Vintage Jewelry - Green and Chic

Vintage jewelry is a truly green and eco-conscious fashion choice because it reduces consumption by using available products rather then using up resources to create new items. In addition, many of these pieces are made of brass, a more affordable alternative to precious metals. The market price of silver or gold these days is just going through the roof! There has always been a great deal of discussion over when an item is old enough to be labeled vintage. The most common answer that I hear is any item over 25 years old, as used when describing older cars. The antique label is used when an item reaches 50 years old.

Personally, being that I was a young adult 25 years ago and that seems like yesterday to me, I prefer to use the vintage label on any parts that I use in my jewelry which are from the 1970s and earlier. Almost all of these parts are new old stock, which is another way of saying that I have obtained these bits and beads from dusty old warehouses where they have been peacefully stashed since they were created many years ago. They have never been used before.

I have scouted out these amazingly well crafted and unique parts in small quantities over the years, creating a stash to draw inspiration from today. Because I was able to buy these items at prices from days gone by, my vintage designs are usually more affordable than the designs created with newer and pricier contemporary parts. The downside of this is that I can't replace these items, so when they are gone ... they are gone for good.

For those of you who are avid vintage collectors, I try to use all vintage components in my jewelry designs that are presented in the vintage category of heartsdesirejewelry.com , but on occasion I do mix contemporary items with the vintage. These items will be clearly identified in the listings. As for the vintage kimono panels that are used in the shibori-edged shawls, those are recycled and have been used before. When a kimono has been worn past its prime, there are often still quality pieces of fabric left among the frayed or damaged pieces. By carefully removing the stitches from a kimono, these panels can be re-used for other purposes. I back them with silk and adorn them with trims that are sometimes quite old themselves.

In all cases, I try to obtain an accurate age range and location of origin on the old parts by asking my source and using my knowledge & experience. If I am unsure of those facts, I tell you in the description. If you are unsure, just ask! I'll do my best to answer any questions about the items that I make and sell.
If you would like more info about any of the designs shown here or to purchase, simply click on the picture of that item.