“Thanks, it’s older than you think”
“I’m sure you can find something similar”
“It’s from like 200 years ago…”
There's a certain pride that comes with responding to compliments on vintage and antique jewellery. Everyone has at least one friend who loves to draw attention to their latest vintage find. Even in celebrity circles, famous women such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Scarlett Johansson have previously chosen vintage for award ceremonies or engagement rings. But, have you ever wondered why so many people rave about shopping second-hand? Is buying vintage and antique jewellery really better? We think so.
Here are 7 reasons why you should buy vintage jewellery:
1. The Story: The Past in the Present
Vintage jewellery was not created in a vacuum. Each piece reflects the time of its creation and connects its wearer to the past. Stylistic choices in the design and craftsmanship are unique to periods of history and recall contemporary trends. Vintage jewellery can also serve as a sentimental link to past generations, allowing the current owner to imagine the context of its original creation, and the life of its previous owners. There is something beautiful in the nostalgic story telling enabled by buying vintage.
2. Sustainability: A Smarter Choice
There is a clear benefit to the planet in buying vintage and antique jewellery over newly-produced pieces. There is no manufacturing burden to the environment, as the pieces already exist (and in some cases, have done for hundreds of years!) Vintage, as an alternative to new, can be a far more sustainable choice, as it reduces the need for mining new resources, whilst also minimising waste and diverting wearable pieces from landfill. Choosing to buy vintage jewellery can avoid the often unethical practices associated with buying modern mass-produced jewellery, such as poor labour conditions and irresponsible (or immoral) sourcing practices. (For more information: The Hidden Cost of Jewelry)
3. Individuality: Unique Designs
Much vintage jewellery was produced in a time before mass-production was commonplace. One of the benefits of vintage fashion is that pieces were commonly handcrafted, or have hand-finished elements, meaning that there is a uniqueness that cannot be replicated in the modern market, unless you're willing to pay a hefty premium. Moreover, the natural ageing of vintage and antique pieces, and any imperfections they may have acquired, tell the story of the journey that a piece of jewellery has taken to end up in a contemporary collection. There is a character in vintage that modern pieces simply cannot replicate.
4. A Shield Against Changing Trends
Vintage jewellery is simultaneously completely of its time, yet with a timeless quality. With the world fast developing a homogenous monoculture online, vintage jewellery provides a different solution. Jewellery that stands out in a modern context. With so many eras and styles to choose from, there is no ‘one-way’ to wear vintage. A colourful 1930s cocktail ring might now provide the perfect contrast to an understated everyday look; a chunky Mid-Century Mexican silver brooch might make the perfect addition to a quirky coat lapel. Trends follow a pretty well-researched cycle of being widely adopted, falling out of favour, and being re-adopted by the next generation. Having just a small selection of vintage and antique in your jewellery box can help protect against the idea of changing trends. Vintage can either complement contemporary fashion, or stand in direct opposition to it. For instance, see our large selection of vintage rings for examples of pieces that could either signify current market trends, or cast you as a quirky outsider from them.
5. Investment Value
Vintage jewellery can offer outstanding value for money, in comparison to modern pieces. It can be a more affordable way to buy gold and silver, or other fine jewellery pieces, as the mining and manufacturing cost has already been incurred historically. This means that you can often find pieces made from the highest quality materials for much less money than if you were buying new. It is no secret that manufacturing practices have declined over the last century. Buying vintage is a fantastic way to ensure that you receive the quality and craftsmanship that you deserve from your accessories. Oftentimes, historic practices surpass the contemporary drive for quantity over quality, and much vintage jewellery was constructed in an era when things were built to last. Buying smart could also prove to be a sound investment, as many pieces of vintage jewellery actually tend to appreciate in value over time. Theoretically, you can buy something, wear it for years, and then sell it for more money. (For more on this: Is Antique Jewelry a Good Investment?)
6. The Quality
Buying vintage jewellery has a distinct advantage over modern pieces; they have been worn. Flaws or weaknesses in their design have already been exposed, and usually, repair costs have been incurred by someone else. They have been worn for tens of years, and sometimes hundreds of years. If they survive in good condition, it is unlikely that you can do much damage… What better quality assurance is there?
7. The Thrill: The Treasure Hunt
A true antique and vintage collector will know first-hand the thrill of the hunt. There is nothing quite like finding a piece designed a hundred years ago that you know is meant for you. Knowing where to look is part of it, as is recognising what you are looking for. Learning how to spot the authentic from the inauthentic, for signs of truth and integrity in sellers, and all the different ways in which an old piece tells you its story, is just part of the joy in shopping for vintage jewellery.
Start your treasure hunt today...