Vintage Jewellery

What is considered vintage jewellery?

Jewellery has to be at least 20 to 30 years old to be referred to as vintage. People often get mistaken between vintage and antique jewellery, but antique is much older, dating over 100 years.

There's also no one style that vintage comes in; it can range from bold designs from the 1980s to elegant pieces with natural motifs. These are just some of the styles that we draw inspiration from today in our extensive collection.

What should I look for in vintage jewellery?

Authenticity should be at the forefront of vintage jewellery shopping, as this is how you'll know you're onto something really special.

You can explore jewellery shops around Auckland or Wellington, for example, and you'll definitely come across some special items.

To ensure a piece is real, keep an eye out for material stamps or hallmarks, which typically state the origin and age of the jewellery. If the materials used are high quality, like yellow gold or silver, then it's likely vintage.

You should also consider the condition of the piece. Since vintage pieces are old (part of their charm), it's not uncommon to spot some minor wear and tear. However, don't settle for items damaged beyond repair, as they will essentially be useless to wear and worthless to sell.

Which vintage jewellery is best for marriage?

It's really romantic to get married wearing vintage jewellery. To commemorate the unique beauty of your wedding, vintage pieces - rings, in particular, provide individuality that is hard to find at contemporary stores.

You can opt for a vintage jewellery set that complements each other, such as a pendant necklace and hoop earrings.

Think about your weddings dress, your hairsrtyle, and the overall theme of your wedding. This will help determine what jewellery style and items will look best.

Remember, not all vintage jewellery is large, bold pieces that the queen might wear; they can be incredibly dainty if that's more your style.

How do you take care of vintage jewellery?

To ensure vintage jewellery lasts another 20-30 years, you have to look after it. This doesn't just mean putting in a jewellery box, but it's great practice to clean it regularly with mild soap and water.

Keep the pieces away from harsh chemicals, and try your best not to store them in direct sunlight. A cool, dry place is also beneficial for this jewellery, otherwise you'll be fighting a losing battle no matter how high quality the material is.

What are the benefits of wearing vintage jewellery?

Other than feeling beautiful? There are loads of benefits! The first is that your item will stand out and be unique among the sea of copy-and-paste designs.

You're wearing a piece of history, an item once beloved by someone you'll likely never meet.

Part of the reason why vintage jewellery stands the test of time is the material it's made from. High-quality gems like diamonds and sapphire are durable, and metals like silver are hypoallergenic, meaning no itchy rashes or green skin.

It's also very environmentally friendly to wear old pieces - an added bonus!

Is it ok to give vintage jewellery as a gift?

Receiving vintage jewellery is special as it is very personal and unique. It shows that you have thought to get something meaningful that they will love to wear.

However, you should shop with your special someone in mind. This means using what you know about their fashion and lifestyle and how the vintage piece will fit in. Perhaps they would like a pearl necklace or a gold cuff bracelet?

What's more, they might pass the gift down to the next generation when the time comes, too! Shop our website for inspiration, and email us with any questions you might have; we're happy to help.