All That Glitters: Gilded Antique Jewelry
Go Vintage or Go Home
The wheel is always spinning, and the past is constantly inspiring us. Jewelry can stand the test of time.
— Joshua Seth, editorial stylist
Vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry give a nod to the past and bring a touch of glamour to the present. A vintage brooch pinned to a sweater or a sparkly vintage pendant worn with your favorite black dress instantly elevates an outfit from blase to chic. No matter your budget, you can easily incorporate vintage jewelry into your wardrobe.
Why Vintage?
Vintage jewelry, quite simply, makes a statement. “Use vintage jewelry to change the direction of your outfit," said Marcellas Reynolds, stylist and commentator on the Style Network's “Style Star." You can wear a simple black jumper from Forever XXI, and the jewelry can elevate the look.”
In elevating the look, vintage jewelry also makes a nod to a range of bygone eras. “There is wonderful history in jewelry,” says Reynolds. The lasting physicality of vintage jewelry also makes a cultural reference in modern times. It’s a great way to mix eras without heading out the door looking like you're wearing a costume. If you are inspired by Grace Kelly’s style, think of pairing midcentury pearls with your little black dress. If you like structure and lines, wear an encrusted art deco bracelet with a sharp suit.
No matter what you pick, you'll become not just inspired by the past, but connected to it. Joshua Seth, an editorial stylist whose clients include "InStyle," "Inked" and "Flaunt" said: “The wheel is always spinning and the past is constantly inspiring us. Jewelry can stand the test of time. It is something that can make its way down from the '20s to your great-great-great grandchild. There are stories attached to jewelry. It’s a big part of our heritage and lives.”
How to Wear It
Vintage jewelry pays respect to some of the most fashionable trends, eras and famous women. If you wear it correctly, you can exude the style of a different era alongside today’s latest trends.
“There are so many things to do with something like a brooch, that weren’t necessarily done with them when they first trending,” said Seth. “Pin a brooch to a bag. Wrap a scarf around your neck and fasten it with a brooch. Put a brooch on a hat or directly in the hair. Pin an oversize sweater with a brooch. There are so many ways to wear it beyond just pinning it to the lapel of your jacket.”
Wearing vintage pieces in modern ways is key to avoid looking like you have time-warped. “You don’t want anything that makes your outfit too literal,” said Reynolds. “If you have a '40s-inspired outfit, don’t wear '40s jewelry. It can easily fall into costume territory. You don’t want your vintage jewelry and accessories to take you into Halloween. It should just be a nod to an era. You don’t want to wear Minnetonkas and a fringed purse and feather earrings. That’s too much.”
Seth echoes the less-is-more mantra: “Never be over-accessorized. If you over-accessorize, you will look like you’re auditioning for 'Mad Men.' ”
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
