DIY INSPIRATION: VINTAGE EDITION

The Never-Ending Search for Treasure

Everyone has their own idea of what is considered treasure. Some prefer the expensive variety of diamonds and gold, but to me, it has always been vintage jewelry. If you put me in an antique store, don't expect me to leave it within an hour, or even two. I'm probably happiest when I'm left to my own devices for a day in order to prowl through the jewelry stands, the glass cases with hidden gems, and the baskets filled with sparkly goodies. What's the appeal? 

1. They just don't make them like they used to. Have you ever picked up a vintage necklace in one hand, and a generic store-bought necklace in the other hand? Well if you have, I'm sure the first thing you notice is the incredible difference in craftsmanship. The weight, the intricate details, the design - you really can't find 'em made like they used to. I'm particularly partial to the statement costume pieces - necklaces are my favourite!

2. Every piece is unique. I can honestly say that as I go about my daily life, not once have I ever spied one of my vintage pieces on any other neck, wrist, finger, or ear lobe of any other person. Oh, and trust me - I observe. What can I say, I enjoy people-watching. And my tireless people-watching ways have taught me that no one, not a single person out there (so far), has what I have.  

3. Every piece has character and a story to share. Whenever I pick up a new necklace from the bottom of a dusty basket, or slide a bracelet off its display, I can't help but wonder. Wonder about its previous owner (or owners) and about its journey to the antique store where it eventually ends up in my own collection. Of course, my over imaginative mind likes to fabricate stories of grandeur. "This necklace could have graced the neck of a royal princess. Or maybe this ring was given by a soldier to his fiance." No? Probably not. But once in awhile I get a lovely story from the lovely people selling the jewelry, and I learn a little piece of history. 

4. The price is right. 5 bucks for a pair of earrings? 8 buckaroos for a bracelet? 10 whole dollars for a necklace? Sign. Me. Up. I'm not kidding. These prices are of course not the standard. But in general, I have been able to stay within that price range for a lot of the pieces in my collection. The most I've paid so far is 30 dollars. I tend to fall for the Monet statement necklaces, and those usually go for a little more. But come on, 30 bucks? I'm sure no one will have a nose bleed forking over 30 dollars for something that is truly a treasure. Maybe when we get to the high-roller stuff (you know, the sparklers locked up in display cases with thousand dollar price tags), maybe then tissue is necessary to wipe away your disbelief. Until the day you are a millionaire and can afford extravagant vintage pieces, just stick with what you can afford. 

Remember, vintage pieces are keepers. I hope one day I can pass down my collection to the people I love and perhaps inspire a new generation to continue the search for the ultimate form of treasure - vintage jewelry. 

Above: Wearing vintage jewelry - necklace, bracelet, and cocktail ring.