Veil & Vintage is devoted exclusively to the bridal moment. Our focus is vintage costume jewelry chosen with ceremony, celebration, and heirloom sentiment in mind. This glossary highlights the styles, materials, and revival aesthetics that have shaped wedding fashion throughout the 20th century.

AB – Stands for Aurora Borealis, a shimmering iridescent coating applied to rhinestones and beads to reflect rainbow-like colors. Introduced by Swarovski in the 1950s, AB crystals became a signature detail in mid-century jewelry. In bridal styling, AB stones are especially beautiful for evening receptions or candlelit ceremonies, where they catch light with soft rainbow flashes.

Art Deco – Art Deco jewelry (circa 1920s–1935) is defined by geometric symmetry, bold lines, and architectural influence. Popular bridal materials included platinum settings, diamonds, onyx, and marcasite. Art Deco engagement rings and bridal accessories remain timeless for brides drawn to clean structure and understated glamour.

Art Nouveau – Art Nouveau (circa 1890–1915) features flowing lines, botanical motifs, and romantic natural forms. Often incorporating enamel and semi-precious stones, this era evokes softness and femininity. Antique Art Nouveau pieces are especially meaningful for brides seeking heirloom romance.

Austrian Crystal – Precision-cut crystal known for its brilliance and clarity, often associated with Swarovski production. Austrian crystals appear in vintage tiaras, earrings, and statement necklaces, offering dramatic sparkle without the weight or cost of fine gemstones.

Bar Pin – A narrow, elongated brooch popular during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Often decorated with seed pearls or filigree, bar pins are traditionally worn at the collarbone or securing lace. They are ideal for fastening a bridal sash, neckline, or heirloom veil.

Bezel Setting – A stone setting where a metal rim encircles the gemstone. Common in antique engagement rings, the bezel setting provides durability and a smooth profile—an elegant choice for everyday wear after the wedding day.

Bouquet Brooch – A decorative brooch attached to a bridal bouquet. This tradition allows brides to incorporate family heirlooms or sentimental pieces into the ceremony in a subtle, meaningful way.

Cabochon – A polished, unfaceted stone with a smooth, domed surface. Cabochons were widely used in mid-century jewelry and are often seen in moonstone, opal, or glass. Their soft glow complements lace, silk, and satin beautifully.

Cathedral Setting – An engagement ring setting where the band arches upward to support the center stone, resembling cathedral architecture. Popular in mid-20th century designs, it elevates the stone dramatically while maintaining elegance.

Chandelier Earrings – Elaborate, tiered earrings that cascade downward in layers of crystals or pearls. Frequently worn for formal weddings, they frame the face and photograph beautifully under soft lighting.

Choker – A close-fitting necklace that sits high on the neck. Vintage pearl or rhinestone chokers were especially popular in the 1920s and 1950s. For bridal wear, they pair gracefully with strapless or sweetheart necklines.

Clamper Bracelet – A hinged bracelet that opens and closes with spring tension. Mid-century clampers often feature bold rhinestones or enamel and can serve as a statement piece for a rehearsal dinner or reception look.

Clear Rhinestone – Colorless faceted glass stones designed to mimic diamonds. Clear rhinestones are the most traditional choice in vintage bridal costume jewelry, offering classic sparkle without colored accents.

Clip Earrings (Clip-on) – Earrings that fasten with a hinged clip rather than a pierced post. Clip-ons dominated bridal costume jewelry from the 1930s–1980s and often allowed for larger, more dramatic rhinestone designs without requiring pierced ears.

Cocktail Ring – A large, dramatic ring traditionally worn for evening occasions. Brides often choose vintage cocktail rings as “something old” for rehearsal dinners or reception outfit changes.

Costume Jewelry – Jewelry made from non-precious materials such as rhinestones, glass, or plated metals. During the 20th century, costume jewelry became central to bridal fashion, offering elaborate sparkle accessible to many brides.

Crawler – Earrings Also known as ear climbers, crawler earrings follow the curve of the earlobe rather than hanging straight down.

Demi Parure – A matching jewelry set consisting of two coordinating pieces, typically earrings and a necklace. Mid-century demi parures are especially popular for weddings because they create a cohesive, intentional look.

Drop Earrings – Earrings that hang below the earlobe, often featuring pearls or rhinestones suspended from a stud or clip base. Vintage drop earrings create movement and elongation in bridal portraits.

Edwardian – Refers to jewelry from the early 1900s (1901–1915), characterized by lace-like platinum filigree, delicate diamonds, and airy elegance. Edwardian pieces are highly sought after for bridal wear due to their refined and romantic detailing.

Estate Jewelry – Previously owned jewelry, not necessarily antique. Estate engagement rings and wedding bands offer sustainability and history, often at a more accessible price than newly produced pieces.

Faux Pearl(s) – Imitation pearls made from coated glass or resin, designed to replicate the luster of natural pearls. Faux pearls became foundational to 20th-century bridal costume jewelry, especially in the 1940s–1960s. Over time, vintage faux pearls often develop a soft, creamy patina that enhances their heirloom appeal. Multi-strand necklaces, clip earrings, and pearl-accented brooches remain timeless choices for wedding day styling.

Filigree – Intricate, lace-like metalwork formed from delicate wires. Common in Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry, filigree enhances bridal rings and pendants with texture and heirloom character.

Gilded Age – Refers to late 19th-century American design (circa 1870s–1900). Jewelry from this era often features ornate gold work and symbolic motifs, sometimes incorporated into antique bridal trousseaus.

Hallmark – A stamped mark indicating metal purity or maker. Bridal jewelry may feature marks such as “14K,” “18K,” or “925,” helping identify authenticity and metal content.

Heirloom Jewelry – Pieces passed down through generations. Incorporating heirloom jewelry into a wedding is a longstanding tradition symbolizing continuity and family history.

Lariat Necklace – A long, open-ended necklace that can be looped or draped. Particularly striking with low-back gowns, lariats offer subtle drama without overwhelming the silhouette.

Marcasite – Faceted pyrite stones set into silver, popular during the Victorian revival and Art Deco periods. Marcasite jewelry offers soft sparkle and antique charm for understated bridal styling.

Milk Glass – Opaque white glass stones set in gold- or silver-tone metal, popular from the 1940s through the 1960s.  Frequently seen in floral brooches, earrings, and coordinated sets, milk glass costume jewelry pairs beautifully with lace and satin.

Open-Back Stone – A stone setting that allows light to pass through the back, enhancing brilliance. Higher-quality vintage bridal rhinestone jewelry often features open-back construction.

Parure – A complete set of matching jewelry including necklace, earrings, bracelet, and sometimes brooch. Vintage bridal parures were once worn for formal evening weddings and grand ceremonies.

Pavé – A setting technique where small stones are closely set together to create continuous sparkle. Frequently used in vintage wedding bands and statement earrings.

Pear-Shaped – A teardrop-shaped stone. Popular in vintage engagement rings and bridal earrings for its elongated, flattering silhouette.

Pearl – A timeless bridal gemstone symbolizing purity and wisdom. Vintage pearl strands, earrings, and hair ornaments have adorned brides for centuries and remain one of the most enduring wedding traditions.

Prong Setting – A stone secured by metal claws, allowing maximum light exposure. Common in vintage engagement rings and rhinestone bridal jewelry.

Reception Change – A modern bridal practice of changing accessories (or gowns) for the reception. Vintage jewelry allows brides to transition from ceremony elegance to evening glamour effortlessly.

Rhinestones – Faceted glass or crystal stones designed to mimic diamonds. In mid-century bridal fashion, rhinestone jewelry was essential for achieving dramatic sparkle.

Sautoir – A long necklace, sometimes ending in a tassel, popular in the 1920s. Brides inspired by the Jazz Age often incorporate sautoirs into vintage-themed celebrations.

Something Old – A wedding tradition encouraging brides to wear or carry an heirloom item. Vintage jewelry naturally fulfills this role, adding history and sentiment to the day.

Statement Earrings – Bold, eye-catching earrings designed to anchor a bridal look. Particularly impactful when paired with minimalist gowns.

Tiaras & Hair Ornaments – Decorative headpieces worn for centuries in formal ceremonies. Vintage crystal tiaras and combs add regal elegance and photograph beautifully in natural light.

Trousseau – Traditionally, the collection of clothing and personal items a bride prepared for married life. In historic contexts, this often included fine jewelry sets intended for special occasions.

Victorian – Jewelry from the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901), known for romantic motifs such as hearts, serpents, and lockets. Victorian engagement rings and mourning jewelry occasionally find renewed life in bridal styling.  

Victorian Revival – A mid-20th century reinterpretation of 19th-century Victorian design. Unlike true antique Victorian jewelry, revival pieces are made from base metals with gold-tone plating, faux pearls, glass stones, and cast filigree-style detailing. Popular from the 1940s–1960s, Victorian Revival costume jewelry evokes romantic motifs such as hearts, bows, scrollwork, and cameos—making it especially suited for traditional bridal aesthetics.

Veil Clip – A decorative comb or clip used to secure a veil. Vintage rhinestone clips can serve as both functional hardware and statement accessory.