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
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
