Vintage vs Antique vs Pre-Owned: What’s the Difference?
Megan website@walterbull.co.ukIn the world of fine jewellery, words like vintage, antique and pre-owned are used often, but not always clearly explained. For anyone browsing our collection or exploring jewellery for the first time, understanding what each of these terms really means can help you shop with more confidence and maybe even uncover a hidden gem.
At Walter Bull & Son, we’ve been curating and restoring jewellery since 1815. These terms aren’t just labels to us, they reflect craftsmanship, history and the stories carried by each piece.
What is Antique Jewellery?
Antique jewellery is any piece that is over 100 years old. These are items that were crafted in an entirely different era, often by hand, and they carry a sense of history and charm that simply cannot be replicated.
From Georgian diamond rings to Edwardian pearl brooches, antique pieces tend to feature traditional stone cuts, old techniques and design motifs that reflect the culture of their time. Many are one-of-a-kind. Because they’ve already stood the test of time, they are often beautifully made and wonderfully wearable.
Antique jewellery has an unmistakable romance. Whether passed down through families or discovered in a quiet display case, each piece has lived a life before you and carries its own quiet story.
What is Vintage Jewellery?
Vintage refers to jewellery that is at least 20 years old, but not yet 100. Pieces from the Art Deco period, mid-century designs, and even some from the early 2000s can all be considered vintage depending on their age.
The styles vary enormously, from bold cocktail rings and 1980s statement earrings to more delicate designs from the post-war years. The quality of vintage jewellery is often exceptional, particularly if the piece was made in an era when craftsmanship and materials were held to a higher standard than mass-produced items today.
Many of our vintage pieces at Walter Bull & Son have been carefully restored, ensuring they’re not only beautiful but ready to be worn again and again.
What is Pre-Owned Jewellery?
Pre-owned jewellery refers to any piece that has been previously worn, regardless of its age. It could be a ring from five years ago or a bracelet from the 1950s. What makes a piece pre-owned is not the style or the period, but the simple fact that it has had a previous owner.
Buying pre-owned jewellery is often one of the most sustainable and meaningful ways to shop. It offers access to fine materials and luxury craftsmanship at a more approachable price point, and often you’ll find designs that are no longer in production.
Every pre-owned item at Walter Bull & Son is thoroughly checked, professionally cleaned and restored where needed by our in-house workshop. When you buy a pre-owned piece from us, you can trust it has been given the care and attention it deserves.
Why It Matters
Understanding the difference between antique, vintage and pre-owned helps you choose jewellery that reflects your personal style, your values and even the occasion you’re buying for. Whether you're drawn to the romance of an antique ring, the boldness of a vintage bracelet or the timeless appeal of a pre-owned chain, each category offers something uniquely special.
What they all share is character. These are not pieces that sit quietly in a drawer. They’ve been worn, loved and are ready for their next chapter, with you.