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The Romance of the Past

Bessie Nestoras -- Gifts and Dec, 12/14/2010 1:48:59 AM

There's a certain romanticism to vintage jewelry. It takes us back to a time when women dressed up just to go for a stroll through the park. While women may not dress up to go to the park anymore, the upcoming spring 2011 fashions have women getting back in touch with their feminine side. Fashion designers are offering more ladylike looks and silhouettes, and what better way to accessorize these outfits than with vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry?

     Manufacturers, looking back to the Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, as well as the mid-century era, are creating pieces that have a vintage feel, but at the same time are giving the jewelry a modern twist for today's woman.
     Many vendors not only find inspiration in the original works, but they are incorporating the original techniques, as well as found objects from the different eras to offer buyers an eclectic mix. La Vie Parisienne turns to the original molds and stampings found in Parisian workshops from 200 years ago, and uses the original techniques to craft its collection. Designer Mark Edge uses reclaimed metal and wood, unclaimed stock chains and other findings for his Eco Vintage line. Grandmother's Buttons incorporates antique buttons in its jewelry collection. And some vendors, like Vellum, travel the globe in search of unique objects and methods; Vellum traveled to Italy to develop its jewelry collection made from vintage beads, chains and charms from the 1930s to the 1960s. Gypsy's travels took the company to Turkey, where the firm creates its line using a wax method that was used during the Ottoman Empire.
     And still, there are vendors who simply look to the past to find inspiration for their collections. Whatever the influence, shoppers looking for something unique to add to their jewelry collection will be drawn to pieces like these.

-Bessie Nestoras

(Left to right) Saint Benedict necklace features a Saint Benedict medal, and is adorned with three metal crosses and brass beads. $398. Shannon Koszyk. 206.547.0284. www.shannonkoszyk.com Circle #863; Vintage recycled brass clip earring necklace. $130. Part of the Eco Vintage collection. Mark Edge. 404.237.3040. www.markedge.com Circle #865; Vintage Vignettes necklace. Bittersweet Designs. 505.490.9066. www.bittersweetdesigns.com Circle #869

Wrap watch bracelet takes on a vintage look. Made of 24-kt. gold plated brass and crystal accents. $119. Maximal Art. 800.573.3308. www.maximalart.com Circle #866
	Vintage and antique buttons are used in this necklace and earrings set. $88 and $20, respectively. Grandmother’s Buttons. 225.635.4107. www.grandmothersbuttons.com Circle #867
Cast brass earrings are gold plated and then oxidized. They are handmade using the lost wax method used during the Ottoman era. Feature freshwater pearls and a glass crystal. $220. Gypsy. 602.820.4814. www.gypsyglobalchic.com Circle #862
	Earrings are handmade from original French stampings and are hand-set with Swarovski crystals and a 14-kt. gold finish. $34–$60. La Vie Parisienne. 310.392.8428. www.lavieparisienne. com Circle #861
Bracelet is made with vintage beads, chains and charms from the 1930s–1960s. $360. Vellum. 212.343.3499. www.vellumnewyork.com Circle #864
	Gold wash necklace is vintage inspired. It includes both a locket and a handcarved shell cameo. $280. Extasia. 800.988.6556. www.extasia.com Circle#868
Toile earrings have a vintage look. Made with Swarovski crystals. $76. Objets d’Envy. 773.525.1047. www.objetsdenvy.com Circle #870

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