AD | What do you think about when you see a piece of vintage or antique jewellery? For me, it’s always about the history. The back story of who wore it first, why they had it, the artisan behind the design, and the choice of precious gems and metals that make up the piece. But what makes antique jewellery a sustainable style choice for me? In today’s fast-fashion, throwaway world, buying old jewellery is one of the easiest ways of conserving resources as well as owning a piece of history.
Why is Antique Jewellery a Sustainable Style Choice?
When you choose antique jewellery, you are making a conscious decision to shop sustainably by buying a piece of pre-loved craftsmanship. And hand on heart, browsing in antique markets, second hand jewellery shops, and online stores gives me an enormous amount of pleasure. It’s exciting to never know what you’ll find. Most dealers are sole traders or family businesses, so buying old jewellery is a chance to #shopsmall and support small and local businesses too.
The Personal Touch
Antique jewellery was mostly hand-made by skilled designers and jewellers who spent hours learning their trade and perfecting their craft. So the quality and workmanship is unmatched by modern pieces as mass production, casting, and intensive machine tooling didn’t exist back then. Another bonus is that, as the craftsmen worked on commissioned one-off pieces for wealthy people, it’s very unlikely you’ll end up wearing the same piece of jewellery as anyone else. Which makes for a uniquely sustainable style statement all your own, no?
It Holds Its Value
Whenever you buy anything new, it depreciates (drops in value) almost immediately. That’s as true of modern jewellery as cars, but antique or vintage jewellery tends to hold the same value as the price you pay for it. In fact, it could even increase in value due to those pieces not being made any more (again, much like my beloved MGB GT, which is now a classic car). So that also makes antique jewellery a sustainable style choice and, additionally, an excellent investment. Although that wasn’t at the forefront of my mind when I fell in love with this beautiful Edwardian amethyst and pearl necklace…
Buying Second-Hand Saves Resources
When I worked in education marketing some years ago, I helped created schools resources for both De Beers and for Rio Tinto. So I learned how intensive the mining process for gems and precious metals really is, and how resource-heavy. I also learned about conflict-diamonds (aka “blood diamonds”) which were prevalent during the 1980s due to the civil wars in Africa. Bearing this in mind, you can see why it’s hard to produce jewellery in a truly environmentally way. How much more sustainable and environmentally responsible to be a curator and conservator of antique jewellery instead, don’t you think?
My Personal Sustainable Style Choice
As you can see, I have a particular passion for Edwardian jewellery, especially when they use pearls 🙂 But in all seriousness, I hope I’ve been able to persuade you of the value in antique jewellery and why it’s a sustainable style choice. No shade on those who like to buy new, of course, but every once in a while, don’t you think there’s something thrilling about becoming part of the ongoing story of a piece of old jewellery?
I’m very lucky to have inherited some antique jewellery from my mother and my grandmother, including their engagement rings. And even luckier that Alan has bought me some beautiful pieces over the years as well. My antique jewellery pieces are now all family heirlooms and will eventually go to Flora. So I’m only the current chapter, there are plenty more to come as they become part of her family history in due course. And as the saying goes, “You never really know a woman until you have seen her jewellery.”
How do you feel about old jewellery? And is antique jewellery a sustainable style choice for you? Have you bought any vintage pieces before? If not, would you consider buying second hand jewellery now?
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Jewellery is not something I wear too often but I do have all of my Mums now.
Some of hers was passed to her from Grandparents so it’s very vintage. The craftsmanship that goes in to these types of jewellery is just amazing.
Plus If it’s something passed down it will always be so special. More than any cheap jewellery that is made unsustainably x
Yes, that’s exactly it, the history and the personal touch, that’s what makes my antique jewellery so special to me. That’s lovely you have your mum’s and granmother’s too, Claire x
Thank you for this article. I believe in sustainability, but I hadn’t really thought about jewelery as a part of that. I learned something today.
Thank you, I’m so glad this post was helpful 🙂
I love this, I rarely every buy new jewellery at all. I also only own a few pieces and most of them I inherited or have had for years now. I never thought about or considered wearing antique jewellery as a way of being sustainable but I certainly will now whenever I am on the look out for new pieces. Brilliant post Lisa!
Ah, Hannah, that’s so wonderful to read, I’m so glad! And thank you very much, that’s very kind of you too 🙂
The amethyst/pearl necklace is stunning. The clamour for everything to be new is something I’ve managed to get away from. Not only can you get yourself bargains, we really do need to be less wasteful as a society.
Isn’t it gorgeous? Just so unique. And yes, I agree, anything that helps less wastefulness has to be a good thing nowadays.
Hard agree on this! I only wear earrings, they’re the only piece of jewelry I am comfortable with and I must say vintage earrings have that elegant, timeless quality to them. Also, if you find the right design, you can wear them with any outfit you like, it doesn’t have to be something special or fancy 🙂
I have a few pairs of vintage earrings as well and I know what you mean, the delicacy and craftsmanship is just beautiful – and they do go with any outfit 🙂
I don’t wear much jewellery but second hand is so nice because you know it has meant something to someone else and has a story!
Yes, that’s it exactly, there’s a story behind it all!
This was a very good read and I just love all the pieces especially the Edwardian amethyst and split pearl necklace
Thank you so much – and yes, it’s gorgeous, I need to start saving up!
These jewelry pieces are amazing! Lovely Post!
They are indeed – and thank you.
Your pieces are lovely! wearing one is like wearing art. They have personality and look great with everyone’s style. It’s fun to keep the past alive, too.
–Sue
http://www.susanberkkoch.com/blog
Thank you, Sue, glad you like my choices – and yes, it’s all about keeping the past alive 🙂
You make great points for antique jewellery. I’m a big fan of old watches (functional jewellery). I own several but my favourite is an 80 year old watch that belonged to my father. It’s a great piece for fond memories. Just like a nice piece of regular jewellery, I don’t wear it everyday but save it for special occasions. Back to your main point in the post – there’s lots of great, well made antique jewellery out there (and they hold there value). Take a close look and you’ll be amazed at the quality and beauty. Thanks for sharing,
Thank you, Mark, I’m glad you agree. And with regards to watches, my husband collects old watches, his favourite is a Luftwaffe pilot’s watch which still works perfectly – so I completely agree about the quality and the beauty of older jewellery and timepieces!
I love older jewelry pieces! I’m lucky to have a couple of my grandma’s. They have so much more character I feel than newer items. And I love the thought of them having a back story as well. You make great points about them being a sustainable choice too. Thanks for sharing!
That’s lovely you have some family pieces too – and yes, they have so much more character than modern jewellery, I feel anyway!
I am not a fan of antique jewelleries. But I agree with you that they are a sustainable choice and beautiful to look at.
I know it’s not for everyone but thank you 🙂
I agree I love antique jewellery too especially when it is handmade.
Yes, it’s so beautiful, isn’t it? 🙂
There’s so much history in antique jewelry now I also want one😅
Yes, there is – and I know what you mean!
I love the antique jewellery as it’s so special and artistique.
The photos you posted are so lovely and I love it makes
such a unique choice. Second hand can be full of treasure..
Yes, it really is – and thank you, they are beautiful pieces, aren’t they?
This is such an interesting post! I love the sustainability of using antique jewellery – I have a few pieces handed down to me!
Thank you – and that’s lovely to hear you have some older pieces too!
I totally agree with you. Such a beautiful amethyst necklace it’s my absolute favourite.
It’s so gorgeous, I love it!
Love your take on this post, Lisa. I wouldn’t have I have any proper antique jewellery but I do have a few pieces which were my Nan’s and one necklace which was my Great-Nan’s. Which is nice to have. Although I’m VERY WARY about wearing them now. Last year, I put one of my nan’s old rings on one of her old necklaces to wear and when I was out one day with my camera around my neck, everything got tangled up and it broke. VERY LUCKILY I didn’t drop either the ring or the necklace (If I had, it would have fallen into a Tiger enclosure – I was at the zoo!)
Oh thank you, Jenny, that’s very kind. I know what you mean about being wary, there’s always the FEAR that I might lose something or break it but then again, they were made to be worn. Glad your nan’s ring and necklace didn’t fall prey to the tigers though! x
I have some old pieces from my grandmother I don’t wear but I think I need to actually make use of them. Thanks for sharing!
Oh you definitely should, I’m sure they’re beautiful!
This is such a great post, Lisa! I love the idea and totally agree. I wear jewellery every day, and I love how vintage second-hand pieces always hold their style compared to newer items. The swooping swallows design is so pretty, I’d love that in a necklace!
Anika
Thank you, Anika – and yes, older pieces do really hold their style, don’t they? It’s so lovely to wear something that no-one else has copied or duped!
I buy lots of antique or vintage things for my house or kitchen but usually gloss over the jewelry. Your post has really inspired me to check those out some more and see what I can find before buying something new. Thanks for sharing!
Oh that’s wonderful to hear, I’m so pleased, Kalin! I hope you enjoy hunting for some antique treasures 🙂
There are not many flea markets or antique shops I can frequent where I live, but I LOVE old jewelry and always find myself picking up bracelets, necklaces, pins . . . when I find myself in a new town, the trinket and antique shops are always on my list of places to visit.
I think my fascination with old jewelry also comes from the mystery of what stories are behind an old ring or necklace! Wondering always gives me inspiration for new stories, but I never considered the sustainability of antique jewelry, so thank you for sharing a new thought with me!
That’s lovely to hear, Jaya, and I’m not at all surprised the back stories give you inspiration for stories and poems. Thank you for your lovely comment!
Antique jewellery is a beautiful accessory to own and I’ve never really thought about owning anything like that but as I can see, it can be styled and worn with so many different outfits x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Oh yes, my pieces go with everything, I love them all 🙂 x
I love anything antique! Especially jewelry. I think it is beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing this awesome post!
Thank you, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!
This is awwesome. I like the ones that keep its value which worth spending money on. This has many good things about it.
Thank you, Jack, I’m glad you agree 🙂
I love this! My mum used to have a box of old stuff from when she was young and I used to adore looking through it when I was younger. I’ve got a couple of pieces that were hers and my grandmother’s wedding ring but I love the idea of finding more. The pieces you’ve shown here are absolutely stunning! Great post.
Lindsey
Thank you, Lindsey! And how lovely that you’ve got some of your mother’s and grandmother’s jewellery too, continuing the story!
Great post ,I like the idea of passing jewellery through generations as a sustainable option. Also, as you mentioned a lot of these historical pieces of jewellery will have been made with such quality craftsmanship which may not be found in newer pieces of jewellery.
Thank you – it’s a win, win for sustainability and for history, isn’t it? 🙂
I completely agree with you about antique jewellery and sustainable. Before I read only about sustainable fashion but I didn’t think about jewellery. Thank you for bringing all of good sides about wearing antique jewellery.
You’re so welcome and I’m glad you agree 🙂
You’ve mentioned some great points in this post. I love antique jewellery. Its a great way of owning something unique.
Thank you, Kelly, I completely agree 🙂
I love antique jewellery and I am always trying to invest in pieces rather than buy things for the sake of it! I always find some amazing hidden gems in the antique stores where I live which is a bonus!
Rosie
Wow, lucky you, that’s so amazing to have the stores where you live!
I really enjoyed this. I’m not one for jewellery in general but found this very interesting. Thank you for sharing!
Oh thank you so much, that’s so good to hear!
I love that antique jewellery gives you the opportunity to have something that no one else/ very few people have. It’s an amazing way to find your personal styles and preferences too when you’re not being driven by trend pieces. All of my most worn bits are either things that have been passed down or picked up at vintage markets etc and I love shopping that way x
Sophie
Yes, that’s right. Rather than following trends, you can really define your own style because it’s so unlikely anyone else will have the same piece. That’s really lovely to hear your favourites are all pre-loved too x
I loved reading this! Over the years I’ve built up a little vintage jewellery collection of my own (mostly ’60s/’70s pieces) and absolutely love styling them up 🙂
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Oh that sounds amazing, you should write a blog post about that with LOTS of pictures (unless you have already, oops!)
Stunning post! really made me thing about buying antiques which is something I never considered before!
Thank you so much, and that’s great to hear!
I have some jewelry but I don’t wear them often and I haven’t tried shopping for antique jewelry. I’ll check on this and I believe the designs have more meaning. It’s good to keep a piece of this that last for a lifetime!
Oh yes, something that’s been made a hundred years or so ago has much more meaning (for me) than a new piece with no backstory – happy hunting!
Four summers in a row i went out (as a hobby) and would buy old jewelry in bulk by the bag full, box full, jar full, etc… And its amazing of how large my collection is now. I have some rare pieces of early designers, cameos, pearls, Marion Haskell as well as others. I really would like to sell a good portion of it one day.
Oh wow, that sounds amazing, what a wonderful collection you must have. I’m not sure I could bear to sell any of my pieces though, they all mean too much to me 🙂
I agree with you that buying antique jewellery is great due to both the history of the piece and sustainability. I also buy handmade items which I wear for many years, so I consider those sustainable as well.
That’s lovely to hear you buy handmade items, such a good way to support smaller businesses.
Hi im samantha from usa.
I love vintage jewelry i have a store full of it . alot of very nice and ornate pieces . i also sell grab bags of vintage. Jewelry as well on facebook market place. Always nice to meet another person that shares the love . thank you .have a great day . sam Les French
Oh that’s wonderful, I’m so glad to meet (albeit virtually) a fellow vintage jewellery lover!
Lisa, we should really talk! I love antique jewelry and the pieces you are showing are sooo up my alley. I’m also heavy into Art Deco. Sadly, I can’t afford ALL the pieces I want LOL I troll Etsy constantly for these pieces, and Instagram is another great way to connect with sellers of these items. Thanks for sharing!
I know, there’s definitely something about antique and vintage jewellery, isn’t there? I love the history behind a unique piece, and knowing you’re now part of the story!
It’s nice that you talked about how antique jewelry was mostly hand-made by skilled designers and jewelers who spent hours learning their trade and perfecting their craft. My wife likes collecting jewelry so I am thinking of giving her one for her birthday. I don’t think she has antique jewelry yet, so I should probably look for one from a jewelry shop later.
That’s wonderful to hear, I hope your wife will be very happy with her beautiful vintage jewellery 🙂