WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch HistoryTrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide
“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” is author Beth Bernstein’s sequel to her 2022 book “The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery.” A book signing and panel on the trends discussed in the book will take place at the NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show on Nov. 20.
New York—Jewelry historian Beth Bernstein has penned a book about understanding, sourcing, and styling vintage jewelry.
Titled “The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery,” it is a sequel to her 2022 book “The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery.”
The new companion book follows the evolution of jewelry design from the Art Deco movement in the 1930s to the bold styles of the early 1980s.
Through vivid photography and commentary from Bernstein, it explores the popular looks at the time and the changes through the mid- to late 20th century across 216 pages.
The book moves chronologically, starting with the modern innovations of the 1930s and continuing through the wartime ingenuity of the ‘40s, the charm-laden optimism of the ‘50s, the rebellious and revolution times of the ‘60s, and the glitter and glamour of the ‘70s, before ending with the confident sophistication or the early ‘80s.
It focuses on the style and cultural shifts of each era, highlighting signature styles, innovative materials, and the fine craftsmanship that is characteristic of vintage design.
Bernstein spotlights jewelers that helped define each decade, including Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Verdura, David Webb, and Aldo Cipullo.
She also highlights the pioneering female designers who reshaped the industry, like Suzanne Belperron, Juliette Moutard, Jeanne Toussaint, Elsa Peretti, Angela Cummings, and Marina B.
Titled “The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery,” it is a sequel to her 2022 book “The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery.”
The new companion book follows the evolution of jewelry design from the Art Deco movement in the 1930s to the bold styles of the early 1980s.
Through vivid photography and commentary from Bernstein, it explores the popular looks at the time and the changes through the mid- to late 20th century across 216 pages.
The book moves chronologically, starting with the modern innovations of the 1930s and continuing through the wartime ingenuity of the ‘40s, the charm-laden optimism of the ‘50s, the rebellious and revolution times of the ‘60s, and the glitter and glamour of the ‘70s, before ending with the confident sophistication or the early ‘80s.
It focuses on the style and cultural shifts of each era, highlighting signature styles, innovative materials, and the fine craftsmanship that is characteristic of vintage design.
Bernstein spotlights jewelers that helped define each decade, including Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Verdura, David Webb, and Aldo Cipullo.
She also highlights the pioneering female designers who reshaped the industry, like Suzanne Belperron, Juliette Moutard, Jeanne Toussaint, Elsa Peretti, Angela Cummings, and Marina B.
A 1969 Bulgari “Serpenti” bracelet-watch in gold with green enamel, emeralds, and diamonds (Image credit: Barella – Studio Orizzonte Gallery, Image courtesy of Bulgari Heritage Collection)
A Raymond Yard “Cherry” brooch circa 1950 set with rubies along with white and yellow diamonds (Image courtesy of A La Vieille Russie)
Elsa Peretti’s gold “Scorpion” necklace circa 1979 from the collection of Kimberly Klosterman. (Image credit: Tony Walsh, Image courtesy of Cincinnati Art Museum)
The “Spiral” ear clips turned brooches designed by Suzanne Belperron for B. Herz around the 1930s with diamonds, platinum, and grey gold (Image credit: Belperron)
The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery also includes insights from Bernstein and other experts on purchasing vintage jewelry today through international shops, dealers, fairs, and auction houses.
The book also includes guidance on identifying, styling, and preserving vintage jewelry.
“I became acquainted with vintage jewelry as a young girl though my mother’s and grandmother’s jewelry, as well as the styles worn by style-setting actresses I watched on TV [and] in old movies,” said Bernstein.
“As a jewelry journalist and editor for 22 years, I have come to realize that vintage jewelry represents the cultural landscape of three generations of my own family, as well as groundbreaking global innovations of some of the most legendary designers and maisons who change with the times and continue to bejewel international collectors.”
Bernstein added, “This new book not only shares my passion—I hope it also helps readers to understand how jewelry reflects the cultural, social, and emotional currents of its time.”
Along with being a jewelry historian, Bernstein is an author, journalist, and one-time jewelry designer with more than 20 years in the industry.
Her previous books include “Jewelry’s Shining Stars: The Next Generation,” “The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery,” “If These Jewels Could Talk,” “Jewelry’s Shining Stars,” and her memoir “My Charmed Life.”
She has also contributed to D’Origin Magazine, Forbes, Palm Beach Illustrated, Jewelry Connoisseur, Rapaport Magazine, TheJewelryEditor.com, Accent Magazine, Elite Traveler, Departures, and Four Seasons Magazine.
The book was published by ACC Art Books on Oct. 21.
It retails for $35 and is available on the ACC Art Books website or through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
A panel discussion highlighting the jewelry trends featured in The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery is slated for Nov. 20 at the NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show (NYCJAOS).
Bernstein will moderate the panel as it traces trends from the 1930s to the 1980s, and experts will give tips on how to find and purchase the most coveted styles from these eras.
Panelists include Lorraine Wohl of Elle W Collection, Dana Kiyomura of Keyamour, Amie Bourgeois of Rogue Vintage Jewels, and Susan Cohen of Circa 1700.
“Beth and the panelists, all of whom are featured in ‘The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery,” are true experts. An educated customer is always the best customer,” said Konstantinos Leousis, founder of NYCJAOS and KIL Promotions, which manages the show.
“We hope everyone will come, learn, and then enjoy their shopping at the show all the more!”
The panel will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at NYCJAOS, which is located at the Hyatt Place Chelsea at 140 W. 24th Street in New York City. Inside the show, the panel will be in The Placery on the second floor near the terrace.
The panel will be followed by a book signing with Bernstein and books will also be available for purchase.
Admission is free for the book launch and panel discussion, but tickets are required for entry.
Free tickets are available on the Eventbrite website.
More on Trends
The Latest
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
