 yellow gold with cultured pearl

Second-hand brooch in 750 yellow gold with cultured pearl

€689 Estimated value:€1, 378

925 silver bracelet with pearled medal 18 cm

925 silver bracelet with pearled medal 18 cm

31,80 75€ (58)

925 sterling silver earrings with freshwater pearls and treated topaz stones

925 sterling silver earrings with freshwater pearls and treated topaz stones

57,50 115€ (50)

Second-hand gold ring 750 yellow cultured pearl

Second-hand gold ring 750 yellow cultured pearl

€639 Estimated value:€1,278

Second-hand ring 750 yellow gold cultured pearl synthetic stone

Second-hand ring 750 yellow gold cultured pearl synthetic stone

€399 Estimated value:€798

Second-hand gold ring 750 yellow cultured pearl

Second-hand gold ring 750 yellow cultured pearl

€589 Estimated value:€1,178

Gold ring 375 yellow pearl and zirconias

Gold ring 375 yellow pearl and zirconias

159,50 319€ (50)

925 silver earrings, circle motif, Chinese cultured pearls, zirconias.

925 silver earrings, circle motif, Chinese cultured pearls, zirconias.

55€

Silver bracelet 925 cultured pearl zirconias 19 cm

Silver bracelet 925 cultured pearl zirconias 19 cm

55€

Ring MATY Gold 375 yellow coral imitation lacquer

Ring MATY Gold 375 yellow coral imitation lacquer

€112.95 €225.90 (-50%)