Love Vintage Jewellery

We all fantasise about that Haute Joaillerie Chopard diamond cut necklace. But the reality is that the metal around our necks will be more F Hinds than Cartier. The price of quality, luxury, mesmerising jewellery is far out of the average persons reach, and so we are settling for jewellery that, to be honest, is not what we really dream about turning up in our Christmas stocking. So what if I were to tell you that you could buy a piece of jewellery that was just as beautiful, just as elegant and just as highly show stopping at a thousandth of the price - would you believe me?

Vintage jewellery is in a world of its own. Almost every piece you come across will be unique and hand crafted. These pieces were made years, decades, even centuries ago. They come with a story, a lifetime of love and care. They are by far more of an expression of your personality and taste because they come from hundreds of different trends through time and you not the journalists, designers or shop buyers, have chosen that special piece as your signature.

Buying vintage is not just a case of walking into a shop like H Samuel, or even Tiffany's. Buying vintage is more exciting, it's about hunting down a piece of jewellery that is perfect for your taste, which is special and made for you. Vintage jewellery will cater for every style and every pocket. You can find a piece for a few pounds, right up to Sotheby's auction prices.

When choosing your piece you should make it reflect your personality and mood. Remember that through time not only have jewellery trends changed but the style of the accessory has too. Today's themes focus mainly on rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Although these styles have been fashionable through time too, other pieces such as dress clips, brooches, hair clips and lockets will have been ever so fashionable for your grandparents, great grandparents and beyond. Vintage jewellery does not go out of fashion, it has already been in fashion and now it is an everlasting statement of your style and individuality. Just like everything else in fashion, certain collections are more sought after than others. Unless you are interested in collecting rare and unusual jewellery, choose pieces that come from different trends to build up a varied collection. You will be able to pick something up from nearly all the main eras. But don't be fooled into thinking you will not be able to find everything you want. There is plenty to go around and most vintage shops will have era collections so you can pick and choose as you like. Vintage maybe old but that does not mean it is tatty; most vintage pieces will be in very good condition. Some will be discoloured or have stones missing so keep a close eye on pieces you buy.

Jewels were harder to come by years ago, only the well-off were likely to have a choice like we do today. Jewellery was loved and sometimes not even worn; which is why you may come across new and unworn vintage. People treasured and cherished their jewellery and when you buy a vintage piece you will understand why.

by Charlene Renyard