Vintage jewellery
By JenAngel
Introduction
Vintage jewellery is hugely on trend at the moment – pieces adorned with pearls, lace, little charms, beads and tiny watches are especially popular. But what does ‘vintage jewellery’ really mean?
Simply, it’s jewellery from a bygone era – and that era can be thirties or sixties, forties or eighties. This shouldn’t be confused with antique jewellery, which is generally accepted as being pre-1920s (of course, antique jewellery can still be ‘vintage’ but ‘vintage’ covers jewellery that isn’t antique too). The term ‘vintage jewellery’ therefore covers quite a wide range of styles and types.
If you want to follow the vintage trend, you’ve got two real options – buy off-the-shelf vintage, or hunt down the real deal, authentic jewellery from a past era that has the vintage look.
Buying authentic vintage jewellery
Before you decide to set off hunting for the real vintage deal, ask yourself whether you really want to do this and why. There are loads of excellent imitations on the high street that don't cost much and look just as good. It's hard hunting down a real vintage bargain so be ready to put in some effort.
When you’re buying authentic vintage, generally you’ll find that the older or more elaborate the piece, the pricier. Any authentic extras such as authenticity papers or the original jewellery box, the original price tag or sleeper bag (the original pouch the jewellery came in) especially when they feature the manufacturer’s logo have the effect of sending the price up by as much as double sometimes. Another factor that influences price is the amount of jewellery produced – small runs or one-offs are going to be far more expensive than mass-produced.
Beware of fakes – you’ll find that the most expensive costume jewellery is Chanel and because everyone wants it, there are absolutely loads of imitations. Take care to buy this kind of item from a reputable dealer and take the time to check the authenticity as much as is possible when you’re spending some money.
Buying high street vintage jewellery
High street fashion follows the catwalk and so gives you an affordable, neat way of picking up the 'vintage' look often for next to nothing. I recommend ShopForJewellery's vintage jewellery range as it's full of fab necklaces and earrings, pearls, bows, charms and all the little vintage details that are so in at the moment. The ShopForJewellery blog is always full of vintage jewellery articles as well.
Another good tip is to check out charity shops, particular in high fashion areas. You'll rarely find a obsessed fashion follower running these shops so they won't know to price up really good on-trend finds when they see them. That's good news for you. Local markets (like Camden Market in London) are also a great place to hunt down bargains but prices are comparitive to online stores and sometimes more dear, just because they are magnets for the fashion obsessive.
Eras to watch out for
Swinging sixties
The vintage jewellery of the swinging sixties was far out, as you might expect! Top designers to look for include Pierre Cardin, Pucci and Paco Rabanne.
Styles: space-age shapes, innovative materials, silver and brightly coloured plastic.
Pieces: mod earrings, cool cuffs, way-out rings and jangly, spangly necklaces.
Disco diva 1970s
The seventies was about getting dressed up and going out dancing. The top designers to look for are Yves Saint Laurent and Lanvin.
Look out for: geometric brooches and necklaces, glass cabochons (flat backed stones) in sultry seventies colour schemes (red, lavender, citrine and forest green), snake chains and sculptural motifs.
Excessive 1980s
It's been in trend recently so it's easier to find the imitation 80s stuff but if you're going for the real deal, keep an eye out for Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel, Christian
Lacroix, Versace and Valentino.
The look: gold-tone chains, baroque faux pearls, oversize button earrings, logo bangles, baroque crosses on chunky chains. The chunky gold, gems and pearls are still very 'now'.
trust1 4 months ago
Love Vintage Jewellery