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
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
