Luxury.
Paraphrasing the trusted guardian of our lexicon–the dictionary–luxury adds pleasure or comfort but is not absolutely necessary. It is an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease. For some that might mean a month-long stay at a posh resort. For others, a cup of tea and a good book by the fire are luxuries of the highest order. As different as those experiences are, what they both have in common is that each is perfectly suited for the individual. And isn’t that what we all want on some level?
We want our essence, our uniqueness known in how we choose to spend our time, decorate our homes–and ourselves. We want to break through all the noise, trends, and outside influences. We want to make our stamp on this stage of life. When we look around our homes, we take satisfaction in the fact that they reflect our tastes, personality, and even our quirks. The same holds true for how we choose to adorn ourselves. There is a thrill and satisfaction in finding just the right scarf, coat, dress, or jewel–one that captivates our spirit.
That kind of satisfaction is pleasurable indeed, especially when we come upon something that tells our story in a truly unique way. Vintage jewelry is a particularly personal storyteller. Whether it’s a pair of antique Georgian earrings or a bold and glamorous Retro brooch—such pieces tell the world something about you without you saying a single word. There is a story behind them, even while you are creating your own, something from the past that clicks with who you are or are becoming right now. So, what are those pieces, the ones that say the most, turn heads, cause eyes to linger, and prompt questions? They are those that are often seen gracing celebrities on red carpets from coast to coast; on royals for both high occasions and in daily life; and on the colorful characters in your favorite period drama. They are pieces that can be yours.
Oh, but where to start? A few suggestions…
First, educate yourself by becoming familiar with the aesthetics and characteristics of each era, and then decide what is naturally appealing to you and what fits with your lifestyle (bold, dainty, understated, ornate). The beauty of antique and vintage jewelry is that should your tastes change over time, there is always something that will be perfect for you. Seeing the jewelry in person is essential to training your eye to recognize and appreciate the nuances, craftsmanship, and special charm of these works of art. And, of course, developing a relationship with a reputable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy jeweler is invaluable.
Then, the magic of discovery and collecting begins. To build your collection of luxe and lovely antique and vintage jewels, begin with some ever-classic essentials. Day or night, studs or drop earrings with antique diamonds such as rose, old mine, and European cuts add a special fire to your lobes. And there’s no better way to fidget than fingering a long and fabulous French gold chain—one is elegant, and a cascade of several is beyond chic.
Now, a word about pins. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright created her own not-so-subtle diplomatic language by wearing pins that visually expressed her sentiments and mood—it’s a language that you can speak as well. A Victorian cameo, a lacy diamond-set Edwardian bow pin, or a whimsical Mid-Century brooch can each give a glimpse of your tone on any given day.
And men are giving Madeleine Albright a run for her money by donning unequivocally cool brooches from times past too. Ke Huy Quan has been shown wearing a black diamond-trimmed Art Nouveau pansy pin, while Fred Leighton donned one that perfectly set off his black tux at the 95th Academy Awards this past March. We can’t forget the vintage 1934 Cartier lapel clip that Michael B. Jordan wore to the 76th Golden Globe Awards – it was exquisite. Men, and not just celebrities, are enjoying a fresh freedom of expression by accessorizing beyond the conventional.
For jewelry that you can look at all day long sans mirror, bracelets and rings are at your service. Victorian hand-engraved gold bangles are scene-stealing stacked or mixed with other gemstone bracelets. A diamond line bracelet, think Art Deco, creates a scintillating circle of light around the wrist, whether worn alone or in the eclectic company of others. Gemstone bracelets create a party of color above your hand, while a bold and glamorous gold retro tread bracelet makes a stunning solo statement. And finger candy is the best kind of candy! Art Deco dinner rings, Victorian five-stone rings, and gemstone rings—from the graceful and curvaceous Art Nouveau to the large and angular cocktail—all provide a tantalizing distraction.
While all these divine jewels might not be “absolutely necessary,” they are indeed everyday luxuries that absolutely make you shine a little differently than everyone else. But sometimes, you want to shine in a more spectacular, dare we say indulgent, way…
The tiara does not just rest upon the heads of royals, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour’s neck is not the only one to be graced with layers of drop-dead gorgeous Georgian rivière necklaces. While Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Emily Blunt utterly transform their tresses with diamond-encrusted Victorian brooches, so can you. The bigger the better! You will be the star of the show.
Indeed, there is always a reason, whether stepping out for a shopping trip or for a night at the opera, to adorn yourself with something exquisite, something that conveys a spark—however brief—of your unique essence. An indulgence? Perhaps. But who is worthy of your indulgence if not you?
