Our fascination with Vintage Jewellery
The history of humans adorning themselves can be traced back tens of thousands of years. Different cultures wear jewellery for different reasons, but mostly to convey social status or that they are members of a community. Very ancient jewellery was made of wood, stones, shells, plants and flowers. Decorating the body is in our genes and has evolved alongside our ability to create.
Today, trying to find vintage jewellery that is more than 150 years old is rather difficult. Most would be found in a museum, treasured articles from the past. Also, jewellery has a tendency to be recycled, the pieces broken up and used to make other things or new items of jewellery. This was particularly common of large, extremely expensive pieces of jewellery from the world’s royal families. Heirlooms passed down through the royal lines were dismantled and the stones used to make new bespoke pieces.
Vintage jewellery, especially those from the top end designers, or from the more defining genres like Art Deco, are highly sort after and many have become collectables. Jewellery from designers like Cartier, Dior and Chanel change hands for huge sums of money. But well made jewellery items that are in good condition also sell well and a beautiful, vintage piece can be purchased relatively cheaply. Even if you can’t afford the real thing, there are lots of jewellery makers out there making attractive, high quality vintage-inspired designs to suit all those hankering after a bygone era.
Today, trying to find vintage jewellery that is more than 150 years old is rather difficult. Most would be found in a museum, treasured articles from the past. Also, jewellery has a tendency to be recycled, the pieces broken up and used to make other things or new items of jewellery. This was particularly common of large, extremely expensive pieces of jewellery from the world’s royal families. Heirlooms passed down through the royal lines were dismantled and the stones used to make new bespoke pieces.
Vintage jewellery, especially those from the top end designers, or from the more defining genres like Art Deco, are highly sort after and many have become collectables. Jewellery from designers like Cartier, Dior and Chanel change hands for huge sums of money. But well made jewellery items that are in good condition also sell well and a beautiful, vintage piece can be purchased relatively cheaply. Even if you can’t afford the real thing, there are lots of jewellery makers out there making attractive, high quality vintage-inspired designs to suit all those hankering after a bygone era.