Antique or vintage fine jewelry is always very unique, but there are always common motifs and similarities between time periods. Art Deco commonly uses filigree, retro mixes rose gold with rubies, and so on and so forth. I like to pick out things I’ve never seen before–like below: 
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels from the 70s, with 18k yellow gold and onyx. From Yafa Signed Jewels, featured on 1stdibs.
Awesome Renaissance revival brooch featuring a Griffin outfitted in sapphires and rose cut diamonds. This piece is of French origin and circa 1880s. From Lawrence Jeffrey Estate Jewelers, featured on 1stdibs. Price: $14,500
From the mid 1980s are these onyx, sapphire, ruby and diamond pendant earrings designed by Marina B. From FD and featured on 1stdibs.
14k gold bold double v design ring by Ben Nighthorse, a Native American jewelry designer and former Congressman! Kinda obsessed with his designs right now. This ring is from Stella Rubin Antiques featured on 1stdibs. Price: $1,950
Cara Gibson November 21, 2011 at 2:42 am:
wow, these jewelry are really luxuriant and worth the money.
oxinsocks November 22, 2011 at 1:11 pm:
Ben Nighthorse- yum…..
Pandora Style Beads December 12, 2011 at 8:23 pm:
last ring is very similar to a Kabana style ring. Nice.
Margaret February 6, 2012 at 9:41 pm:
Ben Nighthorse is always coming out with new designs – constantly innovating. I've heard him say he'll wake up at 3 o'clock in the morning with an idea and just have to go work on it. The fun thing about his jewelry is that it is very much inspired by traditional Native American designs, but is definitely contemporary jewelry – and artwork!